Question about HOA Fees

[waitin4ever_IHB]

I initially thought that the Big HOA's are relatively new phenomenon just

like increasing Mello Roos with every new development in Irvine.



But during my search for homes in the past 2 months I'm finding that some of

the old Woodbridge homes have almost 300 to 400 dollars HOA.

Agreed woodbridge has lakes etc. But I can't imagine people paying this much

HOA's in late 70's and 80's. I'm wondering if the frequency of these HOA's

quaterly Vs monthly in the newer developments or am I missing something.



Also there is a westpark community Corte Bella with very high HOA.

Are these fees really worth what you get??

 

[25inIrvine_IHB]

You will usually see close to $300 HOA fees for townhome/condo areas such as the Corte Bella tract. One of the reasons for this is in addition to the pool, park, etc. is that the HOA is also responsible for the exterior of the condos/townhomes. This includes the roof and exterior paint and things like that. If they don't put enough aside for maintenance it could be a huge increase in the future.



For example, I know when our HOA decided to put new roofs on all the condos in the early 2000's (condos were 20 years old by then) our HOA only went up by 5 or 10 bucks a month. My guess is it could be a lot worse if the HOA doesn't have enough set aside for maintenance and doesn't have a safety net.

 

[waitin4ever_IHB]

Never got a reasonable answer to my original question.

I see everyone compaining about High HOA fees in

woodbury east and portola springs etc. But I do find some

very old areas with lot more HOA in woodbridge/Westpark.



Are they really worth it. If they are then why the big fuss over HOA

in the newer developments.

 

[freedomCM_IHB]

are they worth it to you?



you have to compare the fees for similar housing types.





condo fees where the hoa maintains the buildings in addition to common amenities are going to be high, no matter the location.



the hoa fees for single family houses is where the difference is alarming. $50/mo for older communities with no MR, versus $350/mo plus MR in the new tracts.



personally, I don't see how the pool is that much nicer in the new place. I prefer the Camry HOA to the Bentley one, but that is my own idea of usefullness.

 

[acpme_IHB]

can you post the exact tracts in woodbridge/westpark you're referring to? as 25 said, any townhome and condo will have HOAs several times that of an SFR in the same neighborhood. there are some small gated areas in woodbridge and those HOAs are going to be higher than a non-gated neighborhood with public roads.

 

[waitin4ever_IHB]

[quote author="acpme" date=1247547259]can you post the exact tracts in woodbridge/westpark you're referring to? as 25 said, any townhome and condo will have HOAs several times that of an SFR in the same neighborhood. there are some small gated areas in woodbridge and those HOAs are going to be higher than a non-gated neighborhood with public roads.</blockquote>


Example listing with high HOA.



1] 3 Thunder Trl #2

Irvine, CA 92614



2] 5 Arese Aisle

Irvine, CA 92606



Compare the first listing to say



12 Phillipsburg

Irvine, CA 92620

 

[acpme_IHB]

<strong>1] 3 Thunder Trl #2 </strong>

<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/3-Thunder-Trl-92614/unit-2/home/5605578">http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/3-Thunder-Trl-92614/unit-2/home/5605578</a>

listing calls it a SFR, but its more like a duplex/townhome. the #2 in the address gives it away. many of the larger streets of woodbridge are lined with these type of homes, which gives the impression of larger SFRs.



(if you've never seen IR's neighborhood profile of woodbridge, take a look if you're interested in learning more about this unique village.)



notice there's two different sets of HOA fees. condos and townhomes will have additional sub-association to manage the attached and shared common areas. SFRs just pay the master association.



the $78/mo is the standard woodbridge master association HOA. the $300 is the sub-association HOA.





<strong>2] 5 Arese Aisle</strong>

<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/5-Arese-Aisle-92606/home/5590127">http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/5-Arese-Aisle-92606/home/5590127</a>

condo. same deal with 2 separate HOAs.





<strong>12 Phillipsburg</strong>

<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/12-Phillipsburg-92620/home/4776453">http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/12-Phillipsburg-92620/home/4776453</a>

SFR

 

[Kali_IHB]

Corte Bella HOAs are around $250 a month? That isnt that expensive.