Prices, dues in Poconos (Harmony: for sale, foreclosure, HOA)

[MoorestownResident]

I'm considering buying a foreclosure in the Poconos area, but don't really know anything about the area. The question is what areas are 'reasonable' for 2nd home retreat and/or retirement down the road? What kind of prices for small chalets and what are dues?

Thanks for any info.

[poconoproud]

The Pocono's is great, but I may be biased.. This is a buyer's market, so all areas are pretty much offering reasonable deals on primary & vacation/retirement homes.
Dues might run you anywhere from 700 to 1200 annually, depending on where you are. In the Pocono Lake Region, you can find many areas that have communities full of small chalets.

[poconosmama]

Obviously it partially depends on how much you can spend! For around 100 you can get something decent for part time, but it also depends on where you're looking. Our dues are $500/yr

[I LOVE PA!]

There are smaller, older chalets or small houses in The Hideout starting at around $119,000. Our dues are $1,300. per yr. with an additional $178. per quarter for sewer and water services. There are currently no forclosures in The Hideout, although there are many homes for sale, mine being one of them!

[ooodsie]

Hey again moorestown guy,
I would look in Lake Harmony if I were you... very similar vibe as moorestown/haddonfield etc.. community with artsy type stores, cute little restaurants, a nice lake, right by the slopes, an award winning golf course, etc. I personally own there and recommend it to anyone. If you need more info let me know.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I'm considering buying a foreclosure in the Poconos area, but don't really know anything about the area. The question is what areas are 'reasonable' for 2nd home retreat and/or retirement down the road? What kind of prices for small chalets and what are dues?

Thanks for any info.

You can definitely get the type of house you are looking for. Just research the area and make sure it is where you want to land. Also, be knowledgeable about "dues" - most often to go up on a yearly basis and assessments can be added. You have to check the finacial stability of a HOA - for liability issues: ex: if someone gets into a accident and sues the Association - technically suing each property owner. There are many good HOA's but be careful of one's that do not do business the right way because it can technically trickle down to each homeowner.

[LNTT_Vacationer]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I'm considering buying a foreclosure in the Poconos area, but don't really know anything about the area. The question is what areas are 'reasonable' for 2nd home retreat and/or retirement down the road? What kind of prices for small chalets and what are dues?

Thanks for any info.

A specific foreclosure? If so, that would pretty much determine dues. . . You have to list your desires. Lake Harmony would be great if you're into motor boating; not your thing if leisurely kayaking is your goal. Large community setting w/ pool? Secluded mountain home?

[LNTT_Vacationer]

Originally Posted by I LOVE PA!

There are smaller, older chalets or small houses in The Hideout starting at around $119,000. Our dues are $1,300. per yr. with an additional $178. per quarter for sewer and water services. There are currently no forclosures in The Hideout, although there are many homes for sale, mine being one of them!

Do these dues of $1300 cover all the amenities in The Hideout? Are there any association type dues for roads/security/etc? That's a great price if so. . . .

[I LOVE PA!]

$1,300. covers garbage fees, all the maintainence of the roads, the 24 hr security staff, and all the upkeep of the amenities. Use of the pools are free, but there are registration fees for boating on the lake and you do have to pay to golf and to use the ski hill. There is the additional fee of $178 per quarter for Sewer and Water fees. It's rare to find a community with it's won sewage treatment plant and our water comes from artisian wells. There are no other charges except for usage of certain amenities.

[rockky]

If there are outstanding dues on a foreclosed property, make sure you (the buyer) won't be responsible for unpaid balances.

Also, there are a few pockets of 'not so nice' developments in the Poconos. Some of these places have great looking homes, but they may not be in a very safe area. If it looks too good to be true, the deal could be a problem in the future.

Visit the specific area, and do lots of research.