Highland Shores: What HOA Rules Mean For Resale Value

If you are thinking about selling in Highland Shores, you are likely asking how the neighborhood’s HOA rules will affect your bottom line. It is a smart question. Rules about exterior changes and short-term rentals shape who will buy your home, how long it takes to sell, and what price you can achieve.

In this guide, you will learn how architectural approvals and the short-term rental prohibition influence buyer demand, days on market, and pricing in Highland Shores. You will also get a clear pre-sale checklist so you can avoid delays and present these rules as value. Let’s dive in.

Which Highland Shores rules matter most

Two HOA areas have the biggest impact on resale value in Highland Shores, a lake-adjacent neighborhood in Highland Village, Denton County:

• Architectural approvals for exterior changes through an Architectural Review Board (ARB)
• A prohibition on short-term rentals

Before you list, confirm the neighborhood’s current, controlling documents so you understand the exact standards and timelines:

• Recorded CCRs and any amendments
• ARB or design guidelines, application forms, and timelines
• Rules and Regulations and any Design Standards
• Bylaws
• Resale or estoppel certificate provided at sale
• HOA budget, reserve study, financials, and recent meeting minutes

These documents help you verify what is allowed, what needs approval, and how the HOA manages enforcement. They also support your disclosures and pricing strategy.

How ARB approvals influence resale

Curb appeal and buyer perception

ARB standards that maintain consistent exterior aesthetics often protect curb appeal and neighborhood character. Many owner-occupiers value predictable, well-kept streetscapes. That can support stable demand and help your home show well.

On the other hand, strict or unclear rules can deter buyers who want to customize quickly. If a buyer hopes to repaint the exterior, change fencing, expand a driveway, or add landscaping right away, a slow or unpredictable process can be a turnoff.

Timing and transaction friction

ARB approvals take time. If you plan exterior updates before listing, build in time for applications and possible resubmissions. Unpermitted exterior work may require retroactive approval. Open violations can create red flags during inspections and can delay closing.

Securing approvals before you list reduces uncertainty for buyers and can help you defend your price.

Cost and documentation

Some approvals require application fees, professional plans, or specific materials. Those costs can add up, but clear documentation of approved changes can strengthen your marketing story and give buyers confidence that the work is compliant.

Keep a neat file with approvals, plans, contractor invoices, and any correspondence with the ARB. Provide this in your listing packet and to the appraiser.

Appraisal and comps

Appraisers and agents will compare your home to nearby homes with similar HOA restrictions and visible, ARB-approved improvements. If the ARB limits certain upgrades that are common in competing neighborhoods, you may need to adjust pricing expectations.

A reasonable, responsive ARB that preserves quality tends to support values. A slow or unpredictable process can shrink the buyer pool and add days on market.

What the short-term rental ban means for value

Buyer demand

A ban on short-term rentals usually narrows investor demand while appealing to primary-residence buyers who value stable, owner-occupied streets. In a lake-adjacent area like Highland Shores, this can be attractive to families and retirees who prefer less transient activity.

Be transparent about the ban from the start. This avoids wasted showings from investors who were planning a short-term rental strategy.

Pricing and liquidity

In communities where most buyers are owner-occupiers, a short-term rental prohibition often supports stable prices and reduces volatility linked to frequent turnover. If nearby communities allow short-term rentals and command a premium for rental income potential, Highland Shores may be less attractive to those investors. The net effect depends on the local mix of owner-occupiers versus investors.

Financing and underwriting

Lenders review HOA health and occupancy patterns. While single-family HOAs are not subject to condo-specific rules, underwriters often view explicit short-term rental prohibitions favorably because they limit higher wear and tear from transient occupancy. This can help support smoother underwriting.

Combined impact in Highland Shores

A requirement for architectural approvals plus a short-term rental ban signals a clear focus on neighborhood character and controlled change. That message often resonates with owner-occupiers who want predictability and a calm environment near the lake.

• Beneficiaries: buyers who value consistent curb appeal and quiet, long-term neighbors
• Less appeal: investors who rely on rapid exterior customization or short-term rental income

The real impact on days on market and pricing will depend on local comps. Compare Highland Shores sales to nearby neighborhoods with different rules to calibrate your strategy.

