[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

How do you have a condo without HOA fees? With a condo, you only own from the paint on in, so who pays for the upkeep of the part you don't own?

I understand your confusion the way I put that statement. Let me rephrase it.

I would not buy any property that had HOA or POA fees, and I would not buy a condo. I realize that since you do not own the INTERIOR of your condo (only the air space inside), there would, of course, be HOA fees to maintain the exterior. I did not make myself clear, I apologize.

20yrsinBranson

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

That said, I don't agree with that blanket statement. It is very easy to check out the financial situation of an HOA and to find out if it has eough reserves to handle delinquent properties or unexpected major expenses.

I agree - all HOAs are not the same. In an older, established neighborhood with minimal common areas, the fees are low to begin with, and the number of delinquent owners is low as well. Even if my HOA ran out of reserves and only half the owners were paying HOA fees, I'd go from paying $25/month to $50/month. Of course, that's a very different situation from paying $250/month or more in a condo project that's only 25% occupied.