Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Cohousing outreach lesson for the day: Be reachable

[Richard L. Kohlhaas (rlkohl]

Casa Verde Commons in Colorado Springs has three resales at present, asking 
$180K, 
$256K and $249K



From:                   "Karen Kudia" <kkudia [at] peoplepc.com>
To:                     "Cohousing-L" <cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org>
Date sent:              Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:53:32 -0500
Subject:                [C-L]_  Cohousing outreach lesson for the day: Be 
reachable
Send reply to:          Cohousing-L <cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org>

> 
> Sharon:
> 
> I agree a very strong prohibiting factor is the cost. With the recession, 
> property values have fallen and it is hard to sell. Many find a co-housing 
> home >$300,000 rather limiting if not impossible. I know there are some 
> co-housing that subsides but usually for local people and there are few of 
> them. Catch 22. For example, does anyone know of any co-housing that is less 
> $300,000 urban or rural? Wonder if Habitat for Humanity might enter the 
> co-housing arena? Offering affordable housing. Anyone approach them? Can't 
> you just see co-housing /habitat humanity in Tampa; revolutionary isn't it.
> 
> Karen D. Kudia
> Anthony, Florida
> 
> 
> >
> >
> > On Jan 5, 2010, at 3:05 AM, Raines Cohen wrote:
> >
> >> So many communities I visit fail to update their websites or points of
> >> contact once the units are sold or they move in.
> >
> > And even before units are sold!!! The website is your most important
> > point of referral. Even people who contact you directly will refer to
> > your website later. It becomes more important everyday. it's your
> > public face.
> >
> > Please remember that people do not know where you are. Put an address
> > on it -- including the _state_.
> >
> >> * Focus on People, Not Property
> >
> > This is my standard response to this phrase but since it has appeared
> > again, I'll respond again. I understand the sentiment and intention
> > behind the focus on people and not property, but for those with few
> > options, housing is a primary need. Reducing a concern for housing to
> > "property," misses their needs as people.. The biggest word in
> > "cohousing" is HOUSING.
> >
> > Busy single parents on limited budgets with kids in tow need the
> > promise of a house/apt before even beginning to talk about playgrounds
> > and meals. You can potluck your hearts out but if they don't have the
> > $20,000 you need them to put down or the means to support a $300,000
> > mortgage, they don't want to waste their time.
> >
> > So please tell people what they need to know and don't shut them out
> > because they insist on knowing about sizes and costs before they will
> > come to an orientation or talk face-to-face. They don't want their
> > hearts broken while you go on about people.
> >
> > A rant, but we who are fortunate forget about this in our desire to
> > focus on the wonders of cohousing -- for those who can afford it.
> >
> > Sharon
> > ----
> > Sharon Villines
> > Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
> > http://www.takomavillage.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
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> >
> >
> > 
> 
> 
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------------------------------------
Dick Kohlhaas <rlkohl [at] earthlink.net>
(719)633-8170
Colorado Springs (Colorado) Cohousing Community (Casa Verde Commons)
Completed March 2003. 34 units on 4 acres 1.5 mi from downtown. We have a 
few resales available.   Visit us at http://www.casaverde.us)