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We have sold our home, applied for early retirement and are gearing up to full-time. We have been looking at the options to have a sort of homebase, a place to go when we aren't actively traveling/volunteering. We are looking at one park in particular and it seems to meet our needs/desires. We seem to understand about the membership and either selling it or being entitled to use a particular lot until we "reap our just rewards". Would there be something else we should be considering? We have traveled some and lived in various areas, and we plan to thoroughly research this area that we are considering. This particular park has lease lots available, so there would not be a waiting list either. We are interested more in "remote" and "natural". This would be in a co-op.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

Cathy

 

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We just finished a very enjoyable two weeks at The Ranch, between Carlsbad and Artesia, NM. We looked at the list of lots available and a couple of them looked interesting to us. That's a bit out of the way of our family, though, so we'll look at other places as we travel.

 

Like you, we have sold our place and are traveling the country. At this point we don't really need to have a home base, but I know that some places have waiting lists. Those waiting lists may last for a couple of years, and then all of a sudden there isn't a waiting list, but a list of available lots.

 

My suggestion would be to check out several places. Look at the actual rules and regulations, including the fine print. For example, at The Ranch we found that lots have anywhere from bare ground to a small house on them. At Hondo, according to the online docs, storage sheds are limited to 288 square feet or less.

David Lininger, kb0zke
1993 Foretravel U300 40' (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS

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I'm not quite sure what it is that you are asking but most of the co-op parks have many happy members. I was not aware of any that have no wait list at all and that might be of some concern since it could indicate some sort of problem there. Keep in mind that each of the co-op parks is a separate entity and as such the Escapees have no direct control over them nor do they guarantee them. Once all of the lots were sold out the club no longer holds any management or ownership interest and each one is run by an elected board of directors and they develop their own rules. As such there are some parks with very different rules as compared to others. Many allow owners to have a park model, but some do not. The rules from one to the next also vary widely as does the cost of annual dues.

 

We live in a co-op community that is not part of Escapees but was patterned after that idea but is one where we build homes with an RV port. I can tell you that it is a less costly way of living than most other types of development, but it also has some disadvantages such as a lack of ability to get a mortgage on one so financing can be limited, or difficult to find.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

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It doesn't cost much to put your name on a Co-Op wait list. Many do this because they're not ready to stay at a place long-term yet. It can take a year up to five years or so for your name to reach the top for some of the co-ops so some folks put their name on a few co-op lists and continue to travel. They then have a chance to visit that park often and to travel in the various areas to see if they'd really want to settle in that area. Then when their name comes up they are ready.

 

Each co-op is run differently and has different rules as to their wait list. I know one, in particular, where even if you become #1 on the list you don't have to accept a lot, only doing so when you're ready. Some parks if you're #1 and refuse the lot that's available, you will be moved back down to the end of the list. A few parks have no wait list or very few on the list. Make sure you know the rules if you want to turn back your lot after a while. Will you immediately get your money back if no one is on a wait list? For those with a stable wait list once you decide to turn back your lot you will get paid as soon as the next person on the list buys into the co-op. This would usually be within a month or two of you relinquishing your lot.

 

The co-op lots can work very well for many folks. Just read all the rules thoroughly so you really know what you're getting into. If you haven't visited all of them, I suggest you do so before making a commitment. They are all very different in the area and the looks of the park.

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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Thank you for your thoughts. So far, we have been pleased with our research on The Ranch. Our older son is in the military so moves around the world anyway and our younger son, an adult with Down syndrome, will continue to be with us until we find a suitable alternative for which we don't see a lot of hope at this time, other relatives spread from MI to KS. We will not buy beyond our means, so will not be financing anything (debt-free since 2000).

 

I realize many want an "ideal" weather of a certain temperature range, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc. We practice homeopathic medicine and prefer home cooking and playing board games, going for walks...............

 

Anything has to be better than a big house with yard full of trees and plants with snow to shovel in the winter!

Cathy

 

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Some Escapee Co-ops have a maximum 2 adults only rule. Look in the membership rules carefully.

Jim & Vickie
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Yes, thanks, I am aware that many parks would block us or want to (yeah, I been checking around). We have had 30 years of blocks when it came to our son and expect those to carry through to our death. We are, however, not willing to dump him in order to pursue any lifestyle. I have been reading the by-laws when they are printed on the internet and note the many variables. We are accustomed to paying an additional charge for a 3rd person and certainly understand that as being fair.

 

My question was not to a specific co-op, but as to what I might be missing and yes, the 3 adults is one of those types of issues, before it was more than 2 adults, it was "children". Also, dog "stuff". We have traveled and lived in RV parks and never, ever had a problem with children or pets in our care.

Cathy

 

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"I was not aware of any that have no wait list at all and that might be of some concern since it could indicate some sort of problem there." From what I gathered at The Ranch, they have had periods of time where there was a considerable waiting list, and periods of time when there were several lots available. Just before we arrived there was a death of one of the members, and while we were there another member died. The couple who had the lot next to us just got it in May, and they seemed to be younger than us. I suspect that many people who buy into a park are about the same age, so there will be cycles. If you are wanting to buy into a park at a time when there are many lots available you may well have your pick of lots. If you are wanting in at a time when there are few lots available you will be on a waiting list.

 

Yes, I know that you don't really "buy" into an SKP Co-op in the sense that you don't actually own anything but a share in the whole venture, but for all practical purposes you "own" your lot.

David Lininger, kb0zke
1993 Foretravel U300 40' (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS

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Yes, I know that you don't really "buy" into an SKP Co-op in the sense that you don't actually own anything but a share in the whole venture, but for all practical purposes you "own" your lot.

