Buying within a community of owners ...

Whenever there's a community with property owners' associations, dues and rules, there are going to be some fantastic benefits and the potential for problems. It's true with any organization, and this is no exception.

One of the biggest benefits is that you pay your dues and someone else takes care of the details. One of the biggest negatives is that you pay your dues and someone else takes care of the details. You may find that you're "regulated to death." Some communities have by laws that govern every aspect of your daily life - down to what you can have in your yard, whether you can have a pet and what colors you can use on the exterior of your house.

One other potential source of problem is when power struggles erupt. Sometimes, particular people want to be in charge and may take it upon themselves to become self-appointed officials, endeavoring to drive the community even when they don't hold elected offices. These power struggles may develop into full-scale conflicts and the community becomes the battle ground. Scars in the form of unkept property are sometimes the result.

So is it always bad? Actually, there are some real benefits, aside from the fact that someone else is going to take care of a myriad of maintenance issues for you. One of the most notable is that these communities are often filled with others who have interests similar to yours. You could very well find that you have a built-in neighborhood of people who will become your friends.

So how can you tell whether this is a peaceful community where you'll fit right in or an area where conflicts continually erupt? Check out past issues of the community's meeting minutes. Look for a history of conflict. You may find the local newspapers are also a source of information.

Visit the neighborhood. Spend some time getting to know the "locals," and listen to their opinions.

Having the regulations may not be a problem at all for you, but you should know what the rules are before you commit to buy property in the area.