Our Mission
To grow and foster a self-reliant community of adults 55 and older, with the vision of transforming Alonda Villa MHP into a resident-owned community grounded in the values of community, friendship, and compassion.
Update — Appraisal Results
Your AVAA team is pleased to share the results of the appraisal. Sign-up sheets will be circulated so residents can check out a copy for seven days. The full report will also be posted on the website.
Summary: SH&H Valuation and Consulting evaluated Alonda Villa Park — a 23.76-acre, 55-and-older mobile home park with 129 lots, built in 1969. The property includes a 3,476 sq. ft. clubhouse (1969) and a 660 sq. ft. garage (1975). It sits in unincorporated Thurston County, bordered by the City of Lacey on two sides and the City of Olympia on a third. SH&H compared the park to six recent mobile home park sales in Thurston County — four smaller and two larger, including two ROC-assisted co-ops.
In SH&H’s opinion, Alonda Villa Park is worth $16,150,000. This valuation is based on current monthly lot fees and the visual condition of the park, without access to the owner’s maintenance and repair cost records. It reflects the price at which an investor could expect a return on investment, and is in the general range of the current tax assessment of $12,769,700.
Black-and-white copies of the appraisal are available to check out for seven days. Sign-up sheets will be available at community activities, or call Kathleen Poague at 206-817-2958 to get on the list. For a color copy for your personal records, contact SH&H directly at 253-564-3230 for a small fee.
Important Notice — Lot Fee Impact on Home Sales
A resident who is trying to sell her home brought a serious concern to our attention. She has had three potential buyers complete the entire purchase process — including CommonWealth approval — only to back out before signing the lease. Each time, this cost her money in inspection-required repairs and ultimately forced her to lower her asking price. She has dropped her original price by $35,000 so far and has still not sold.
All three buyers liked both the home and the park. What they would not accept was the lot fee structure for new residents. Anyone purchasing this year pays the same lot fee current residents pay, but beginning in May, new residents will face a lot fee of $1,250 — significantly higher than the increase existing residents will see ($1,034.25). Realtors have told the seller that $1,250 is above market for this area and the amenities offered.
The seller contacted the Attorney General regarding the legality of this practice and asked AVAA to investigate. Thanks to Harry Hansen, who carefully studied the new law, we have an answer. A clause in the law permits this type of increase. Here is how it works: when a new resident purchases a home, they initially take over the seller’s existing lease — but once that lease expires, they are reclassified as a new resident, at which point the owner is permitted a one-time significant lot fee increase.
This is legal. It will meaningfully affect residents’ ability to sell their homes and will drive down property values throughout the park. This is yet another compelling reason to pursue the co-op purchase.
Highlighted copies of the relevant law are available on the tables today and will be posted to the website.
Legal Counsel
We contacted numerous tenant attorneys, but many had conflicts of interest or did not respond. We have now identified a commercial attorney who is available and conflict-free. A meeting is being arranged to review the engagement letter and billing structure.
Driveways
AVAA is sending a formal letter to the park’s owners and managers notifying them that several driveways do not meet ADA standards. At least 50 additional driveways are approaching non-compliance and should be repaired now to extend their usable life.
Permits — Important for All Residents
We have been informed that permits are required for work on septic systems and major water infrastructure. Before any such work begins on your property, please ask to see the permit. It is important that all work is performed by certified vendors in compliance with county regulations.
Additionally, AVAA has found that several current septic system setups and operations may be illegal under Thurston County regulations. We are continuing to research the details and available remedies.
Treasurer’s Report
Since the last report, we have received 1 new donation. Current bank balance: $9,642.19 (includes cookbook proceeds)
Over 76 individual units have contributed financially, and 8 additional residents who are unable to contribute financially have given their time. Together, more than two-thirds of the park is actively supporting the AVAA mission.
Please include a note with your name on any cash donation so a receipt can be issued.
Cookbook — Recipes and Remembrances
The limited edition Alonda Villa cookbook is now on sale — a great gift for the hard-to-buy-for people in your life. It contains over 300 recipes. Over 100 of the 200 copies have already sold, generating over $2,200 in revenue against a final production cost of $1,243. To order, call or text Carrie Enge at 907-723-9898 or email carrieenge@gmail.com.
Wreath-Building Class — Saturday, November 29th, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Come learn to make wreaths at no cost — all materials and instructions are provided. If you would like to keep the wreath you make, the materials fee is $30. No charge if you prefer not to take one home. Extra wreaths will be displayed and sold in the clubhouse. Come meet your neighbors, support a good cause, and have a great time. Contact Kathy Quantrell at 360-455-8689 to sign up.
Upcoming Meetings — all held in the clubhouse
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| December 16th | 1:00 PM |
| January 11th | 6:30 PM |
| February 18th | 1:00 PM |
| March 18th | 6:30 PM |
Please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you all.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Frederick Douglass
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Kathleen Poague, Unit 1302 Chairperson