HOA Fees (condo/townhome fees) (Glendale, Scottsdale: real estate, insurance, condos)

[gamosa]

I've been looking at listings for condos and/or townhomes and none mention the monthly maintenance costs associated with the pool, recreation facility, etc... I was reading another thread where someone brought up HOA fees. If anyone lives in a condo community could you please shed some light on HOA fees. Are they the same as a maintenance fee? Are they paid monthly? Is there an average cost? Why don't real estate listings mention the cost?

[sablebaby]

HOA fees for condos are higher than single family residences. I have seen them from $120-$350/ month. They are tacked on your mortgage payment usually. They cover the regular maintenance of the grounds and most cover the roof (make sure it does!). It also covers any pools, community centers, and gyms, if they have them.

The listings don't cover much. Are you getting the MLS listings from an agent? I can't remember if the ones that are sent to clients have that info on it or not. It's definitely something to figure in.

[jodymu]

We own a condo and pay $200 a month to the HOA and that is for maintenance of the grounds, club house, pool, gate, etc. (in our case is includes water and trash pick up). Occasionally, they can do assessments, if major repairs are needed.
We pay ours directly (not through a mortgage). If you don't pay they can put a lien on your condo - or, even take it if you didn't pay for a long time.

[srundio]

The HOA fee (maint fee) "typically" includes all of the upkeep of the building as well as the amenities along with the water/sewer/trash and most of the time a blanket insurance policy for the exterior of the unit (you would need basically renter's insurance for your belongings). If you are receiving a full version of the MLS listings they will tell you what the HOA fees are and how frequently they are paid. The more included in the community the higher the price. Typically fees are paid outside of your mortgage payment but your lender will figure it in when giving you a good faith estimate.

[brittZ]

Just to give you an idea. The HOA on our house in North Glendale is less than $50 and covers all common areas, pools, tennis courts, basketball couts, volleyball, tot lots, and a few "walking trails." At the house we are looking to buy in Avondale the HOA dues for the new development will be $67/mo. I am not sure about condos/townhouses but they are usually a little higher if they share a development with SFD homes. There are townhouses in our North Glendale development and if I remember right they typically were about 25-30% higher because they maintained the fences and exteriors of the townhouses. In a stand alone townhouse or condo development I would expect anywhere from $100 on up depending on the location and price range of the development. Typically they all will cover exterior maintenance of the buildings and all common areas, trash/sewer, certain insurances for the structures, and amenities though. It isnt like someplaces where you have an HOA and/or a Mella Roos such as CA.

[AZ_singlemother]

HOA fees for condo/townhouses can be higher for "luxury" properties. The more they do, the more you have to pay monthly. Some of the new development in Scottsdale will have HOA fees up to 1000/month.