"I Will NOT Pay CDD Fees"

     This statement is usually followed up with, “Do NOT show me a home that has CDD fees!”  So, I don’t.  Why are so many potential buyers adamant about not viewing some fantastic homes that have CDD fees?  Let’s dig a little deeper to find out what all the fuss is about…

     CDD – aka Community Development District –these are popping up all throughout Florida.  Yes, it is a required added expense for homeowners that live in these districts.  Yes, it can cover expenses such as pools, tennis courts, common areas, infrastructure, roads, sewer, jogging paths, utilities, parks, clubhouses, bike trails, dog parks, etc. The CDD is carefully planned and designed by the developer of these ever so popular communities of which many potential home buyers try to avoid.  CDD fees are paid annually with your property taxes.  Take a close look at your tax bill, and you will see the fees if they are in your community.

     Will I always pay CDD fees in a CDD community?  Not necessarily.  Starting a community with its entire infrastructure has major upfront costs.  It could either show up in a very high home price tag where the builder paid for everything up front and passed it on to the buyer or the homes could sell at a lower price tag with an annual CDD fee attached to it.  To lighten the expense load of this massive project, the developer has the incentive of a tax-free municipal bond that can range from 15-30 years.  Some homeowners opt to pay their fees off early.

     Are all CDD fees the same? Of course not. Drive around and compare the grounds, size, location and amenities to see what you are paying for in each CDD.

     Now to throw another fee at you – Home Owners Association (HOA) fees are different and separate from CDD fees.  CDD fees are for the planned community as a whole.  HOAs cover the expenses for the immediate neighborhood within the community and are usually much lower than CDD fees.  There is typically an HOA board that meets to decide how to set and allocate these fees.

    So now I will give you first-hand experience living in a Community Development District.  The tangible items that can be included in a CDD have already been mentioned but the real “community” is often more difficult on which to put a price tag.  Yes, we have spectacular pools, parks, courts, etc.  They are so grand that they it is very easy to boast about them.  What happens in these locations is where the idea of community begins.

A typical month in the sought-after CDD in which I live looks like this:

• Live music and at least a dozen food trucks every other Friday night.  I kick back with my friends on the lawn, my son (6^th grade) picks up a game a touch football on the field beside me, and my daughter (8^th grade) takes in the music with her own group of friends whilst giggling about who knows what.  Toddlers are doing their best dance moves on the stage and their adoring parents admire the impressive performances.
• Once or twice a month there is Karaoke and Trivia Night on the lawn next to our favorite local pizza joint by the pool.
• Let’s not forget the outdoor movies and popcorn! The schedule alternates between movies for toddlers, young children, teens and adults.
• The 3^rd Saturday of the month is the local Farmer’s Market with a different theme each month, live music and food trucks.  The number of golf carts on display is quite impressive.
• Story time and kids’ craft play dates occur throughout the week for the toddlers.
• For the residents into fitness, the fitness center has many diverse classes in which to participate –Yoga, Barre, Zumba, Step, etc.…
• Pool time consists of water slides, a lazy river, splash areas, music, great food and zip lines across the water!  On almost any given Saturday, kids are lined up and peeking over the fence hoping to catch a glimpse of a wedding on the community grounds.
• Bicycle races and running races are also common weekend occurrences.
• Holiday months are always great! New Year’s Polar Plunge into the pool, a 21 and over St. Patrick’s Day party, Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July bike and golf cart parades, live bands at the pool, beginning and end of the school year pool parties, haunted houses and Christmas light shows with a special appearance by the jolly man himself.

     Those are just a handful of examples of how the idea of “community” evolves in a CDD.  The amenities attract new residents, the events continue to grow and friendships amongst neighbors begin and continue to flourish.  So when someone asks me why I pay so much for a pool, I hope they have more than a few minutes to hear about the community, as well.

     The good news is that buying into a CDD is a choice.  It’s okay to take a sneak peek at the CDD lifestyle and change your mind if it is a fit for you.  It is definitely not for everyone and there are plenty other homes to choose here in our “Sunshine State.”  In the meantime, Happy House Hunting and “Love Where You Live!”

Tara Belanger, Real Estate Professional

Re/Max Unlimited

Nocatee Certified Agent

904.501.9037
Tara@NortheastFLLiving.com

www.NortheastFLLiving.com

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