Ownership rv resorts ... Are they all the same?

We are with 5 - 8 years of retirement and looking at all ways to fulltime economically as possible. So the thought of owning a lot at a rv resort might be a option. There is a resort locally in our state that we've stayed at a few times, and have considered it as a possibility.

However the more we've stayed there, the more we learn and see that not all owners are happy and there is a constant market of owners lots as well as developer unsold lots. Not to mention the animosity between different groups (clicks) of owners. New lots that aren't developed ( sheds, landscaping, etc) sell at $20,000 higher then a owner selling their developed lot.

One thing that I can see being a problem is the developer ( owner) who sells the new lots does everything they can to keep control of the resort and not give it completely to the board of actual owners. One reason, his lots unsold go for much more money. Games are played with renting owners lots in the rental pool ( favorites get preference). The owner makes you pay him condo fees if you rent on your own out of the rental pool, amongst other fees.

There is a constant cycle of owned lots for sale. Some are because owners pass and the families just want the money. Many I've heard because of the politics.

Another issue that bothers me is there is two fee's, and then taxes to pay on top of those.

1st fee - condo fees 1000.00 annually. Covers cable, wifi,trash pickup,lawn mowing & landscaping,lighting and fountains,liability insurance for common area, organized events

2nd fee - 616.00 annually. Covers pool & spa, use of sports facility,full kitchen facility, 3 clubhouses, private shower suites, nature trails, fitness center.

Then another approx $1000.00 in taxes on top of that. My issue is, are two separate charges the norm? If so it seems awful high to me for a cement slab for a place you can only use 5 - 6 months out of the year.

Is this the way all these resorts operate? Are they all clicky as far as lot owners go ( some of these lot owners hate each other here). This resort owner does everything he can to hold onto control and actually taunts those who isn't on his side.

The resort allows people to break the rules on amount of pets allowed and people on sites they lease out. Dogs are allowed to roam in others sites. There's an arrogance in the air by the management once you question anything.

Are these resorts all the same?

Class A

xctraveler
Explorer
Aug 23, 2016
Back to Escapee Coops. They vary in membership and monthly expenses from $30,000 to $12,000 for membership and less than $300 per month including everything but electric and internet. The one I belong to returns the membership PLUS and subsequent assessments within 60 days of notification of departure. I own my membership not the lot I am assigned. Yes real estate taxes are included in the monthly expense, but I do not pay them directly thus I am not subject to being a Calif resident for other tax purposes. For some the biggest negative may be a positive, as members we are expected to volunteer to do some of the work, either physical as in landscape or mental as in finance or marketing committees - or a world of other projects for the good of the community. While there it keeps me busy and satisfied and everyone understands that we all may pick up and travel for days or months at our own whim. I have a place to call my own that I can modify within the rules to suit our wants and the ability to leave when we choose as well.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2016
Bumpyroad wrote:
westernrvparkowner wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
for that money you could buy two houses, one North, one South and own something that can go up in value.
bumpy
$75,000 a house isn't going to get you very much anywhere near a place someone would want to be.

well one should check the prices in the flyover states.
bumpy

There is a reason it's cheap to live in some places.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2016
That also depends upon the kind of "house". If you plan to live in an RV in this N and S location you don't need much of a house. You really only need a slab with hookups and maybe a casita (what the RV resorts like to call a shed) for some of the stuff you use here but not there.
ctpres
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
Slept in 48 states and well over 200 parks/resorts. This one was best - hands down Mountain Views
Without a lot of details - our annual cost is under $1,200 plus elec., it is a forty year lease, no HOA, 2K transfer fee, 60/40 split on rent, incredible local community, Creede, friends and family free. The weather and views are fantastic.
After years of travel it is so nice to find a cool spot this far south. We are happy to call it our summer home.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
westernrvparkowner wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
for that money you could buy two houses, one North, one South and own something that can go up in value.
bumpy
$75,000 a house isn't going to get you very much anywhere near a place someone would want to be.

well one should check the prices in the flyover states.
bumpy
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2016
westernrvparkowner wrote:
Bill.Satellite wrote:
Ah, but is it $150,000 down PLUS 1800/month? I know, there's a chance you will get some, all or more than your $150,000 back at some point in the future but that's always a chance taken.
No you don't have to rent your site if you own it. My only fees were the HOA dues ($285.00/month) property taxes, electricity and a gardener in the winter(5 months at $45/month). The HOA included cable TV, water, maintenance of the common areas, security and all the amenities of the park including the golf greens fees. And yes, there is always a chance to lose money on any purchase or investment. But like I said, it was money for recreation, which should always be considered money flushed away. The RV is going to depreciate, rent is spent and gone, I'm going to lose golf balls in the water hazards and a cruise doesn't give you any money back at the end. My point wasn't anything about the finances, it was about the lifestyle and owning a site in a great resort is attractive and satisfying to many people, me included.

Well, you sort of are renting the spot you just bought. Call it ongoing fees if you like but it's more than the purchase price but less than what a regular renter would pay. The poster paid $150,000 for his lot plus $300/month in fees (rent) plus property taxes, utilities and any assessments the board of directors chooses to add.
Until I plan to live there year round, I will stick with the known rent numbers! Heck, if you just want a good location and the guarantee that you can come back to the same lot over and over again, many locations will allow you to pay a years rent at a time (as a huge discount compared to 12 individual monthly payments) and you can come and go as you please.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
Bumpyroad wrote:
for that money you could buy two houses, one North, one South and own something that can go up in value.
bumpy
$75,000 a house isn't going to get you very much anywhere near a place someone would want to be.
ct1964ups
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
Bumpyroad wrote:
for that money you could buy two houses, one North, one South and own something that can go up in value.
bumpy

Bumpyroad,can't say I understand your logic here....we had two houses,one up north one on and Island and a 43 ft motorhome....all you become after enough years of owning them is an maintenance manager and then you hope you can make some money back...
we still got the house up north ,sold the island and now are looking for a lot to own ..tired of maintaining them all...will travel but want a place to park and take a breathe every now and again..or even fly somewhere..Chuck
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
for that money you could buy two houses, one North, one South and own something that can go up in value.
bumpy
timmac
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
et2 wrote:
We are with 5 - 8 years of retirement and looking at all ways to fulltime economically as possible. So the thought of owning a lot at a rv resort might be a option. There is a resort locally in our state that we've stayed at a few times, and have considered it as a possibility.

Owning a RV lot with all the HOA due's, taxes, upkeep, etc, etc, would not be the economically way, traveling to warmer climates and finding low cost rental spots and boon docking while traveling would be cheaper.

Unless you just want to stay in one place all the time than maybe it might be cheaper in the long run but what is the point of owning a RV if your not traveling around this big country.