What The Parkway HOA Fees Cover

Curious what you actually get when you pay HOA dues in The Parkway? You’re not alone. When you understand how the HOA allocates funds, you can compare homes with confidence, budget accurately, and spot risk before you’re in escrow. In this guide, you’ll learn what HOA fees typically cover in Folsom master-planned communities, how those services can impact property value and carrying costs, and the documents that confirm the details for The Parkway. Let’s dive in.

Start with the documents

Before you rely on assumptions, confirm specifics for The Parkway by reviewing the community’s CC&Rs, current budget, and resale certificate. These records define who maintains gates, trails, fencing, lighting, and other shared features, as well as how assessments work.

You can request documents from the seller, the HOA or its management company, and the Sacramento County Recorder. In escrow, ask for the resale certificate, the current operating budget, the most recent reserve study, and the master insurance summary. Board meeting minutes from the last 6 to 12 months can reveal planned projects or assessments.

What HOA fees usually cover

HOA dues in California planned communities often fund a predictable set of services. The specific mix for The Parkway should be confirmed in its budget and CC&Rs.

Landscaping and common areas

Many HOAs maintain entry landscaping, street trees, medians, and other shared green spaces. Dues typically cover irrigation, seasonal plantings, repairs, and trash pickup in common areas.

Gates and security systems

If a neighborhood has gated entries, fees often fund gate operation, maintenance, access control systems, and cameras. Contracts for gate service or security technology may appear as separate line items in the budget.

Trails and open space upkeep

HOAs with private trails may handle surface repairs, erosion control, signage, and cleanliness. In Folsom, some trails and open spaces are public, so it is important to confirm which areas The Parkway maintains versus the City or County.

Insurance and risk management

Dues usually fund master insurance for common areas and structures, plus general liability coverage. Your personal homeowner’s policy typically covers your home and belongings. Check the master policy and deductible language so you can set the right coverage for yourself.

Professional management and services

Management company fees, bookkeeping, legal services, and landscape or maintenance contracts are common HOA expenses. These are the operational costs that keep the neighborhood running day to day.

Utilities for shared areas

Expect line items for electricity to power entry lighting, irrigation water for common landscaping, and utilities tied to any shared facilities.

Reserve contributions

Healthy budgets include a reserve contribution set aside for major future work, such as repaving private streets or replacing gate equipment. Reserves reduce the chance of surprise special assessments.

Architectural review administration

Most master-planned communities have an Architectural Review Committee that reviews exterior changes. HOA funds may cover administration, while some plan review fees can be charged to owners submitting projects.

What you still pay as an owner

Even with a well-funded HOA, some costs remain yours:

• Interior maintenance and repairs for your home.
• Your homeowner’s insurance policy for your structure and personal property.
• Utilities to your home, unless the HOA’s budget shows a specific utility inclusion.
• Optional services such as voluntary clubs or events.

Recurring versus one-time charges

Understanding the difference helps you budget with fewer surprises.

Recurring charges

• Regular assessments - the predictable dues that fund operations and reserves.
• Reserve contributions - included within dues to plan for long-term replacements.
• Periodic items - occasional recurring line items, like seasonal services billed annually.

One-time or occasional charges

• Transfer or document fees at the time of sale.
• Initial capital contributions charged at closing, if applicable.
• Gate access deposits or move-in deposits that may be refundable.
• Special assessments for large, unexpected projects or shortfalls. For example, if a gate motor fails and reserves are low, the HOA could levy a special assessment to cover the cost.
• Fines related to rule violations.

How HOA services influence value and appeal

A well-run HOA can support neighborhood appearance and marketability. Professional landscaping, cared-for trails, and reliable gate operations can make a strong first impression for buyers. Uniform architectural standards may help maintain curb appeal and reduce visual inconsistencies that can drag down nearby values.

At the same time, HOA dues add to monthly housing costs. If reserves are weak or litigation is active, you could face special assessments or less predictable expenses. The goal is to pay for quality services that preserve value without taking on financial risk you do not want.

How lenders view HOA dues

Most lenders include recurring HOA dues in your debt-to-income calculation. In practice, that means dues can affect how much home you qualify to purchase. Appraisers often look at comparable sales in the same HOA or similar areas and will consider HOA-maintained amenities when those features are reflected in the comps.

