FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Revised 1/7/2020

These questions and answers are a summary of what I believe to be are the current Leisure World policy. These policies may be changed at anytime by Leisure World and should be rechecked and confirmed just prior to entering into a purchase contract.

If you’d like help selling your home prior to entering a purchase contract, please reach contact Rafael at 714-478-7891.

What is Required to Purchase in Leisure World Seal Beach?

• A $5,000 earnest money deposit toward the purchase price
• Buyers must meet minimum income requirements.  Verification of monthly income will be done by providing the past two years of:
  • Last 2 years of Tax returns (1^st 2 pages of the 1040, not the attachments).  In the event the buyer does not file taxes, then we need the last two years of:
  • 1099s for interest and dividends
  • 1099-R for retirement income from qualified plans and annuities
  • SSA-1099 Social Security Benefits Statements
  • Brokerage statements and current interim statements 
• 6 Months of statements showing the reserve of $25,000 (for Mutuals  2,3,5,6,7,10,11 and 12), OR  Proof of $50,000 (for Mutuals 1, 4, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 and 17).  This can be  done in any one of the following ways:
  • Six months of bank statements showing the $25,000 or $50,000 (depending on what mutual you are purchasing in)  on deposit for the full six month time period
  • IRA, Securities or checking or savings account
  • If your offer is contingent upon the sale of another home a copy of the escrow instructions and a copy of an estimated closing statement will also satisfy this requirement
• A copy of passport (must be current) OR  birth certificate (government issued one not hospital issued) AND Drivers License (This is proof that you are at least 55 year of age)
• Mutual 1, 2,4  and 9 require An original doctor’s letter stating that you are able to live independently.  Must be written on doctor’s letterhead.  A prescription pad is not acceptable.  Name on the doctor’s note must match the ID provided. AND the Active Adult form must be signed by the doctor as well.
• Copy of Credit report if you are purchasing in Mutual 1 (FICO score over 680) Mutual 14 and 17 (FICO score over 620).
• Pay One Time Membership Costs (as of January 1, 2020)
  • The per person membership fee: $4,078
• Fill out a membership application and complete a “Buyer’s Orientation” with the Mutual Board representatives
  • The buyer must physically appear at the “Buyer’s Orientation”.  This will take place approximately 15 to 20 days after the offer has been accepted by the seller
• Receiving Keys to the unit after the escrow has closed:
  • Escrow will make an appointment for All Of The Buyers (not just one) to personally (no one else can do this) to pick up the keys to the unit at Stock Transfer.
  • Appointments can only be made from Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 3pm.  They do not work weekends
• The buyer must provide proof of a monthly income that is at least four times (five times greater in Mutual 14 & 16) greater than the combined total of the monthly mutual fee plus 1/12^th of annual property taxes (based on 1.2% of the sales price) plus the $19.94 sewer fee.
  • This is an example of the approximate net monthly income requirements (as of January 1, 2020). 
    • Some mutuals will be a little higher and others a little lower.  This was figured using a $390 per month mutual fee.
    • For Mutual 14& 16 add 25% to the Net Monthly Income listed below

Purchase Price	Net Monthly Income
$125,000	$2,100
$150,000	$2,200
$175,000	$2,300
$200,000	$2,400
$225,000	$2,500
$250,000	$2,600
$275,000	$2,700
$300,000	$2,800
$325,000	$2,900
$350,000	$3,000
$375,000	$3,100
$400,000	$3,200
$425,000	$3,300
$450,000	$3,400
$475,000	$3,500
$500,000	$3,600

​​​What are the ownership / residency requirements?

• Qualified Permanent Resident (exception to the 55 years of age requirement)
  • Persons under the age of 55 who can purchase with and reside in Leisure World with a person who is over 55 year of age
    • A spouse can be of any age
    • A non-spouse must be at least 45 years of age
      • Must meet the same income and cash assets as the primary owner
  • Must provide a doctors letter stating they are able to live independently
  • Must provide a passport or birth certificate and drivers license
  • Fill out a membership application and have an interview with the Mutual Board
  • Pay One Time Membership Cost
    • 1 person membership fee: $4,078.00
• Non-Owner Co-Occupant
  • Must provide identification showing they are at least 55 years of age
  • Must attend the interview with the owner
  • Pay One Time Membership Cost
    • 1 person membership fee: $4,078 + $100 processing fee
  • Resides with a resident, but they do not have any rights of ownership
  • Must vacate the premises within 90 day of the death or hospitalization of resident
• Non Resident Co-Owner
  • Title can be taken with one beneficiary
  • This allows for the transfer of ownership upon the death of any of the persons within the title to the next person or persons on the title, without benefit of a probate proceeding
  • The Nonresident Co-Owner is a beneficiary status only and does not come with any membership rights or privileges or right of residency

Do you rent/lease or buy your dwelling unit or apartment?

