Brianna Z. Kauer and her family decided on experiencing living in a cohousing community. In November of 2012, Kauer officially checked in and was immediately sucked into a society focused on organization and community-based activities. Monthly community meetings are held to discuss maintenance, finances, etc. with a designated committee. Her role as a parent made her realize that other people can have an impactful role in her children’s’ lives. Feeling a sense of pride and gratefulness, her decision to become a resident of a cohousing committee was an opportunistic one. Here are some thing to remember if you are considering cohousing.
Are you a people person? Because cohousing emphasizes community, you need to ask yourself if you are the type of person that is willing to be open-minded to others’ opinions. Group decision-making is based on a consensus, there may be different types, and can be overwhelming for you if you are not ready. While you still receive all the amenities of a private space, you are essentially a piece of the puzzle.
Shared energy costs could potentially mean more savings for you. Many cohousing structures are environmentally-friendly and could be a better option if you live a green living style.
Can you coexist with a community? Regardless of how friendly you are, there are bound to be disagreements along the way. Problems may arise and you need to be sure that you have a proactive approach to resolve issues quickly and painlessly.
While cohousing may not be for everybody, it is a great way to live if you are content with the notion of a tight-knit community. It also helps to know that you are less environmentally-impacting and that costs may be potentially reduced. The only question is where or not you can call this a permanent home. It’s all about your lifestyle and personality. Coexisting and assimilating in this type of culture can be easy or can be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll make.
Bio: Kuba Jewgieniew is the head of Realty ONE Group, a real estate brokerage firm that has branches in California, Nevada, and Arizona. For information on real estate, visit them online.
Summary: oneplanetthriving.com