FAQ
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Our pricing varies with each location. Click on "Locations" and then find the location that interests you. There is a PDF attached to each site that you can view to find out the size that will be best suited for your needs. You can then call (480-926-2844) or e-mail arizona@garagetown.com for the most current pricing. We do NOT publish pricing on our website as both availability and pricing changes almost daily.
WHY BUY A GARAGE?
Although some may think buying a Garage is a ridiculous notion, to most it is a desirable option. The main reasons are:
- Finding storage for your large toys, such as RV’s, Boats and Cars is difficult. In Arizona, the most common storage for these items is canopy-covered exterior storage on an asphalt or dirt lot. This is just not enough to protect your investments from the harsh elements.
- Builders aren’t making lots large enough to store large investments like RV’s and boats, let alone building homes with extra garage bays that will accommodate extra storage for hobbies like cars, dirt bikes and quads.
- Your community’s HOA. Although it is nice to have quality in your neighborhood, it isn’t nice to be restricted on what you may store on your own lot.
WHY GARAGETOWN?
Although there isn’t really anything to compare to GarageTown, there have been “storage condos” popping up in relatively rural areas of Arizona. We feel that it is important to have our locations close to neighborhoods and areas that will benefit from Garage condominium Ownership. Somewhere you can send your wife or kids to grab something from the RV without worrying about anything or even somewhere that you feel safe storing your investments in the first place! Additionally, we design our projects and amenities to provide owners with pride in their investment in GarageTown USA.
WHY OWN INSTEAD OF RENT?
You will enjoy the benefits from property ownership over renting. Those include appreciation, equity, tax benefits, unit customization, the ability to lease and resell at anytime, and more. You have the freedom to 24/7 owner access as well as stable payments. (Rent can and will rise over time!)
WHAT IS A CONDOMINIUM?
According to the Arizona Condominium Act (A.R.S. 33-1202) "Condominium" means real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of the separate portions.
WHAT IS COMMON OWNERSHIP?
The land and all common facilities in the condominium such as clubhouse, restrooms,etc., and the walls and roofs are owned and operated by the owners through their elected representatives (directors).
This joint ownership and operation means that no individual owner has control over the management and decision-making process. Owners must cooperate with one another as a group (called the condominium association). All owners must abide by the rules and regulations required. The association is like a mini-government with the condominium documents serving as its constitution.
WHAT DO I OWN OUTRIGHT?
You will own the area formed by the walls, floor, and ceiling of your unit and everything inside including interior partitions, cabinets, appliances (air-conditioner), and fixtures. The structural parts of the building are owned in common like the land.
ARE TAXES AND INSURANCE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY THAN WITH A HOUSE?
Taxes, no. Insurance, yes. You will receive a tax bill each November just as you would with a house. It includes the value of your unit and undivided share of the land and common facilities. Fire and extended coverage insurance is paid by the condominium association. It will be your responsibility to obtain contents and personal liability insurance for your unit.
ARE THERE MONTHLY DUES?
Newer GarageTown USA facilities usually will have a property owners association (POA) fee under $50. This depends on site and occupancy.
WHAT DO THE MONTHLY DUES COVER?
The GarageTown USA Property Owners’ Association takes care of everything external on the property, including: common water usage, common electrical usage, trash removal, maintaining landscaping, maintaining the clubhouse and bathrooms, and insuring and maintaining the structure of the GarageTown USA project. The POA also maintains and enforces the CC&Rs.
ARE THERE CC&R’S?
Yes, Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions are put in force to benefit the GarageTown USA community collectively. With CC&Rs, property values generally will appreciate better than if they were not in force. Many GarageTown owners like CC&Rs because they provide a level of predictability and an expectation of behavior that can be enforced if necessary.
WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS?
CC&Rs may restrict the following: Fixing a car on the driveway, parking on the streets, storing hazardous materials, fabricating vehicles inside a garage, clubhouse usage, running a business from a unit, attaching heavy objects to the walls, etc. If you are concerned your usage is going to be restricted because of the CC&Rs, please contact GarageTown USA to talk in more detail about your lifestyle and garage space needs.
WHAT DOES THE COMMUNITY MANAGER HANDLE?
The GarageTown USA community association manager manages each GarageTown USA property and services of garage condominiums through the Property Owners association. They collect monthly assessments, prepare financial statements and budgets, negotiate with contractors, help to resolve any complaints, and oversee the maintenance of the property, the restrooms and the owners’ clubhouse. They also assist the Board of Directors in complying with association and government rules and regulations. Community association managers also may meet with the elected Board of Directors to discuss and resolve legal issues or disputes that may affect the owners, as well as to review any proposed changes or improvements by garage owners to their properties, to make sure that the changes comply with community guidelines.
CAN I SELL OR RENT MY CONDOMINIUM?
