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Subject: Your Monthly dues..... how much do you pay??

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RogerB
(Colorado)

Posts:3701

08/22/2007 8:10 PM
Wanda, your management agreement should clarify the responsability of your MC. There is no one standard, it depends on what services the Board of your HOA desires.

Roger Borcherding Official HOATalk.com Sponsor DARCO Property Management (Colorado) (303) 925-0150 *See legal notice below (end of page) or go to www.hoatalk.com/legal

NormanG
(Arizona)

Posts:38

08/23/2007 8:42 AM
In Scottsdale: Currently pay $137 a month. New board though and who knows what they will do to increase it.

JodiH
(North Carolina)

Posts:2

08/23/2007 9:18 AM
Indian Trail North Carolina - Townhome with lawn care on small small plot - pool - fitness facility - tennis court - no free use of clubhouse - 2005 $110, 2006 $128, 2007 $148, 2008 proposed $175. Single family homes with no lawn care $765 a year.

JodiH
(North Carolina)

Posts:2

08/23/2007 9:20 AM
Noted - $175 a month for townhomes and patio homes - single family ome are yearly.

NancyD1
(Florida)

Posts:447

08/23/2007 11:27 AM
Posted By WandaM on 08/22/2007 7:20 PM NancyD1 says: The Maintenance Fees were reduced this year $24/yearly because we had an excess in the operating account, and we are well funded in our reserves. Who is you MC? Please share your secret, we need to pick up speed here. I appreciate you feedback. Wanda, we are blessed. I am in SE Florida. The board is very active. We all spend a lot of time 20-30 hr per week in the office. For years we had the PM take care of everything. It backfired on us with 2 previous PM's. We are grooming this PM. This BOD has been active in the day to day operations. Most of us are business owners. The HOA is a business. The problem with past boards, they did not run the HOA as a business. Of course you have the personal issue, we live here, but you have to divorce yourself from that fact. I think the secret is that each of us on the BOD have no agenda's to fulfill. We volunteered and do the best we can. We do have our disagreements, but we listen to each other and don't take everything said as a personal offense. We act as adults should act. If the vote is split, that's OK, we vote on what we each feel, is best for the community. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in a few years.

JudithC
(Virginia)

Posts:252

08/23/2007 4:33 PM
Fairfax, Virginia. HOA. 195 Townhomes on 18 acres, approximately 10 of which is common area. 1 mile of private streets to maintain plus little more than that of sidewalks. No other amenities, no maintenance of the private homes, and no management company. The association pays for street maintenance, plowing on the streets, maintenance of the common areas, trash collection, and mowing, fertilization, and weed control of front yards. $50/month which is sufficient but not rolling in money. I have found this thread fascinating, as there is a group in our association that wants to raise assessments because "we are so much less than other places". It doesn't seem like that is so at all when you take into account what one gets for the money. To those that say that is comparing apples and oranges, I have a little tale about that. I worked in systems analysis. I was reading a report by someone in a firm I was working at and it went along saying "comparing these two things are like comparing apples and meat". That really make me set on my brakes. I asked him about it and he peered at me through his thick glasses and said "well, I started to say apples and oranges and then I thought 'no self respecting systems analyst would worry a bit about comparing apples and oranges' ". Whenever I hear that phrase I have to chuckle now. In this case, I think generally enough information is given so that one can compare if they really look at the answers carefully and I personally appreciate getting a sense of what other associations are doing.

WandaM
(California)

Posts:19

08/23/2007 6:29 PM
Roger, I will check in tthe responsability part with the new President, we are adding one more person to the board and may be removing the Vice President and another person. Thank you

WandaM
(California)

Posts:19

08/23/2007 6:39 PM
NormanG Good Luck! Pay close attention to what does not get done, cc by certified mail everyone; MC, PM and HOA Board President (hand deliver everything to President in front of everyone at meeting etc, make sure all you want to discuss is documented in the meeting minutes for the record. And try your best to be at the meetings. Even Hoa Board members put off a lot of things and later you are hit with surprises, additional charges...etc.

WandaM
(California)

Posts:19

08/23/2007 6:46 PM
Well for the use of Clubhouse somebody must be responsible for the maintenance in general, there are factors to consider: damages, up keep and cleaning, by the way the PM must get paid as well for his/her time.

