HOA fees vary widely by community — basic suburban HOAs can be $200/mo; full-service condo towers run $1,500-5,000/mo. Higher-end communities include 24/7 doorman, concierge, gym, pool, spa, valet.
HOA boards are elected by owners. Disputes go through state-specific HOA dispute resolution; some states have an HOA Ombudsman. CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) bind every owner — these include rules on short-term letting (often banned), pet policy, exterior modifications.
For buyers: ask for 12 months of HOA financials, special-assessment history, reserve study results, and pending litigation. A poorly-funded HOA reserve means a future special assessment.