You may always sell your condominium, but the Directors of the Association must give advance approval to the purchaser. Units may be rented but the renters must abide by the CC&R’s. The owner of the unit must notify the Association prior to renting the unit as well as when the renter will vacate the facility.
WHAT IS THE OWNER’S CLUBHOUSE?
At GarageTown, we try to create a community feel to our projects. The Owner’s clubhouse is the heart of the facility and creates a place for Owners to go to “hang out”. The Clubhouse varies with each property, but will always include a meeting area, sitting area, common restrooms, as well as a kitchenette area.
IS THE OWNER’S CLUBHOUSE OPEN 24/7?
Yes. Owners may utilize the common facility at their discretion.
WHAT KIND OF SECURITY IS ON SITE AND IN THE UNITS?
The perimeter is gated and coded for owners access only. Each unit is then secured with their own security system.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
From flooring, cabinets, mezzanines to customized tool benches- the sky is the limit. Please check with your GarageTown representative for more details.
WHAT SIZE ARE THE GARAGE DOORS?
All units will have 16’x14’ commercial grade doors.
DO THE UNITS HAVE SERVICE DOORS?
Service doors are available on the 24' and wider units.
ARE UNIT SIZES FLEXIBLE?
Each GarageTown site has a pre-determined layout. However we do have units that can be made into wider units and drive-thru units depending on the site. Please check with your GarageTown representative for more details.
HOW WIDE ARE THE DRIVE-AISLES?
Usually, each GarageTown site will have 60’ drive-aisles. Please check with your GarageTown representative for more details.
IS THERE AN RV DUMP?
Yes.
ARE THERE TRASH BINS?
Yes.
IS THERE WATER OR PLUMBING AVAILABLE IN THE UNITS?
No, but fortunately we have created the Owner’s clubhouse with bathroom facilities including showers. There are also hose bibs every few units that Owners can attach their own hose to for uses such as washing vehicles, etc. Please refer to the CC&Rs for prohibited uses. THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION.
CAN WE HAVE OUR OWN BATHROOM?
Common bathroom facilities will be located in the clubhouse as well as an additional bathroom centrally located on the project.
HOW DO WE OPEN THE OVERHEAD DOOR AND SECURITY ENTRANCE GATE?
There is a wireless garage door opener and an electric key pad available for each unit to open the overhead doors. The front gate will be operated with an electric key pad and each unit owner will be given a remote for wireless access.
WHAT TYPE OF LIGHTING IS INCLUDED?
Each unit will have four 8' fluorescent fixtures.
ARE THERE CEILING FANS?
Ceiling fans are not a standard amenity; however we do offer them as an option. Ceiling fans being installed after the unit is finished by the unit owner will be subject to the Condominium association rules and regulations.
DO I HAVE 24/7 ACCESS?
Yes.
HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY PAID?
Each unit is metered for individual use. However, the common area electricity is paid as part of the monthly POA dues.
CAN I HAVE A MEZZANINE?
Yes, our units have a minimum 16' ceiling height. We do have a preferred vendor, American Classic Garage, who can build quality metal mezzanines.
IS FINANCING AVAILABLE?
Yes. Shelter Mortgage is our Preferred Lender and they offer great competitive packages. You can contact Shelter Mortgage’s GarageTown Loan specialist Jennifer Hahn at 480-897-8013 or e-mail her at Jennifer.hahn@shelteraz.com.
CAN I PAY CASH FOR THE UNIT?
Yes, however we do have favorable financing options that are worth taking a look at through Shelter Mortgage.
HOW CAN I LOOK AT ONE?
Call our office at 480-926-2844 to schedule a tour at our brand new Stellar Airpark facility.
CAN I LIVE IN MY GARAGETOWN USA UNIT?
No. The units are for passive storage use only. They are not zoned residential.
CAN I RUN MY BUSINESS OUT OF MY GARAGETOWN USA UNIT?
In accordance with the Association’s CC&R’s, running a business out of a GarageTown unit is prohibited. However, if you would like to use the storage condo to store items associated with your business, then that would be allowed.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER USE RESTRICTIONS?
Yes, there will be restrictions on noise level, hazardous waste, fire hazards, and other items as dictated by the city which will be fully described in the Association’s Quality controlled CC&R’s.
WAIT, I THOUGHT THAT I WAS TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM MY HOA -AND THERE IS ONE HERE?
Yes, all GarageTown USA sites are professionally managed and there are Quality Controlled CC&R’s that restrict certain activities/storage uses on the project. They are only in play to protect your investments and keep the value and quality of GarageTown USA soaring.
CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY UNIT?
Yes, you can and we highly suggest you adding your own “flair” to your space; however there are certain quality control issues that are stated in the CC&R’s. We have teamed with American Classic Garage to provide our buyers with the highest quality Cabinets, flooring, mezzanine lofts, and more. No exterior changes are permitted.