WandaM
(California)

Posts:19

08/23/2007 7:09 PM
Well I get disappointed the way the Board members behave at times. I think now were in a good path with the new President and the new volunteer who just joined the board (Thank God). I am a contractor after working long hours from 6am-5pm Mo- Fri sometime Sat...and I hear my neighbors can not get results from MC, Bod or PM, and there they are knocking on my door, this is very frustrating the board runs at the speed of slugs. Anyway we just have to do the best we can to change things around. I think what will help a lot is if all the home owners can make time to get together and discuss the voting as well prior to submittal of the proxies.

BobM5
(California)

Posts:34

08/25/2007 7:21 AM
There is a danger in comparing rates at one development with those of another. Don't look at simply the obvious Check into the insurance coverage (one carries earthquake insurance and the other doesn't), property management (one has an on-site manager, the other doesn't), reserve funding (one is fully funded, the other isn't), utilities (one heats pool to 80 degrees year round, the other stays unheated or is not heated year round), amenities (one has elevators and the other doesn't). Until you have ALL the information, forget about comparing your apples to the neighbors oranges.

RobertR1
(South Carolina)

Posts:2148

08/25/2007 4:15 PM
65 condo units, monthly fees tiered (apportioned) probably average around 275/month. No pool, ocean front with seawall and revetment, 4 1/2 acre, large sunken garden garden, undergroung parking and presently a $500 special yearly assessment. Complex built in 1981. Total income for year around 260K. Lived here 17 years. From reading this thread is is clear to me that some of the new complexes need a reserve study and then a solid Long Range plan. We do a pretty good job and we have managed to keep up, but I'll tell you folks, the transition from developer to association is not the smooth processs you would hope for. Once the developer is gone there is going to be a ton of work to be done that could likely end up in a law suit. If your association is not looking at least five years down the line you could be asking for surprises. You absoluitely need a solid long range plan and accumulation of a Reserve fund. After saying that, I believe few will be able to swing it for any number of reasons and you will probably end up ten years down the line going from crises to crises. A bleak picture and a very very complex problem. Right now, we have neither the real interest of any governing office we can go to for solid help or advice, and besides that the history of this kind of Board management is not noted for it's effeciency and intelligence. Noit due to the lack of many concerned smart and interested folks but more to time passing and constant management differences. You ride will be closer to a Roller Coaster than it will be a soft float down the river on an inner tube. IMHO Oh, does my association abide by my evaluation. On paper.........somewhat. In reality.............by starts and stops dependent upon the members and Board, and Gods knows what else.

KathrynM
(Louisiana)

Posts:6

09/02/2007 12:21 PM
Stacy, I might can work out some thngs with you on a consultant level. You sound like you need some direction. email me KathrynMason@cox.net I understand you cant pay for regular management fees but we could help you establish a budget, form letter etc.

KathrynM
(Louisiana)

Posts:6

09/02/2007 12:21 PM
Stacy, I might can work out some thngs with you on a consultant level. You sound like you need some direction. email me KathrynMason@cox.net I understand you cant pay for regular management fees but we could help you establish a budget, form letter etc.

MissyW
(Georgia)

Posts:20

09/02/2007 6:29 PM
JohnR4, Gainesville GA 152 residential single family homes. $228/yr We have no common areas. it pays for 48 street lights, front entrance (flowerbeds, landscaping contract, pinestraw), irrigation, management company etc.

TomK2
(Ohio)

Posts:39

09/07/2007 9:29 AM
JohnR4: Owners pay various amounts depending on the amminities they have but I say how much is tooooo much? I was told of one group in Florida pays $650 a month! Is that to much? Who knows! I think this is the best way to set your budget. (1)What does it cost to operate your complex annully, not monthly because some months you will spend more than others. This should include every expense (2)How much is required for reserves. This is the "stickie one" Long term reserves are what you plan on repair or replacing in years to come. (3)Add these figures up and divide by twelve to get the monthly cost and divide that figure by the number of units in the complex to get the unit cost. Now you will have a starting budget that you, no doubt, will change every year. Do not think about what other Assocaition pay, because they could have a great many amminities or none. Some Associations pay for Cable, water, garbage etc. Remember, the best way to get voted out of office is to increase the fees !

