Ownership works.
I received a lovely note yesterday from Liz Wood, former ROC Association Director and Membership Chair for Duvall Riverside Village in Duvall, Wash.
In sharing the story of a member who recently passed, she forwarded her correspondence with the local real estate agent who completed the sale of his house. The agent, Cathy Poetschat, wrote, “I love your community and see all of the great benefits of living in the Duvall Riverside Co-op! From your location to the detailed process of acceptance into your community, you offer a safe, clean and wonderful neighborhood environment for a family.”
Third-party acknowledgement that the co-op is a “safe, clean and wonderful neighborhood” is powerful. She didn’t need to say that.
Adding Liz’s note on affordability and this is really a slam dunk success by the members at Duvall Riverside Village.
“I love your community and see all of the great benefits of living in the Duvall Riverside Co-op! From your location to the detailed process of acceptance into your community, you offer a safe, clean and wonderful neighborhood environment for a family.”
She cited one-bedroom apartment rentals in Duvall of “$1,200 to 1,500 a month.” The other manufactured home community in town is $800 a month plus water, sewer and trash. Of the other community, she notes, “That is just to rent the property.”
With Duvall’s at $475 per month, and no increase for at least the last three years, it looks like Duvall Riverside is nailing the economic, physical and social nails of resident ownership!
Congratulations, Duvall Riverside Village, and thank you for your example of what 25 homeowners working together in a co-op can accomplish!