So, you are thinking of buying a condo in Long Beach, California, right?? Yes. That’s great news but you need to read my article below to know about HOA fees and what to look out for when buying a condominium in Long Beach or any other city.
One of the many things you should do when looking at all of the condos for sale in Long Beach is look at the details. The features of each Long Beach condo listing for sale.
Pay close attention to how much the monthly homeowners association
(HOA) fee is. What amenities does it cover?
Let’s Look at a Typical Long Beach Condo for Sale Details
Since the average selling price of Long Beach condos in 2021 was $519,520, let’s look at the details of a condo at that price. When you look at Long Beach condos or Long Beach homes on my real estate website, in the “Listing Snapshot” area you will find the HOA Fee.
Sometimes there are two HOA fees. One is a master association and many just cover roof painting and other minor issues and the main one covers any structural issues. In this example, the HOA fee is $568 per month.
There may be a 2nd HOA fee, but it is not disclosed in the listing details. Why? There is no perfect property details program online to show you everything. I search for it daily to provide you with the best information available. And, sometimes a listing agent for a condo or home that has a 2nd HOA fee may not know that there is one or forgot to add it to the listing.
That’s why I suggest you have your own buyer’s agent. Call me and we can talk about that.
What is Covered by the Monthly HOA Fees of Long Beach Condos or Homes?
Amenities. Look in the Community Features section of listings on our website, like below,w for amenities:
How are Structural Issues, if any, handled by HOA’s?
If your condo or one in the community has a structural issue or something else comes up like a water leak from a neighbor’s bathroom. The HOA will inspect it. They will research all possible ways to solve the issue, including obtaining three bids from contractors or structural engineers to assess the issue. After careful assessment of the facts, the HOA will go with the best engineer or contractor to fix the issue…if there is one.
Then, the cost is usually shared by all parties in the community, not just the unit it affects only.
Can I Review the HOA Documents Before I Write an Offer on a Long Beach Condo?
No. The HOA documents have to be prepared and updated. If the HOA has a meeting in October, the minutes of the meeting have to be prepared and then presented at the next HOA meeting in November to be approved. Once they are approved, they are added to the HOA documents.
There is a fee to prepare the HOA documents. If you are my buyer client, I suggest asking the seller to pay for this in the purchase contract. The fee for preparing the HOA documents can range from $800 to $1400.
Having an experienced Realtor® watching out for you is the key. I care about my clients. Whatever details I can find out about a property, I will share with you.
Frequently Asked Questions about HOA Fees in Long Beach
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What is an HOA?
A Homeowners Association (HOA) is an organization in a residential community that makes and enforces rules for the properties and their residents. Members typically pay dues to the HOA for maintenance of common areas and community services.
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How do financing requirements differ for Long Beach condos compared to single-family homes?
Condo loans often require lower DTI ratios and have stricter HOA approval requirements. Lenders will review the HOA’s financial health, owner occupancy rates, and litigation status. For 2025-2026 purchases, get pre-approved early and ensure your target complex meets lender criteria.
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What specific due diligence should I perform regarding HOA documents before making a 2025-2026 purchase?
Review: current budget, reserve study, meeting minutes (2 years), CC&Rs, bylaws, rules & regulations, and financial statements. Pay special attention to any pending litigation, special assessments, or rule changes that could affect your ownership experience or investment returns.
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What should I expect for HOA fee trends in Long Beach condos?
HOA fees in Long Beach are projected to increase 3-5% annually due to rising insurance costs, maintenance expenses, and inflation. When budgeting for purchases, factor in potential rate increases and ask for the HOA’s 3-5 year fee history to identify patterns.
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How can I determine if a Long Beach condo HOA has sufficient reserves for future repairs?
Request the HOA’s reserve study and financial statements. A healthy HOA should have at least 70% of recommended reserves funded. For condo buyers, pay special attention to upcoming major repairs like roof replacements, elevator modernization, or pool renovations that may require special assessments.
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What insurance considerations should I be aware of when buying a Long Beach condo in 2025 or 2026?
California’s changing insurance landscape may impact HOA master policies. Verify the HOA’s coverage adequacy, especially for natural disasters. Additionally, you’ll need HO-6 insurance for your unit – get quotes early, as premiums are expected to rise through 2026. Read my Home Buyer’s Guide for free.
Let’s Meet and Talk About Your Real Estate Plans
I believe in meeting for 30 minutes to talk about your real estate plans. During this time, I will be asking you questions to help you and I get a better understanding of what you want to achieve.
Then, I want to take some time and explain how to evaluate properties that you see online and in person. I will share with you a method that saves you time.
Plus, I like to educate my clients on the purchase contract at our first meeting. The more you know about the purchase contracts and time frames, the less stress you will experience during the home or condo buying process.