JohnC7
(Missouri)

Posts:1

09/08/2007 2:22 PM
Our HOA is 130 Homeowners strong, No pools or recreational Facilities. Minimal common ground maintenance; one retention pond maintenance, The streets are private and we maintain them (try to). $200 annually. Minimal reserves with over $20K annually for concrete street repair. Yes we are struggling too!

RobertR1
(South Carolina)

Posts:2148

09/08/2007 3:11 PM
JohnC7, Follow advice of TomK. All things considered it sounds as if you are underbudgeted. Once reserves are built up you may be able to lower them, or consider a one time assessment to build Reserves. You may be struggling but you can see the sky, some can't.

JohnD3
(Florida)

Posts:3

09/09/2007 7:04 AM
Bradenton, Florida, 238 single-family homes in a dead resticted, non-gated subdivision. We have a community playground, built in 2004 with HOA funds, 18 assorted ponds and acres of common grounds. Our dues are $275.00 collected annually, not monthly. We do not use a management company. The board hires outside contractors to maintain the ponds and common grounds.

AikanaeR
(Arizona)

Posts:6

09/09/2007 7:53 PM
Scottsdale Az. 85 homes, maintance of 2 community areas (includes playarea), small community pool, clubhouse (mainly used for meetings). Assesstments are $100/month which includes water, sewer, solid waste for entire community, street lights and 3 private roads. $40 of the $100 goes to reserves (not enough). The community is over 30 years old and until apx. 5 years ago, the HOA didn't even have operating cash. The dues hadn't been raised since the early 80's. I'm amazed they pulled it off for so long. Now everything needs very serious repair - except the pool. That was maintained. No reserve study (yet). Nice message board here.

DebraA
(Arizona)

Posts:5

04/04/2008 12:28 PM
My MONTHLY dues are 440.00 per month. That't right folks and taboot...my property looks like it should be condemned. Residents have called the city in order to have repairs conducted since management and regime ignore requests. President of regime seems to have to have little regard for value of area or the residence who want to improve property. Although located within in 2 miles of old town Scottsdale Arizona our building compared to others should be torn down. Other regimes as they are called -- nice eh...flowers are cared for, building maintained...not ours that is fact not just whining. We pay big bucks that is supposedly being applied. When asked to where and why our building is seemingly and yes by appearance obviously being neglected by the the over all system of management, the response is null saying we are doing all can -- but no evidence. I can't sell my property because the area surrounding my immediate area looks a sham and property value in decline. Even though other buildings under same management group but different regime in community are mainted and some of same age. (other buildings and regimes call our building subsidized housing) We have residents in building that wanted to pay for total remodel of lobby area and were denied. They went about it in the right way -- presented design but were denied. OLD lady upstairs on board can choose awful decor for carpet and other with out residence vote. Odd isn't it. BUT we have a resident that passes away and leaves 1 mil to over all property for community ammenities for improvements -- pools, bathrooms, gym, Took some one to pass away and leave fortune to get it done...All made and yes look nice -- done by a licensed contractor? I doubt you could find that information out...it was done by local maintenance group that does work for buildings and employed by management. Hey all good but someone does a remodel on interior you need license posted on door and copy in management office before work can begin. Anyway -- would love to hear feedback,solutions advice. It is very sad to be in one of the best locations in Old Town Scottsdale with wonderful ammenities, pay 440.00 each month see surrounding buildings who pay the same property and landscape maintained. Residents are tired of fighting and the building regime. Something is obviously not right with this area of housing, way money is being spent, disbursed and managed. Anyone know an HOA lawyer willing to take on as pro bono? I have lots of support from community... Regards and bloom where planted.

MaryA1
(Arizona)

Posts:2239

04/04/2008 7:04 PM
I live at Arrowhead Ranch in Glendale, AZ. We are a planned community with 1,700 members. Our HOA is comprised of about 11 communities so we're a bit spread out. We have a lot of landscaping, a number of parks and many lakes. The lakes are a big expense. Our assessments are $115/quarter and we have approx 1 million in reserves -- fully funded.

DonnaS
(Tennessee)

Posts:2833

04/05/2008 12:41 PM
My rented condo is $298.98 per month, includes water charges. My villa is $777.00 per quarter, and my home is $324.00 per quarter for a stand alone home. All of these are in Martin County Fl. Villa and condo include outside maintenances of units and landscape.

