Choosing a Community

Here is a handy checklist of items you need to consider before you put a deposit down on any 55+ Community:

1. Friendly Neighbors!
   Are people happy living in their community? It is easy to find out! Many Communities have Walking Trails, Outdoor Facilities, or meeting places. “Hang out” where neighbors meet or are walking. Introduce yourself as a potential buyer in the neighborhood, people are always happy to help. Who knows, they may let you know about a house before it comes on the market.
2. Facilities
   Does the community have the facilities you are looking for? Is the pool area available for grandkids to come and visit? If you play tennis you’ll want to see tennis courts! Are there classes or clubs which you have an interest in?
3. General Condition
   Does the Community look great? Are trees blooming and have full canopies of leaves? Grass nicely cut and green? Sidewalks, roads, trails all in good shape? If the Community is looking shabby, there may be problems.
4. Affordable
   Does the price range of the community reflect your needs? What are the monthly Association Fees? Capital Contribution? How much are the taxes? Will the monthly payment be something you can afford?
5. Management
   This is huge! The Association Management should be available to answer the questions of a potential buyer. Information should be easily available about:
   1. Recent or potential assessments?
   2. Builder Responsibilities to complete work?
   3. Residual Repairs (punchlists) or completion of remaining houses?
   4. Recent large Increases in Monthly Association Fees?
   5. Reserve accounts:
      1. Amount of Reserves? Increasing annually?
      2. How are assets invested?
      3. How are assets managed?
      4. Amount of Capital Contribution or buy in?
6. Environmental Concerns?
   What was the use of the property before construction of the Community? Are there Sewage Facilities, or Paper Mills, Mushroom Houses or other environmental concerns nearby? Is the Community Quiet? Are there nearby Airports or Highways you may be listening to every night?
7. Taxes
   What have the recent tax hikes been like? Are there any Schools being built or special construction projects which may raise taxes in the area? 55+Resales.Com provides easy web access to find this information.
8. Schools
   Does the area School District have a good reputation? You may have grown children in college or beyond, but you will be paying for the local school district for years to come. Be certain it is well managed with low taxes and a good reputation.
9. Convenient to Everything?
   Are highways close by? Is there shopping, restaurants, nightlife close by? Airports? Amtrak? Can family & friends visit easily and often?
10. Space
    Do the houses offer the space you are looking for? Do family come & stay and if so how many? Do the houses offer space for woodworking, sewing, or arts & crafts you may be interested in?

There are many questions to consider choosing a 55+ Community. The answers to these questions can refine your search and save time and gasoline! Contact Us at 55+Resales.Com to get the help you need!