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Airpark; What to Ask?
I know some of you live on airparks, and it is my dream to live on one. There is an airpark not far from where I live now that would work perfect for me. I'll post a link to their website below, but it looks perfect (for me). It's an hour drive to work for me, and it's not out in the middle-of-nowhere like a lot of other airparks. That is huge to me as I want to be very close to stores and shopping.
At this airpark, as you can see on their website they had HUGE plans to build this into something very big. General aviation is all but dead in Michigan and with the economy the way it is, the airpark was never finished. In fact, I see that no new homes have been built since 2006. The website lists the lots at $85,800 which is absurd, especially in the town of Fenton. Some of those same lots are listed on Zillow at $30,000. So what I'd like to do is buy a lot now, and then save for a year or so and then build the hangar/home. I think I have all the bargaining power because nothing has happened on this airpark for 10 years and with the current lack of GA in Michigan, I don't see a lot of people interested in an airpark home anytime in the near future. I think the developers would jump at the chance to actually make some return on their investment and sell another lot. Problem is, I have no idea what to ask when I call about the property. I guess some important questions would be: who plows the runway in the winter, what are the taxes, current plans for the airpark, is it well water?, are gas and electrical lines run?, etc... I really don't know anything about real estate. So my question to you guys is, who do I call first and what do I ask? Should I call a realtor first or call the number on the website and get some general info first? What other questions should I ask? What don't I know about airparks that I need to know?? Thanks! http://www.horizonlakesairpark.net/index1.shtml |
Questions to ask, and who to ask.
If you would like a straight answer about the airpark, drive up there on a weekend, find a hanger open, walk up and ask the current owners. They would probably give you a better answer than the folks who are trying to sell.
They should be able to answer almost all of your questions you might have. Also a good way to meet you perspective neighbors and see what going on. Maybe there might even be a RV builder/owner working on their project. Good luck. Brian |
Deeded access
I would ask about deeded runway access. One airpark I visited charged a monthly runway fee. When I asked why they did not have deeded access the answer was "that is just incase we don't like someone". My response was "well, what if you don't like me?" Silence.....
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Questions
Find out what the common association owns, who maintains it, and how fees are set and collected.
Is a reserve being set aside? Or are future major repairs/replacements done by a single assessment? If a single assessment, what is the voting requirement to get it passed? |
All good ideas so far, another thing I have not seen mentioned yet------what protections are in place to keep the airport open?
Who actually owns the airport land, the runway, and any facilities that are part of the airport------FBO, tie downs , fuel, hangars, lighting equipment etc. Do you have an airport district set up, or other entity? If so, how is it governed. Does the airport have a paid manager, or is it run by volunteers? IMHO, protecting the airport is the biggest concern with an airpark------without the airport you are just in a high priced subdivision with big garages. Is there a HOA or CCR entity for the individual lots, and what are the rules and fees involved? Good luck, It is really sweet to live with a plane in your yard:D |
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I think that efforts that work to close airports usually have the backing of local government. |
If you have not looked at 45G yet it is a bit closer for you. I hangered there a couple years and they have an active EAA chapter IIRC.
http://www.brightonairport.org/ |
Good idea to ask about neighbors complaint?. Also is there anyone on the park that is not an aviator and how many. Does everyone pay the common fees or just the ones that want to use them? Do the park residents get annoyed with round engines, night arrivals or departures, low passes, and the like. How are the finances for maintenance of runways and common areas? Are they prepared to re-pave and fix paving every 20 years?
These questions will give you a sense of the participatory nature of the residents and their love of flying planes and plane activities, as well as neighbors that can cause angst in the future. |
Bargaining power?
Yes, you have "bargaining power". But you have it for a reason. And that reason is that most of this project is wishful thinking.
So my advice...if you are content with this airpark EXACTLY as is exists, and you can get in at that "bargain" price, then do it. But don't expect that this development will ever progress or that your lot will ever appreciate. Maybe good things WILL happen, but don't bet on it. I would tend to be much more interested in Brighton, the alternative offered by another poster, even if the initial cost was more. Disclaimer: I have not done extensive research on either of the airparks in question. |
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Ownership: Publicly-owned Owner: STATE OF MICHIGAN - AERONAUTICS 2700 EAST AIRPORT SERVICE DR LANSING, MI 48906 Phone 517-335-9568 A long term "Through the Fence" agreement would be the most important item. |
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