DeborahW1
(Michigan)

Posts:9

04/06/2008 8:00 PM
I live in Ann Arbor, MI, 188 stacked ranch style condos, $195/month includes Management fees, water(for all residents and grounds), grounds, snow removal, reserve fund, etc.

MaryA1
(Arizona)

Posts:2239

04/07/2008 6:47 AM
Jan, While I think this is a very commendable action of your board, I wonder if it really is legal. Assn docs say ALL members of the assn are obligated to pay annual assessments. Do yours say a member's assessments can be suspended for whatever reason? If not, don't be surprised if someone complains about this. I wouldn't be telling too many people. My prayers are extended to your hubby and your family. Hope he comes home soon! Take care, Mary

LizzC
(Pennsylvania)

Posts:6

04/07/2008 1:41 PM
I am in NEPA, North East Pennsylvania. We currently pay $970/year, $80.83 a month, for an improved lot. We have 4 pools but they are not always in working condition, 3 parks I believe, 4 clubhouses, 2 tennis courts (?), 2 basketball courts (?) and 2 man-made lakes which have a pollution problem annually. We have our own armed Public Safety Department which is much like a police department but limited powers (they can't arrest anyone), we have a Maintenence Dept. that is bigger than our towns DPW, a Welcome Center which houses the Public Safety Dept., main gate guards and some administration personnel. We also have an administration building and 2 guard shacks. There are 4 different entrances with gates at each. Our Dues & Maintenece fees will probably go up due to the fact that our Maintenece Dept. no longer collects trash or recyclables, we now have a company which does this. We also have a dump which has not been in use for about 3 years. The Board of Directors also just purchased a T.V. station, contracted a Reserve Study group, a Public Relations firm and is looking to contract out the re-grading of an entrance and installing a drainage pipe (remind you, our Maintenece Dept. already has all the machinary needed to do this).

AnnO
(Massachusetts)

Posts:4

04/09/2008 8:02 PM
Massachesetts. Six units. No pool,ect. $279.00 for 2,000 sq foot unit.

JohnK3
(Pennsylvania)

Posts:459

04/11/2008 10:35 AM
20 single family homes in Bucks County, PA (north of Philadelphia). 7 years old. Recently became self-managed. 30+ acres of green space including 4 ponds and 1 retention basin. $225 per household per quarter. Our biggest expense is landscaping upkeep, this year's contract being $12,500, which includes (for about 22 acres, the other 8 being left wild) clean-up, fertilizing, mulching for about 30 trees, and weekly cutting from April to November. Next up is fountain insertion/removal for the largest pond and electricity, figure $1,200 per annum. Liability/BOD-E&O insurance about $700. Street lights, road maintainance and snow removal are provided by the township. Good news is that this year we'll save $6,000 in management fees which we hope to use to substantially augement our current $5,000 reserve fund and then, knock wood, if all goes well, drop dues 10-15% for 2009. In the current real estate market, the Board (me being 1 of 3, and the first active Board we've had since incorporation)(hence the canning of the do-nothing management firm), we firmly believe that excellent care of our very attractive green areas (visitors often comment on how "open" and "spacious" the subdivision feels), coupled with good financial health, are valuable assets that shouldn't be scrimped on, so we don't plan on reducing dues much further. Thankfully, membership has no complaints (yet!).

BarbaraM9

Posts:0

04/11/2008 11:41 AM
Dear JohnR4, I am located in Warrenton, Virginia and we pay $100 quarterly ($33 per month). We don't have 35 acres of common gound, no pools, no tennis courts, no basketball courts, no recreation center, and no community activities (we tried to get people together but so many people dislike each other around here, that that didn't work out). I say you have a pretty good thing going there. We have 122 households, I'm guessing you have more since you dues are so low for all your HOA has to offer. Our dues pay for lawn maintenance and care, some landscape maintenance, snow removal(which you probably don't use much), general maintenance, electricity for some common area street lamps, and asphalt repair of courts and curb painting, and management company fees. We used to have playgroud equipment but the older kids destroyed it and it was removed. Maybe we should move where you are??!!

BarbaraM9

Posts:0

04/11/2008 11:46 AM
DonnaS, You have a VILLA??!!

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