Comparing The Parkway to non-HOA areas in Folsom

• Neighborhoods with HOAs: You may see consistent landscaping, managed common areas, and architectural standards. The tradeoff is added monthly dues and rules that guide exterior changes or rentals.
• Neighborhoods without HOAs: You avoid recurring HOA dues and enjoy more flexibility. The tradeoff is that owners bear all exterior maintenance, landscaping, and any shared feature repairs on their own.

How to read The Parkway’s CC&Rs and budget

Use this quick checklist to review the documents that matter most:

• Definitions: Understand what is considered common area and where owner responsibility begins.
• Maintenance duties: Look for fences, walls, entry monuments, lighting, private streets, trails, and gates.
• Assessments: See how dues are calculated, due dates, late fees, interest, and lien rights.
• Reserves: Check for the latest reserve study and whether contributions match recommendations.
• Architectural control: Review timelines, fees, and approval steps for exterior changes.
• Insurance: Confirm what the master policy covers and your responsibilities as a homeowner.
• Transfers and resales: Note transfer fees and the resale certificate contents.
• Amendments and voting: Learn how rules can change and what approval is required.
• Leasing rules: Identify any rental caps or minimum lease terms.
• Dispute resolution: Understand the process, including mediation or arbitration.

Red flags to investigate

• Low reserves relative to the reserve study recommendations.
• Frequent or large special assessments.
• Pending litigation or insurance claims.
• High delinquency rates among owners.
• Vague ARC rules or broad authority to levy assessments without owner votes.

Step-by-step during escrow

Follow this simple process to get a clear picture of costs and risks before you commit:

1. Request the resale certificate early and confirm current dues, whether they are paid monthly or quarterly, and any pending assessments.
2. Review the current budget and line items so you know what dues actually fund.
3. Read the latest reserve study and ask for the percent funded. Lower funding can indicate a higher chance of special assessments.
4. Verify whether trails, walls, lighting, and gates are privately maintained by the HOA or public. This affects who pays for major repairs.
5. Ask about planned capital projects within the next 12 to 36 months and how they will be funded.
6. Review the master insurance summary and deductible so you can set your personal policy correctly, including loss assessment coverage if advised.
7. Scan board meeting minutes for vendor changes, disputes, or upcoming votes on dues and assessments.

Smart budgeting tips

• Calculate your monthly housing cost as mortgage principal and interest plus property taxes plus homeowner’s insurance plus HOA dues.
• Ask about any known or anticipated special assessments and set aside a temporary savings buffer.
• Confirm with your lender how dues factor into qualification and whether the HOA structure requires any additional review for your loan program.

Negotiation and timing

• Use the resale certificate to confirm whether the seller owes past-due assessments and negotiate a credit if needed.
• Pay attention to the timing of HOA board meetings and votes. Dues increases or assessments can be approved during escrow, so stay in close contact with the HOA and your agent.
• If documents reveal financial stress, consider requesting a seller credit for potential near-term assessments or reconsider the property if the risk feels too high.

Bottom line for The Parkway

Well-managed HOA services can enhance daily living and help protect long-term value. The key is understanding exactly what The Parkway dues pay for, the strength of the reserves, and any near-term projects that could affect your budget. When you review the CC&Rs, budget, reserve study, and resale certificate, you replace guesswork with facts.

If you want a clear, side-by-side comparison of homes in The Parkway and nearby Folsom neighborhoods, we’re here to help. Reach out to The Friedrich Team for local insight, document guidance, and a smooth purchase process tailored to your goals.

The Friedrich Team

FAQs

What do HOA fees typically cover in The Parkway, Folsom?

• They often fund common-area landscaping, gate operations, trails or open-space upkeep, master insurance, management, utilities for shared areas, and reserves, but you should confirm specifics in the CC&Rs and current budget.

Are The Parkway trails and gates private or public?

• It varies by community and location within Folsom, so check the CC&Rs, maps, and budget to see what the HOA maintains versus what the City or County maintains.

How do HOA dues affect my mortgage approval in Folsom?

• Lenders include HOA dues in your debt-to-income ratio, which can reduce your maximum loan amount, so factor dues into your budget early.

What is a special assessment and when might it happen?

• It is a one-time or multi-year charge to cover a shortfall or major project, such as a large repair when reserves are not sufficient.

What documents should I review before buying in The Parkway?

• Ask for the resale certificate, current budget and financials, latest reserve study, master insurance summary, and recent board meeting minutes.

Are any utilities or trash services included in The Parkway dues?

• Inclusions differ by community, so verify line items in the operating budget and confirm with the HOA or management company during escrow.