[debbie at bouontiful]

They have sold their home hear in Southeastern OK. We have only been to Bella Vista a few times. I will put their stuff in storage and try to find them a home. I've pulled a lot of homes off the internet and did find a realtor but he is pushy. I was wondering where would be the best place for older people in that area. They didn't seem to like the Highland Townhomes because of the monthly 140.00 fee. I saw some homes in the Highland area that are nice. Cooper homes I guess. So I am gathering it is better to be on the West side of 71? My parents are 80 years old and are nuts. Why would they move to someplace they have only visited a few times in their lives and away from people that can help them if they need it. THAT IS ANOTHER STORY. So....I want to get them in the best place and not by family with children but more in the retirement class of people.

What are the property taxes like there. I am assuming like OK. Also, what is Bella Vista's sales tax.

Maybe when we retire I'll move to Eureka Springs, I do like that area....

Anyway, any suggestions for me will be great.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by debbie at bouontiful

They have sold their home hear in Southeastern OK. We have only been to Bella Vista a few times. I will put their stuff in storage and try to find them a home. I've pulled a lot of homes off the internet and did find a realtor but he is pushy. I was wondering where would be the best place for older people in that area. They didn't seem to like the Highland Townhomes because of the monthly 140.00 fee. I saw some homes in the Highland area that are nice. Cooper homes I guess. So I am gathering it is better to be on the West side of 71? My parents are 80 years old and are nuts. Why would they move to someplace they have only visited a few times in their lives and away from people that can help them if they need it. THAT IS ANOTHER STORY. So....I want to get them in the best place and not by family with children but more in the retirement class of people.

What are the property taxes like there. I am assuming like OK. Also, what is Bella Vista's sales tax.

Maybe when we retire I'll move to Eureka Springs, I do like that area....

Anyway, any suggestions for me will be great.

Debbie, property taxes are very low in AR and are frozen for seniors. That is one of the things that impressed us. As for wanting to live in an area they have only visited a few times if you have seen BV you might know why, if you haven't I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I can assure you there are some wonderful realtors here that are not pushy at all. They will do what they can to help your parents make a good decision.

Oh, I see you have visited here, now that I read your first comments.
Do you live in Ok or where? As long as you are within a 4 or 5 hr drive you will still be close. We moved here cause we were 12 hours from our daughter, that was too far..

If I can help please let me know..

Nita

[rlesha29]

Hello Debbie - Bella Vista is a beautiful place. That is one reason I moved here. But to be honest, it is expensive. The water bills are higher than the surrouonding cities $45.00, then there is the Property Owners Association dues which is $24.00 per month. If you decided to live in a townhouse, there is an additional $55.00 per month, and for what they do, it just isn't worth the money. This is a new city recentily incorporated, and although taxes are low now, there is the chance that taxes will go up as the City grows. You also have to watch out for the septic systems, although they are trying to convert everyone to sewer, there may be an additional cost to you for that. If you are in an area where they will not put sewer lines for a while, you must be careful of the septic system as many of them are 20 - 30 years old and are deteriorating and leaking. Please do your research before moving your parents here. Many here just want people to move here and will mislead you for that reason, please talk to many people here before making your decision.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by rlesha29

Hello Debbie - Bella Vista is a beautiful place. That is one reason I moved here. But to be honest, it is expensive. The water bills are higher than the surrouonding cities $45.00, then there is the Property Owners Association dues which is $24.00 per month. If you decided to live in a townhouse, there is an additional $55.00 per month, and for what they do, it just isn't worth the money. This is a new city recentily incorporated, and although taxes are low now, there is the chance that taxes will go up as the City grows. You also have to watch out for the septic systems, although they are trying to convert everyone to sewer, there may be an additional cost to you for that. If you are in an area where they will not put sewer lines for a while, you must be careful of the septic system as many of them are 20 - 30 years old and are deteriorating and leaking. Please do your research before moving your parents here. Many here just want people to move here and will mislead you for that reason, please talk to many people here before making your decision.

Debie has already moved her parents here and although some of what you say may be true, let's take the issues one at a time: Water bill: ours was under $45.00 this month: 2-converting to sewers will be costly but it will only be required when you sell your home and if the system in available. Homes 20 years old should not have any serious for years, even ones 30 years old, if properly maintained should be good for several more years. 3-I am not going to touch the townhouse concerns as we do not have a town house. 4-increased taxes, yes, that could happen but remember anyone over 65 has their taxes frozen..and taxes do increase, that is life, like it or not. 5-the POA dues covers a lot: like you, I do not love putting the money out, but our taxes are low, the money to maintain our lakes, golf courses, picnic areas has to come from somewhere. Do you want to see all the fees raised?

Obviously you must have moved here not prepared for the added costs. We came from NM and our water bills were just as high if not higher, our taxes were a little higher as was our home owners insurance. You could always live in Texas, Ca or the east coast..Then what do you think you would pay for the services we have here.?? Don't get me wrong, I am not jumping with joy but I don't think, overall the fees are that bad. We will have a chance to elect some new POA board members next month..Maybe they will do better.

Nita

[arkand]

[I]4-increased taxes, yes, that could happen but remember anyone over 65 has their taxes frozen..and taxes do increase, that is life, like it or not.[/I]

It is not quite true that taxes are frozen for anyone over 65. The market (assesed) value is frozen on which they base the millage (tax) rate; however, the millage rate can be and does increase from time to time. Therefore, even if you are 65, property taxes for your home can still go up. Our taxes increased last year because of a change in the school district's millage rate. The county, the city, the roads, the Library etc. all impose a millage rate in the final computation of the property taxes.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by arkand

[I]4-increased taxes, yes, that could happen but remember anyone over 65 has their taxes frozen..and taxes do increase, that is life, like it or not.[/I]

It is not quite true that taxes are frozen for anyone over 65. The market (assesed) value is frozen on which they base the millage (tax) rate; however, the millage rate can be and does increase from time to time. Therefore, even if you are 65, property taxes for your home can still go up. Our taxes increased last year because of a change in the school district's millage rate. The county, the city, the roads, the Library etc. all impose a millage rate in the final computation of the property taxes.

I guess I should have made myself clearer. You are right, of course, I was primarily thinking of the appraised or assessed value. There are a few things that can affect the taxes after 65, but never to a great extent..that was what I was rerferring to. Thanks for clarifying that.

Nita