PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19, tours of Sand River are suspended and the guest room is unavailable for the time being. Please stay well as we all take care of one another by distancing. For the latest New Mexico public health order updates, visit: newmexico.gov/latest-updates/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Could you put me on a waiting list?
We do not have a waiting list, as such. The sale of each unit is handled by the individual owner, not by Sand River itself. We maintain a list of folks who have toured our community and are strongly interested in joining us and give this list to owners who wish to sell. However, it is their choice whether or not to contact anybody on the list.
2. Do you have any units available for rent?
The rental of a unit is managed by the unit’s owner, not by Sand River itself. If a unit comes up for rent, the owner will likely place a listing on the Sand River website’s For Sale tab. We have a limit on the number of units that can be rented out at the same time and we do not allow short-term rentals (less than 30 days).
3. How do I find out if a unit is for sale?
Check the For Sale tab of the Sand River website. When an owner wishes to place their unit on the market, there will be a listing on this tab with full contact information. Things tend to move quickly so interested buyers should check this tab often.
4. What is the difference between a cohousing community and a condominium association?
These entities share many characteristics. Legally, Sand River is organized as a condominium association and is subject to the condominium laws of New Mexico. The main difference is that we are an “intentional community” that is self-governing and self-maintaining. We strive to build a community in which all of us know, cooperate with, and respect each other. We hold social events, work days, and business meetings. Each of us gives to the community according to our skills and interests.
5. What do you mean by "fifty-five or over"?
Sand River Cohousing is intended for residents who are at least fifty-five years of age. Consequently, the governing documents of our community specify age restrictions in order to uphold that intention. Please see the Summary of Age Restrictions for more information.
6. What are the obligations of Sand River residents?
At this time there are no legal obligations of Sand River residents except to abide by the Bylaws, Covenants, the rules of the State of New Mexico, and to pay their homeowner’s dues on time. However, our success as a self-managed cohousing community relies on residents engaging in community activities and responsibilities. There are many ways a resident can participate, include cooking community meals, maintaining the common grounds, giving tours of the community, serving on the Board, updating the community website, performing minor repairs of the Common House, coordinating use of the guest room, etc. After settling in, new residents are encouraged to see where their interests and skills can be used. We believe the strength and health of the community depends on full and enthusiastic participation by its members.
7. What do you mean by “green” and “sustainable”?
Being green and sustainable is one of the shared values of Sand River residents. We strive towards a more ecologically friendly lifestyle with the following strategies:
- We strongly encourage recycling.
- We encourage use of fragrance-free and natural cleaning products.
- We do not use harmful pesticides in maintaining our grounds.
- We maintain a thriving compost heap that nourishes our landscape
- Our trees are maintained organically.
- Our homes are LEED-certified—energy-efficient, passive-solar, and designed for optimal active solar.
- 30% of our community uses solar energy for their homes.
- Our common house uses solar energy and powers two charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Many of our residents, as well as our common house, harvest rainwater by using rain barrels.
8. How much does a unit cost?
The price of a unit is set by the seller and can vary according to size, condition, features, and market conditions. In the more recent past, units have sold in the range of $235,000 to $285,000.
9. How does Sand River govern itself?
We use a modified-consensus model to make decisions. We are organized into various teams who manage specific areas, such as Landscape, Buildings and Grounds, Meals, and Well Being. The teams make decisions that affect their specific areas but bigger issues are brought to the community via proposals presented at our community business meetings. We have a Board of Directors to provide general oversight as well as a Finance Committee to plan and manage our budget, and a Covenants Committee to regulate external modifications in line with the Covenants of Sand River.
10. What type of ownership does a Sand River owner have?
Units are individually owned and maintained. Limited common elements, such as backyards, are maintained by the unit owner. Each owner enjoys partial ownership of common elements, such as the common house, walkways, and outdoor areas, which are maintained by the community.
11. Do you have any units designated as “affordable”?
There are several affordable units for those who are financially eligible. When any of these units are listed, they are identified as such on the For Sale tab of our website. For more information about affordable housing options in Santa Fe, please visit Homewise, The Housing Trust, and the City of Santa Fe's Office of Affordable Housing.
12. How much are homeowner’s fees?
Dues are based on the size of the unit and, as of 2020, range from $209 to $263 a month. As part of the yearly budgeting process, they are reevaluated and therefore are subject to change. All owners, including those in affordable units, are responsible for paying the homeowner’s dues.
13. What are the units at Sand River like?
Our units are arranged in two-unit duplexes having a shared wall. Duplexes are configured in quads of four units, sharing a walkway. Each unit is single-story with a kitchen, one or two bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, attic, and outdoor living spaces. Interior and exterior living spaces are maintained by the owner. Download floor plans.
14. Are pets allowed?
We welcome pets and responsible pet ownership. Residents are permitted to have up to 2 cats/dogs per household.
15. Where are you located?
We are in the southern part of Santa Fe, with easy access to walking trails, stores, and other services.