HOA Actions Make Me Wonder

Broken Heart on Moonstone Beach, Cambria

HOA Files Opposition.  In their November bulletin, the HOA states that they have filed preliminary opposition to *this* conversion because, they state, "we need to know 'the price' before we can vote on whether we are in favor of conversion." (The HOA seems very careful to always talk about *this* conversion as if they have another one they could pull, like a rabbit out of a magician's hat, shouting, "This is the one we want!")

After months of denying that they are against conversion, they have now made their opposition official. While they blame the lack of lot prices as their reason, they ignore the fact that the timing of the sub-division appraisal and the pricing of the individual lots is a standard part of this highly-regulated process.  The owners and lawyers are following the law but the HOA chooses to ignore that fact.

We were told on the first night that Susy Forbath came to talk with us that we would not know the price of the lots for a year or more.  The price of the lots is related to our decision about whether or not we want to buy our lots.  At the present moment, that is NOT the question.  The question is whether or not we believe the change to a resident-owned park has benefits for some and does not harm others. 

The HOA chooses to ignore a LOT of us. 

In June, 99 people ... over half of the responders and one-third of the total park ... responded with a "yes" vote about conversion.  Yet, the HOA seems determined to ignore that survey and, in the process, ignore many of us, including:

Those who want the benefits of home ownership. The HOA seems determined to ignore the segment of residents who see conversion as a way to protect their financial futures and participate fully in the benefits of owning California real estate.

Seniors over 80. The HOA seems determined to ignore the elderly in the park whose space rent will be capped by conversion. (See Basics of the Offer.)

Lower Income Residents. The HOA seems determined to ignore the lower-income residents in the park who will be eligible to switch to state rent control after conversion and thus slow their ever-increasing space rents.

Residents on Leases.  The HOA seems determined to ignore those of us on leases (most of the park) who might just want to continue leasing and have been assured that we can renew our leases for as long as we want.

Information and the Facts. The HOA seems determined to ignore the words and information provided by area professionals who have come to the park to explain to us how this process works and how values will be established based on the local market and professional appraisals rather than simply being set by the owner.

It makes me wonder just who it is that the HOA is representing.

It also makes me wonder just how long the rest of us are going to let the HOA act as if they are representing us as they try to shut *this* conversion down.  I've looked at what might happen if they succeed.  It isn't pretty … however, that's the subject of a future post.

If you want the options offered by conversion, it's time to speak up.

If you're tired of the misinformation being spread through the park … and even on television … it's time to speak up. (To remind yourself of the misinformation, check out MYTH Busting.)

Ask questions.  Talk to your neighbors. Do your own research … or read this blog. Attend an informational meeting … or host a living room meeting where you can ask all the questions you want in a calm and safe environment.  Find out the facts and be prepared to speak at the public meetings.

The HOA Board is trying to take away the options offered by *this* conversion.  If they succeed, it will be because the rest of us did not speak up.  Let's talk.  jwycoff@me.com.

My official position on conversion:  I am a senior resident in the park as well as a long-time blogger and something of an information junkie with a background in business and financial management.  After four-months of intense research, reading regulations, pouring over information released by the park owner's lawyers, talking to area professionals including real estate people, lenders, appraisers, people from other parks and the area representative of Golden State Manufactured-Homes Owners' League, as well as listening to a whole lot of residents, I have made up my mind about conversion.

I AM FOR *this* conversion. I believe it offers opportunities to those who want the benefits of California coastal home ownership and protections to those who don't want or need those benefits. I don't know if I will want … or even be able … to buy my lot.  I do know I want the option to make my own decision.

Full Disclosure:  I have no financial connections with the park owner or his representatives.  I'm not being paid or getting a special deal on my lot.  And, for those who are spreading the rumors that I'm getting my lot free … that would probably make me the highest paid blogger in the world!