condo HOA dues in west seattle

[maryws]

Looking for information on what’s normal, what’s high in condo HOA dues in the Junction or Admiral area. Just trying to get a feel for what the norm is here. Hope this is appropriate for this Forum!

If not available for West Seattle, anything on Seattle in general would be useful. Thanks!

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[metrognome]

maryws —

there are so many variables (size of bldg, which state law the bldg was built under, ownership %’s, amenities such as workout room, whether cable is included, how much is going to reserves, etc.) that can affect HOA dues that just comparing monthly amounts won’t tell you much. The best thing to do is compare % of costs and even that won’t tell you much. I’m in a 28 unit bldg built in 1988 in Morgan Junction. My unit was assigned the lowest ownership percentage of the 6 levels; we have no extra common amenities that increase maint. costs. My dues are $324 a month; that includes includes water, sewer, garbage and all the usual maint costs such as housekeeping, landscaping, insurance. Also, about 15% of that amount is for basic Comcast, which may not be included in other buildings’ dues. You may be better off checking with a condo mgmt co.; there is one in AK Junction just north of the cupcake place. The lowest monthly dues may not be the best bet if not enough it being set aside for long-term maint such as a new roof.

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[OwnerMary]

Maryws – the prior poster is correct. You really need to understand the composition of the dues (amenities). I have a couple of condos that are investment properties. My units pay between $0.29 per square foot and $0.31 per square foot, if I have done the calculation correctly. Most units determine the HOA based on the share of the building that the unit represents. The higher fee is one where there are few amenities but the association has pricy earthquake insurance. Both are buildings built in the last decade. The lower dues dont have earthquake insurance, but have a common party room, cable tv, and camera security that shows up on the TV which the higher HOA cost unit does not have. Hope that helps.

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[Author]

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