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Frequently Asked Questions 

How is homeownership legally structured in cohousing?

Hager Homestead will be structured as condominiums with a Homeowners Association (HOA). It will be owned by the people who live in the community. Each of the 26 households will own their own home as well as a share of the common property including the Common House. 

If I live in cohousing will I have my own kitchen?

Yes! In addition to the large shared kitchen in the common house, each private home will have its own full kitchen.

How do common meals work in cohousing?

Cohousing communities usually prepare some meals every week in their common house by a team of people. Eating common meals is always voluntary. Members will decide together how to structure the cooking (and cleanup) responsibilities, and whether or not you pay a small fee when you join a common meal. 

What if I'm an introvert? Will I have private time in cohousing?

In cohousing, socializing is your choice. When you feel like reading a book by yourself, you can do so in your own home. But you can also read in one of the quiet rooms in the Common House…where you might see some of your friends. In some cohousing communities, residents create their own signs or signals if they want to spend time alone. 

How is Hager Homestead different from a traditional retirement community?

Hager Homestead is being designed and developed by our members. There is no corporation or non-profit organization making decisions for us. We will make decisions together for the benefit of the community. Most importantly, Hager Homestead is an intentional community. For us, a strong community is an explicit goal, not the lucky coincidence of having good neighbors. We think cohousing is a more pleasant and satisfying way to live.

How will households make decisions together?

From the start, Hager Homestead members implemented a governance system called “Sociocracy’. This is designed to make sure that all members contribute to a decision; smaller decisions are delegated to smaller teams, who then create proposals that the larger group either approves or sends back for modification. From animal policy to landscaping choices, sociocracy allows all voices are heard -- but also prevents one person from blocking action. Learn more at SociocracyforAll.org

Are there advantages to joining right away?

Yes there are many!

  • We are already a community even though we are not neighbors yet. Join now and start developing relationships and have fun too! 

  • We still have decisions to make about the development and how we will live as neighbors. Becoming a member now gives you the opportunity to have your voice heard as part of the decision making process about our project and policies about living together. 

  • Establish your seniority for home selection. The date of explorer membership determines the order of unit selection, and earlier members will have the most choices

Do you have more questions about living in an intentional community? 

Join a virtual Zoom event to talk to us.

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