Seller checklist to protect value

1) Gather documents now

• CCRs and amendments
• ARB guidelines and applications
• Rules and Regulations and any Design Standards
• Resale or estoppel certificate with fee schedule and any violations
• Current budget, reserve study, and recent financials
• Board meeting minutes for the past 12 to 24 months
• ARB approval history for your property and any open notices

2) Resolve compliance issues

• Confirm whether any exterior work was done without approval
• Request retroactive ARB approval if needed
• Clear outstanding violations or fines before listing

3) Plan ARB-friendly updates

• Focus on high-ROI curb appeal within guidelines: landscaping, roof and gutter maintenance, driveway and siding repairs
• Use approved color palettes and materials
• Submit ARB applications early and track the review timeline

4) Prepare a listing packet

• Resale or estoppel certificate
• ARB approvals and plans for your property
• Summary of key rules that matter to buyers, including the short-term rental ban
• HOA financials that show budgets and reserves

5) Market the benefits clearly

• Emphasize stability, consistent exterior standards, and owner-occupancy appeal
• Be upfront about the short-term rental prohibition
• Share examples of recent ARB-approved projects, if available, to show buyers what is possible

6) Price with the right comps

• Use Highland Shores comps or nearby areas with similar HOA restrictions and similar lot orientation
• Adjust for quality and recency of ARB-approved upgrades
• Account for the narrower investor pool if that is material in your submarket

7) Coordinate the transaction

• Anticipate lender requests for HOA financials and evidence of no pending assessments
• Provide all ARB approvals and the resale certificate to the buyer and appraiser early
• Plan for HOA processing timelines and fees so you avoid last-minute surprises

Risk checks and red flags

• Enforcement consistency: selective enforcement can worry buyers. Review minutes and violation trends.
• Litigation or special assessments: outstanding suits or upcoming assessments can depress values and complicate financing.
• Weak reserves: low reserves raise the risk of future assessments. Price accordingly and disclose.
• ARB ambiguity: vague design standards add approval risk. Seek written guidance before spending on updates.
• Unpermitted improvements: unresolved violations can delay closing or reduce offers.
• Transfer fees and turnaround: large fees or slow estoppel timing can create friction. Know the current costs and timelines.
• Waterfront specifics: if lake access or shoreline rules apply, confirm dock, mooring, or shoreline standards and include them in your disclosures.

Practical timeline to get listing-ready

• Weeks 1 to 2: Request HOA documents, confirm violations, and begin ARB applications for planned exterior work.
• Weeks 2 to 4: Complete curb-appeal updates that fit within guidelines. Gather approvals, invoices, and photos.
• Pre-list: Assemble your listing packet with the resale certificate, approvals, financials, and a summary of key rules. Confirm buyer agent and lender access to these documents.

Your exact timeline depends on HOA processing speed, contractor availability, and scope of work. Build in cushion for ARB review.

For buyers considering Highland Shores

If you plan to buy in Highland Shores, ask for the same HOA package during your option period. Confirm:

• Current CCRs, ARB guidelines, and application timelines
• Short-term rental prohibition details
• HOA financial health, reserves, and any pending assessments
• Any open violations on the property
• Examples of recent ARB-approved projects to understand what is possible

This due diligence helps you plan improvements, avoid surprises, and align your offer with the neighborhood’s standards.

Final take

In Highland Shores, architectural approvals and a short-term rental ban shape the buyer mix and the selling process. For most owner-occupiers, these rules support curb appeal, stability, and lender comfort. For investors who want rapid exterior changes or short-term rental income, the rules limit certain strategies.

As a seller, your edge comes from preparation. Secure documents, clear violations, obtain ARB approvals, and present the rules as a benefit. With the right plan, you can reduce friction and defend your price.

When you are ready to talk through your options, connect with Paula Bradley Luxury Homes for a tailored strategy, market comps, and help with your HOA checklist. Get Your Instant Home Valuation.

FAQs

How do Highland Shores ARB approvals affect my listing timeline?

• ARB reviews add time for exterior updates and for any retroactive approvals. Build in application and resubmission windows before you list.

Does the short-term rental ban reduce my buyer pool in Highland Shores?

• It can reduce investor interest while often increasing appeal for owner-occupiers who value stability and less transient activity.

What HOA documents should I provide to buyers in Highland Shores?

• Share the resale certificate, CCRs, ARB guidelines and approvals, Rules and Regulations, HOA financials, and recent board minutes.

How do lenders view Highland Shores’ short-term rental prohibition?

• Lenders often view explicit prohibitions favorably because they support stable occupancy patterns, which can help underwriting.

How should I choose comps for pricing in Highland Shores?

• Use Highland Shores sales or nearby communities with similar HOA controls and lot orientation, and adjust for ARB-approved upgrades and any restrictions.