9 replies to this topic

[dancer373]

I'm possibly thinking of moving to the Folsom area and wonder if anyone could give me any info on the Rivage condos? How well built, the area...any info would be helpful.

[Steve Heard]

I'm possibly thinking of moving to the Folsom area and wonder if anyone could give me any info on the Rivage condos? How well built, the area...any info would be helpful.

Hello Dancer, and welcome to myfolsom.com!

Rivage was started by John Laing homes, which built the Esplanade complex across the street, and they have similar floor plans.

I believe they built about 80 Rivage units, but when the market went south, sold to Standard Pacific. Standard Pacific will finish out the complex, which I believe is about 75 more units.

New units run about $225K to $275K.

Note that an existing resale unit sold for $186K in July, and another is on the market for $165K.

HOA dues are about $220 a month.

I am not aware of any complaints about the quality.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.

Where are you moving from?

[folsom500]

HOA at $220 per month ? That seems extreme - - what does that get you ?

[nomad]

HOA at $220 per month ? That seems extreme - - what does that get you ?

Wasn't this the place that was towing resident's/visitors cars for parking in the open spots or something like that? I thought this was a pretty big deal there about a year ago.

Made the mgmt out to look pretty shady.

[Darth Lefty]

HOA dues are about $220 a month.

!

They better cut the hedge with scissors for that kind of dough

[Steve Heard]

HOA at $220 per month ? That seems extreme - - what does that get you ?

I don't have all the specifics on that complex, but in general, you can usually expect HOA to cover hazard/fire insurance and exterior maintenance, common area maintenance such as landscaping, pools, etc., and if there is in house security.

People who don't mind paying it usually appreciate not having to take care of the exterior and like the condo lifestyle.

For $2500 per year, however, others would rather put it toward a single family home.

[dancer373]

I appreciate all the replies. Calif native who has lived in north Florida since 1971. Kids are out of the nest and my sister lives in Folsom. I was thinking a condo would be less for me to worry about, especially if we travel. I'm ready to down size:)

[Steve Heard]

Wasn't this the place that was towing resident's/visitors cars for parking in the open spots or something like that? I thought this was a pretty big deal there about a year ago.

Made the mgmt out to look pretty shady.

No, that was at Esplanade, across the street. The residents revolted and got it stopped.

http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/78221.html

[folsom500]

For $2500 per year, however, others would rather put it toward a single family home.

I was going to suggest the same thing -...

[rpo]

No, that was at Esplanade, across the street. The residents revolted and got it stopped.

http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/78221.html

It stopped only temporarily. The CC+R's are thankfully being enforced again and have been for the past couple of years. In all honesty, they had to begin enforcing the rules because very few residents were parking in their garages. Due to that, frequently no parking spaces were available late in the evenings. That was NOT fun if you invited anyone over to your place who owned a car since there is no street parking within half a mile of the complex.

As for the towing of resident's vehicles a few years back, everyone was warned with numerous flyers, notices, and warnings prior to the already written rules undergoing enforcement. The rules simply stated that you had to park all vehicles in your garage UNLESS they did not fit or you had more vehicles than garage space. The notices first went out SIX MONTHS before the rules were enforced. To claim an exemption, you had to fill out a one page form provided by the HOA with your vehicle's license plate and make/model. The few people who had their vehicles towed (8x in a month for one person) simply did not follow those easy directions and contact the HOA for the exemption. Honestly, how difficult does that seem to follow?

All residents signed a disclosure when they purchased their homes in regards to the parking rules. It was also listed in the CC+R's. The resident who sued the HOA (and got the story out to the press) lost his case and was ordered to pay the defendant's (HOA's) court fees. That individual sold his condo and moved out shortly thereafter.

As for whether or not this is a good place to live, it is a great place IMHO. I know numerous people who live there and none have had issues with the HOA, towing of their cars, etc. There are no longer issues with parking. HOA dues of $220 are not that high considering everything that the HOA takes care of in the complex, just as Steve mentioned earlier.