Cohousing-L Mailing List: Reselling units

[J W (winter_hill]

As a new cohousing community (we anticipate breaking ground this summer), we at 
Bay State Commons are starting to plan policies for life after moving in.  So 
many coho communities have already "been there, done that," and we'd love to 
benefit from your experience.


Specifically, I'm researching what process works best when a unit becomes 
available for resale.



It's standard practice, I assume, to give community residents first option as 
potential buyers, then associate (non-resident) members, before a unit is put 
on the open real estate market.  What's your experience been with the process?  
Would you do anything differently?  Pros/cons of using a waiting list?  How 
best to balance different interests: maintaining affordability, giving priority 
access to community members, respecting a seller's desire to seek the best 
price?  (And, if a unit does go on the open market, how to ensure that 
prospective buyers also buy into the cohousing concept?)



I'd be grateful for your info and advice on any of the above.  Please feel free 
to email me directly, if you prefer.



Thanks,

Judy W.
Bay State Commons (www.baystatecommons.org)