DFW is HOA country. 65%+ of homes in Collin County are in an HOA. Here's what to know.
Average HOA fees in DFW:
- Older neighborhoods (1990s-2000s builds): $30-60/month
- New master-planned communities (Frisco, Prosper, Celina): $80-150/month
- Townhomes: $150-300/month (includes exterior maintenance)
- Condos: $200-500/month (includes more amenities)
What HOAs can legally do in Texas:
- Fine you for violations (Texas Property Code Chapter 209)
- Place a lien on your property for unpaid assessments
- Foreclose on your home for unpaid assessments (yes, really — TPC 209.009)
- Restrict exterior modifications, paint colors, landscaping
- Regulate parking, including banning street parking in some communities
What HOAs CANNOT do:
- Prohibit solar panels (Texas Property Code 202.010)
- Prohibit religious displays under 25 sq ft (TPC 202.018)
- Ban the Texas or US flag (TPC 202.011)
- Restrict drought-resistant landscaping (TPC 202.007)
- Prohibit security cameras on your property
Before buying in an HOA:
- Request and READ the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions)
- Ask for the last 2 years of board meeting minutes
- Check the reserve fund balance (underfunded = special assessments coming)
- Ask current residents about enforcement style
- Google the management company — bad management = bad HOA
Red flags:
- Reserve fund below 50% funded
- More than 10% of homeowners delinquent on dues
- Active lawsuits against or by the HOA
- CC&Rs that haven't been updated in 15+ years
Sources:
- Texas Property Code — Chapter 209 (Property Owners Associations)
- Texas Attorney General — HOA rights guide
- CAI (Community Associations Institute) — reserve study standards
- Dallas Morning News — HOA coverage
Drop your take below.
My Frisco HOA tried to fine me for having a "non-approved" shade of gray on my front door. It was literally one shade different from the sample. $200 fine. I fought it at the board meeting and won, but the pettiness is real.