Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Affordable Cohousing

[Robert Heinich (robert]

I believe this is another area where cohousing is more forward  
thinking than other types of ownership.

When I was condo president in South Florida a long ... long time ago,  
I did a reserve analysis and pointed out that our condo dues should be  
increased and this increase should be directed towards reserves so we  
can avoid a future assessments.  This went over like a lead balloon.

Many of the owners rented their units out and did what they could to  
control expenses.  I suppose that they were hoping they would sell  
their unit before any future assessment and the next owner would get  
stuck with the tab.

I hope others take the view that it is better to pay a little bit more  
today (higher monthly fees) than have a big bill tomorrow (assessment).

-Robert Heinich
 Eno Commons Cohousing Neighborhood
 http://www.enocommons.org
 Durham, NC
 where after 10 years living together, we have not had a need for an  
assessment.


Quoting Sharon Villines <sharon [at] sharonvillines.com>:

> ...
>
> The one thing I wanted to add is that the a to keeping communities
> affordable is good budgeting and the establishment of regular savings
> (called "reserves") for large replacement and maintenance expenses so
> no one is hit with an extra assessment.
>
> Not all households, particularly not if they qualify for affordable
> housing, will have personal savings sufficient to withstand a sudden
> bill for $800 as my daughter recently got in her building (not
> cohousing).