Let's follow a family who moved from another state and was looking for a condo in Victorville with a large dog. The first complex they visited allowed pets without weight restrictions, but the fees were higher than the local average. The second complex had lower fees but prohibited breeds over 30 pounds. Ultimately, the family found a third complex that had no weight restrictions and fees at an average level, and they completed the contract there.

What they discovered during this process was that the amount of the fees and the pet regulations are determined separately. Typically, the fees cover building exterior and roof maintenance, master insurance, common area management, landscaping, trash collection, and reserves, while regulations regarding pets, rentals, and renovations are specified in a separate document called CC&Rs. Recently, there have been cases where people rush to sign contracts without checking both of these aspects.

The median monthly HOA fee for San Bernardino County, which includes Victorville, is reported to be $335. The condo fees generally range from $300 to $400 due to the nature of shared building maintenance, which is not significantly different from the statewide median of $300. The complex the family ultimately contracted with also had fees set within this range.

Even if the fees are at an average level, one cannot be assured about the state of the reserves. Recent market trends show that when buildings with insufficient reserves need roof or plumbing repairs, special assessments can suddenly be imposed. California's Davis-Stirling Act requires associations with major asset values exceeding half of the budget to conduct a reserve study, including on-site inspections, at least every three years. As of the 2025 SB 900 amendment, gas, water, and electrical infrastructure are also included in the inspection requirements. This family also requested and reviewed the recent reserve study results before signing the contract.

When looking at complexes near preferred school districts for Korean families, there tends to be a higher level of management and fees. School district ratings can be checked on GreatSchools or Niche, but since boundaries change frequently, it's advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing. Investors looking for rental income should consider that both fees and pet regulations can affect the range of potential tenants.

If moving from another state, approaching the situation with the fee and regulation sensibilities from the previous residence can lead to delays, as seen in this case. Mortgage lenders review HOA delinquency rates, reserve ratios, litigation status, and the proportion of commercial space, and if they fall short of criteria, the property may be classified as a non-warrantable condo, leading to loan denial. Checking this in advance can help avoid being stuck at the end of the contract process.

Victorville has relatively few condos or townhome complexes compared to nearby major cities, and most are relatively new developments built after the 2000s. Because there are many new developments, there are relatively few cases requiring major repairs immediately, but it's important to keep in mind that many associations are small, which may mean the total reserve amount is not large. Checking the reserve ratio in relation to the size of the complex and the number of units is particularly significant in this area.

To summarize the items to check based on this family's experience:

• CC&Rs regulations regarding the number of pets and weight restrictions
• Recent reserve study results and reserve ratios
• History of special assessments in the last 5 years
• HOA delinquency rates and litigation status

As in this case, where they found the right home only after checking both fees and living regulations, taking the time to go through each step without skipping can ultimately save time. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional before finalizing any contracts.