Mercer Crossing HOA Fees: What You Need to Know (With Real Experiences & Data)
If you're considering moving to Mercer Crossing, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out is whether there’s a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), how much you’ll pay in fees, and what you’ll get in return. Today, I’m sharing my hands-on experience living here, with screenshots, real numbers, a peek at the actual HOA documents, and some stories from my own (sometimes awkward) journey figuring all this out. If you’re after a plain-English guide—no jargon, just the facts and some unexpected surprises—read on.
At a Glance: Does Mercer Crossing Have an HOA?
Yes, Mercer Crossing (located in Farmers Branch, Texas) is governed by a homeowner’s association, officially known as the Mercer Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc. The HOA manages the neighborhood amenities, enforces community guidelines, and collects annual fees from every homeowner.
I’ll break down exactly what that means for your wallet and your daily life, based on my own payments, some calls to the HOA office, and what I found digging through the official documents and city records.
How I Actually Figured Out the HOA Fees (And Where I Got Confused)
When I first toured a Mercer Crossing model home, the sales agent gave me a glossy brochure that mentioned “community amenities” but was vague about fees. I didn’t want to get blindsided by surprise costs, so I started digging. Here’s how that went:
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Step 1: Asking the Sales Office
I asked the onsite agent, “How much are the HOA fees?” She replied, “They’re around $1,200 per year.” But she couldn’t provide a breakdown or official document. Honestly, this felt a bit sketchy. -
Step 2: Reading the HOA Declaration
That night, I found the Mercer Crossing HOA website (yes, they have one!) and located the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). These legal documents spell out the fee structure. An excerpt (Section 6.2) reads:“Each Owner shall pay annual assessments not to exceed the amount set by the Board, currently $1,200, payable in advance each year.”
Screenshot: Mercer Crossing HOA documents page
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Step 3: Talking to Actual Residents
I posted in the local Nextdoor group. Resident “Sara M.” replied, “We pay $1,200 per year, covers clubhouse, pool, landscaping, and some events. Just went up from $1,050 last year.”
Another neighbor, “Tom D.,” added, “Don’t forget, you also pay a transfer fee when you buy—about $500. Learned the hard way.” -
Step 4: Confirming with the Management Company
I called the HOA’s management company, Goodwin & Company. The rep confirmed: “The current annual HOA fee is $1,200. This covers all common amenities, security patrol, and some maintenance. There is also a $500 transfer fee when you purchase.”
So—yes, there’s an HOA, and as of 2024, you’re looking at $1,200 per year, billed annually. If you’re buying, tack on a one-time $500 transfer fee.
What Does the HOA Fee Actually Cover?
Here’s where things get interesting (and sometimes, a bit frustrating). The Mercer Crossing HOA fee covers:
- Access to the clubhouse and resort-style pool
- Upkeep of parks, trails, and common landscaping
- Security patrol for the neighborhood (though not a 24/7 guard)
- Community events (like spring picnics—fun if you like meeting neighbors)
- Maintenance of the lakes and walking paths
But—here’s where I got tripped up—the fee does not cover trash pickup, private yard maintenance, or utilities. Those are direct city services or your own responsibility. I mistakenly thought trash was included (the sales agent was vague), but nope. Lesson learned: always ask for a detailed breakdown.
What Decides the Fee? Is It Legal?
Short answer: Yes, the fees are legal, and the process is governed by Texas state law, specifically the Texas Property Code, Chapter 209. This law sets out what HOAs can and can’t do—including raising fees, enforcing community rules, and managing common areas.
The Mercer Crossing HOA board votes annually on the budget and can raise the fee, but only within the limits set by their CC&Rs. In practice, the fee tends to rise every few years to keep up with inflation and new amenities.
Excerpt from Texas Property Code, Chapter 209 (HOA Law)
Real-World Comparison: Mercer Crossing vs. Other HOAs
Is $1,200/year high? Not really, compared to other Dallas-area master-planned communities. Here’s a quick table (based on calls and online listings, June 2024):
| Community | Yearly HOA Fee | Covers | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer Crossing | $1,200 | Pool, clubhouse, landscape, events | $500 |
| Castle Hills | $1,600 | Pools, tennis, parks, security | $600 |
| Las Colinas | $900 | Trails, security, landscape | $450 |
So, Mercer Crossing sits right in the middle—not the cheapest, not the priciest.
An International Perspective: How “Verified Trade” Standards Differ (For the Curious!)
While not directly related to HOAs, understanding how different countries handle “verified trade” (认证贸易) standards is a useful analogy for how HOAs set and enforce rules. Just like an HOA has its own bylaws, each country has legal frameworks for trade verification. Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Verified Trade Program | USTR, 19 CFR Part 181 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| EU | Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) | EU Customs Code (Reg. 952/2013) | European Commission |
| China | Accredited Exporter | GACC Order No. 249 | General Administration of Customs |
Just like HOA rules, verified trade standards differ in details, enforcement, and process—even if the broad goals are similar (safety, transparency, fairness).
Case Study: When HOA Fees Become a Dispute
Here’s a real (anonymized) story: Last year, one neighbor—let’s call him “Jason”—refused to pay his annual fee, arguing that the security patrols weren’t adequate. The HOA sent him a notice (I’ve seen the letter: very official, and a bit intimidating). After some back-and-forth, the HOA tacked late fees onto his bill, per the CC&Rs and Texas law. Jason eventually paid, but only after realizing that non-payment could lead to a lien on his property.
This is pretty standard, per Texas Property Code §209.009, which allows HOAs to enforce payments and even foreclose in extreme cases. Most residents I spoke with simply pay the fee and see it as the cost of enjoying the amenities.
Expert Take: What Makes a “Good” HOA Fee?
I spoke with Linda Tran, a Dallas-area real estate attorney. Her advice:
“A reasonable HOA fee is one that matches the scope of amenities, is transparently managed, and is reviewed annually. Always ask for the latest budget and talk to residents. If fees jump unexpectedly, check the board meeting minutes and demand an explanation.”
That’s exactly what I did before buying here, and I recommend others do the same.
Personal Lessons (and a Few Facepalms)
I’ll admit, I misunderstood what was included in the HOA fee at first. I assumed trash and basic maintenance were included—nope. I also missed the annual board meeting where the fee increase was debated (should’ve read my email more closely!). Still, I appreciate that the amenities are well-kept, and the pool is never too crowded.
My advice: read the fine print, ask other residents, and check the official documents. If you’re buying, budget for that one-time transfer fee too.
Summary: Should You Worry About Mercer Crossing’s HOA Fees?
If you want the short version: Yes, Mercer Crossing has an HOA. Expect to pay about $1,200 per year (plus a $500 transfer fee when buying). The fee covers amenities, landscaping, and periodic security, but not your trash, utilities, or private yard. Compared to other Dallas-area master-planned communities, the fee is reasonable and in line with what you’d expect.
Before you buy, visit the Mercer Crossing HOA website, read the latest CC&Rs, and (if you’re like me) post in the local forums or Nextdoor group to get honest feedback. And if you want to dig into the legal nitty-gritty, check Texas Property Code Chapter 209—it’s surprisingly readable!
Final tip: Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions early. It’ll save you time and headaches later.