Creation of Standards
The developer of a homeowners association sets the standards for the community in a legal document that creates the community and sets up the homeowners association. The restrictions defined in that document are what protect individual owners and their property investment.  Buying a home in a homeowners association provides the purchaser with a degree of certainty as to the appearance and activities permitted within the community.

Enforcement of Standards
The homeowners association enforces the standards ensuring that the attractiveness of the community is maintained for the benefit of all owners. Architectural review boards or committees are part of most associations and ensure that all initial improvements to the lot meet or exceed the standards contained in the restrictions.  Homes in well managed homeowners associations tend to have higher standards with goal of achieving higher property values than similar homes in neighborhoods that don't have associations.

Community Services
Homeowner associations use the collective buying power of the residents within the community to provide services more efficiently and generally at a lower cost than the individual could obtain. Trash removal is an example of a service that many associations provide more efficiently and at a lower cost. The association negotiates for trash removal throughout the community and can generally get enhanced services at a reduced cost. Some homeowner associations have successfully negotiated security patrol services, bulk cable TV services, alarm monitoring services, high speed Internet connectivity, landscape services and many more innovative services at significant discounts for the individual residents. Residents in homeowner associations receive more for their money than residents in communities without associations.

Community Facilities
Associations have a vast variety of different facilities for the use and enjoyment of the residents, facilities that many residents would not otherwise be able to access either conveniently or at all. The list of common facilities is extremely broad. Examples include walking paths, swimming pools, sports fields, parks, lakes, tennis courts, golf courses, community meeting and entertainment rooms, and many more.

Maintenance of Common Areas and Facilities
The homeowners association is responsible for the maintenance of the common areas and facilities.  This additional level of maintenance enhances the curb appeal and attractiveness of the community and as a result also adds value to homes within the community.