First off, the deposit is only for placing a hold on the unit and applying to take over. I want to be perfectly clear - the ultimate move-in cost would be right at $2,500. This includes a refrigerator *and* washer and dryer with the unit, though, which are normally not included. Also, if you come check out the unit (which I hope you would) before deciding on it we'd be glad to let you keep some of the furniture we'll be selling/throwing away when we leave, if you want, at no extra cost.As for the cost, here's why; the unit is part of a co-operative community. It is owned and run by a small non-profit company. You can find more information on the website: httpwww.berkshirevillage.org/The rent is low because there is no management company or the like profiting off you. Your monthly cost goes straight to upkeep/improving the units and nothing else. Also, the basement is NOT included in the squarefootage, all that space is finished and livable, the basement is just a bonus! Including basement square-footage is in the range of 1300. The basement does have power and air conditioning (hot/cold both) but it is not heavily insulated or finished.There is 24/7 security. Water and garbage are included; electricity is BPU, gas is Kansas Gas Service, and internet/TV is either Time Warner or Google Fiber (we currently have google fiber's 'free' service and the $300 is almost paid, so you could use it free if you wish for up to 7 years.)The units have a minimum membership-purchase cost of $2,000. My spouse and I are moving out and that is the least we can ask. We will be selling our refrigerator (brand new as of last July from Sears) and washer/dryer with the unit, which is why we are asking $2,500. The fridge and washer/dryer are normally not included. If you wanted to not have them included we could likely lower the price a little to accommodate for that, but it *cannot* go below $2,000 no matter what. It's simply Berkshire policy!There is no real lease term, you can stay indefinitely without hassle. The rent only goes up about $10 a year, if it goes up (it did not go up this year at all.) You get to vote on what gets improved and things that get done by being a member and living here.They are great with pets; no real issue with dogs or cats as long as they are Kansas licensed (which I think is a once-a-year thing and only costs like $20). Smoking is fine as well, if you're into that. Our unit is a breezeway unit - it has an upstairs, downstairs, and basement (unfinished.) Also a small concrete slab patio out back where you can grill or whatnot, and space for some gardening, too.This is a great place *if* you want to stay here for a while; I'm talking a couple years probably. We thought we would be settlined here but ended up having reasons to move out further west rather than stay.. Which brings me to the one caveat emptor of the co-op: If you want to move you have to sell your membership to do so. So it's a great place, but don't expect to be able up and run off at the drop of a hat! That said, I challenge you to find anyplace with 24/7 security that is remotely as nice and well-kept with as much square-footage for near the cost! Maintenance is always carried out same or next day, no questions asked. The AC and heater unit were both replaced within a day or two with zero hassle. They do not screw around here with maintaining the units!It really is a great place, just with two hitches: The move-in cost is a bit higher than some places (though in what you save on rent you'd make it back in no time, around here) and moving out is not always easy to do on short notice. Besides that, though, the rent is wonderfully low and our unit shares only one wall with neighbors (they've been fairly quiet so far, no real issues there.) If you want somewhere to settle for a while at an extremely low cost for what you get without having to fret any maintenance, you can't do better.Water and garbage are included; electricity is BPU, gas is Kansas Gas Service
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