 

There are many, many great things about a SKP Co-op.

 

However, you don't "for all practical purposes own your lot".

 

The best way of looking at it....You are living in basically a "gated community" with very restrictive HOA's. But they really tolerate your RV!!! Unless it is a truck camper.

Vladimr Steblina

Retired Forester...exploring the public lands.

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We were former members of Park of The Sierras. And frankly only let our spot go due to making a clean break from California. While our intentions now are to settle in South Dakota, our state of domicile, who knows - we may someday jump back into POS! We really like the people, and the place is special.

 

That being said, other ideas would be to research is a used 1000 Trails membership might work for you? (Or both a COOP for a 'home base', and used/resell 1000's Trails:)!)

 

The proper membership, can provide more flexibility in different regions of the country to stay, rather economically.

 

And on your special needs (And IMO, usually Special Love too! The do love to give hugs!!!) Down Syndrome son. I'll send you a private PM.

 

Congrats to you both as you move into this next chapter:)!

Smitty

Be safe, have fun,

Smitty

04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life!

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If you are the primary care, I would look at the ADA Laws and also contact a ADA lawyer especially the Lawyer part. You may learn that the ADA Laws Trump the HOA rules

Susan & Dale
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Good luck and lots of wisdom in your search and final choice!

 

Safe Travels!

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If you are the primary care, I would look at the ADA Laws and also contact a ADA lawyer especially the Lawyer part. You may learn that the ADA Laws Trump the HOA rules

 

That may be true but I'm not sure I would want to force my way in in such a way when there are thousands of other choices to be had. Just sayin.

Dave & Diane

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Dave, I agree, however all places should be made aware of the laws. Normally it is only a few of the people that cause the issue. I have also learned, that just by someone, requesting a change to and a vote of the by-laws most of the Lease holders will opt to change.

 

Merry Christmas to all

and to All a Safe and Happy Journey

Susan & Dale
DaGirls Rv 2008 Alfa Gold SoLong ISL 425 Cummins
2015 Ford F-150 XLT Tow / Roadmaster Setup
1600W@45Vdc Magnum Inv/Chg&Solar

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While I don't intend to make it an issue, I do find issue with the statement that with other choices, 1,000s, laws dealing with discrimination do not work that way. Actually, we have limited choices. I really don't like seeing anyone discriminated against and know that even with laws in place, one cannot force acceptance.

 

I am contacting individual parks that we have interest in asking about the policy. More and more people are going on the road with a 3rd adult, either an elderly relative they often have guardianship over or adult child with disabilities. I have no idea how this will be addressed. Hey, they don't want us, their loss!

Cathy

 

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. More and more people are going on the road with a 3rd adult, either an elderly relative they often have guardianship over or adult child with disabilities. I have no idea how this will be addressed. Hey, they don't want us, their loss!

I like your attitude and believe that it will serve you well. As one who has a blind family member I do empathize with your issues, but I also know that those who carry a chip on the shoulder only make things worse. I believe that when approached with a positive attitude you will find that most will try to accommodate you. Using the law to force your way can get entrance but it don't gain acceptance, which is important to the disabled person.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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We have sold our home, applied for early retirement and are gearing up to full-time. We have been looking at the options to have a sort of homebase, a place to go when we aren't actively traveling/volunteering. We are looking at one park in particular and it seems to meet our needs/desires. We seem to understand about the membership and either selling it or being entitled to use a particular lot until we "reap our just rewards". Would there be something else we should be considering? We have traveled some and lived in various areas, and we plan to thoroughly research this area that we are considering. This particular park has lease lots available, so there would not be a waiting list either. We are interested more in "remote" and "natural". This would be in a co-op.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

We are at the SKP Ranch near Carlsbad, NM. We got our lot nearly a year ago and love it here. I think it has many, if not all, of the attributes you are looking for. It is spacious, safe, economical and has very reasonable rules and regulations. There is currently no waiting list, but that is not because it has problems. It's because it is a hidden gem that has chosen to not advertise heavily to keep it full.

 

We were amazed when we stumbled onto it. We weren't looking for a co-op, but only a stopping place on our travels. We intended to stay 3 days, but purchased our lease a week later!

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Thanks for your comments Kirk and Georgia Rambler. We are working diligently to get things sorted, donated and loaded and hoping to leave KS in a couple of weeks, if the weather cooperates. We had not really expected anyone to buy the house in the winter, but am glad to find a buyer with so many houses on the market here.

Cathy

 

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Thanks for mentioning the EPRU. I am aware of the ERPU sites, but it is my understanding that the waiting lists are long into years. Previously, Dream Catcher in Deming, NM had been an ERPU and seemed to be more apt to not have a wait or at least a long one, but recently when I looked at the list, that park was no longer a part of the program. There are a very limited number of sites in the ERPU program, maybe 22 per park.

Cathy

 

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One thing I could mention concerning anyone else that may have an adult child with developmental disabilities is that many states have long waiting lists for services. NM has a 10+ year wait and both TX and FL have extremely long waits. AZ does not have a waiting list. Services such as day and residential. Though for us, we waited for 5 years in KS for residential only to find out that I wouldn't put my worst enemy in one of the programs with the level of incompetence of the staff that I saw, so we have decided to put the rest of our lives above a waiting list for services. Our son likes the RV, used to get tired of where we were living and take his stereo and a few things and sit in the camper in the yard. Yep, it was time to go.

 

After looking through the co-ops, we still like what we see in "The Ranch". It would be easy enough to stop for a visit if we ever get on the road, hopefully in the next two weeks. We are looking for a homebase that feels like "home". Deming would be an option for month-to-month or continue on to AZ.

Cathy

 

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