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We call them "popularity budgets"—HOA fees kept artificially low to keep neighbors happy. As of April 2026, the bill has finally come due. With skyrocketing insurance premiums and new state safety mandates, the era of "kicking the can" is over. If you’re looking at a property with suspiciously low dues, you aren't looking at a deal; you’re looking at a board that was afraid to tell the truth.

The 'visible' work of real estate, the searching and door-opening, is now free. But the 'invisible' variables are costing DIYers $65,000 in equity. I’m breaking down why the market is firing Agents and hiring Advisors.