The HOA is your friend...really, it is! Part 1.

Last week, my blog asked residents of condo communities why they LOVE Condo Living.  I got a lot of great answers and it was fun talking with people about something they really like.  Of course, there's a flip side to any situation, and for many people that live in a condo it has to do with the home owner's association (HOA).  Many people who do live or have lived in a condo community have had issues with the HOA or its board of directors.  There's a variety of reasons for this, so for this week's blog I decided to go to the source and find out what the typical HOA is doing and why it is often disliked.  The following is an interview I had with John Colen, Sunrise Alejo HOA President.

Palm Springs Condo Living: Hi John, How long have you been the President of the board at Sunrise Alejo?
John Colen: Since January.

PSCL: I talk with a lot of people about purchasing condos and for some people the issue of monthly dues is a real stumbling block.  They feel the expense is too great for what you get back.  What's your take on that?
JC: I've owned houses in the desert before and I can tell you that the expenses with a house are much greater than with a condo.  For example, let's take a look at two typical expenses - the pool and landscaping.  At most houses these two expenses alone are going to equal about $300 per month just for maintenance, not including repairs.  That's a lot of money in comparison with what you get with an HOA.

PSCL: I would say the average HOA dues in Palm Springs are about $400 a month, so I'd have to agree that HOA dues are less than the same services you'd receive at a house.
JC: And that was just for two expenses.  When you include all the other things an HOA covers - sprinklers, lighting, roofing, painting, driveways, streets, pest maintenance, common area electricity, etc. - the HOA dues are a bargain!

PSCL: Another issue people seem to have with an HOA is that they can't do whatever they want outside of their units.
JC: I've never turned down a request for anything.

PSCL: But I think for many people even the fact that they have to make a request to do something on a property they own is a problem.
JC: Then maybe they should buy a house and paint it pink!

PSCL: Exactly!
JC: There's not a lot of room for individuality on the outside of your condo.  Inside...do what you want.

PSCL: So what I think I hear you saying is that Condo Living may not be for everyone.
JC: Probably not.  Condos are perfect if you like people and want a social atmosphere.  People come together from all over...it's a good way to meet people.  But if you're looking to be a hermit there are probably other places you should consider.

PSCL:  Fair enough.  That's about all we have time for this week, John.  Can you join me again for more conversation next week?
JC:  Definitely.  See you then.

Please check in to the blog next week for a continuation of my conversation with John Colen.  If you have any questions or comments about PalmSpringsCondoLiving.Com feel free to contact me.

Alan Wilke
Condos@PalmSpringsCondoLiving.Com
760-464-6693