• The Leisure World community is comprised of two types of property ownership:
  • The cooperative unit, (mutual 1 to 16) in which the owner is a shareholder in the housing corporation, and whose ownership is evidenced by one share of stock and the right to occupy the apartment.
    • These units must be purchased for all cash (no financing is allowed)
• The condominium, (only in mutual 17) in which the owner has a deed to the apartment and an undivided interest in the Mutual’s assets.
  • These units may be financed by lending companies
  • In both cases, the Mutual Corporation maintains the structure and related grounds.

What does it cost to live in the Leisure World community?  Are there monthly fees?

• The seller of an apartment determines the value of the unit and charges that amount to the buyer.  In addition, there is a monthly fee called a Regular Assessment.  The Regular Assessment varies by Mutual.  The Regular Assessment includes exterior maintenance, landscaping, recreational activities, and security, among other items.  The monthly Regular Assessment is recalculated each year.
• The monthly Fee for 2019 by Mutual are as follows:
  • Mutual 1 –   $393.32
  • Mutual 2 –   $444.72
  • Mutual 3 –   $402.56
  • Mutual 4 –   $398.14
  • Mutual 5 –   $391.95
  • Mutual 6 –   $366.61
  • Mutual 7 –   $437.38
  • Mutual 8 –   $389.71
  • Mutual 9 –   $411.22
  • Mutual 10 – $417.28
  • Mutual 11 – $416.91
  • Mutual 12 – $420.93
  • Mutual 14 – $384.61
  • Mutual 15 – $412.67
  • Mutual 16 – $432.84
  • Mutual 17 – $380.00
•  Additional monthly fees
  • Cable television – $29.50 (optional)
  • Sewage – $19.94
  • 1/12^th of the annual property tax
    • The annual property tax is this equal to 1.2% of the purchase price
    • If you bring in a lower tax basis from the sale of another California residence, your tax rate could be lower.

How large is the Leisure World community?

• The Leisure World community covers 533 acres, or roughly 1 square mile.

How many people live in the Leisure World community?

• There are approximately 9,000 residents in the community.

What is meant by cooperative housing?

• Cooperative housing refers to the cooperative ownership of the Mutual’s property by members who are shareholders in the Corporation.  Ownership of the stock may be inherited, transferred or sold, with the approval of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.  The co-ops were developed with FHA guaranteed 40-year loans.

When was the Leisure World community built?

• Construction began in 1960.  The first move-in occurred on June of 1962.

Are there any medical facilities included in the community?

• Yes, there are.  The Health Care Center is located inside the community and features a full-service pharmacy, an on-site clinical laboratory, radiology services and a well-equipped physical therapy department. Services include geriatric medicine, gastroenterology, dermatology, geriatric optometry, psychiatry, orthopedics, urology, podiatry, general surgery, gynecology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, pain management and internal medicine.
• The Health Care Center also offers social services, 24-hour nursing, optical dispensing and 24 hour ambulance service.  For added security, a service called Lifeline is available from the Golden Age Foundation, for a nominal fee of $25.00 per month.  In case of emergency, this device can be used to alert members of the medical staff who will come to your immediate need.

Are pets permitted in the community?

• Pets are permitted in the community subject to the rules and policies of the Mutual Corporations.  These rules and policies include, for instance, a limit to the number of pets per apartment, a maximum weight limit per pet and a current city pet license.
  • One quadruped pet is allowed
  • The maximum weight at maturity is 25 pounds (20 pounds in Mutual 17)

Are guests permitted to have lengthy stays in the community?

• Yes, guests are permitted to visit residents in the community.  The governing policy states that guest visits are limited to a maximum of 60 days per calendar year and only while residents are in residence.  Guests may not bring pets into the community.

Are transportation services available in the community?

• Yes, Leisure World has a fare-free mini-bus transportation system which services all areas of the planned community and the nearby shopping center every day.  Transportation on the wheelchair mini-bus is also available by reservation.  Other transportation services available include a no-fare, 37-passenger bus to-and-from The Shops At Rossmoor and Old Ranch Town Center; charter busses departing from the Amphitheater; courtesy transportation from several hospitals outside the community; and Orange County Transit District.

Upon the demise of an owner, what happens to his/her apartment?

• It all depends upon how the title is held.  This is a very complex question, and is best answered by legal counsel.  Any sale or transfer of ownership must be approved by the Mutual’s Board of Directors.

Is there a cost to use the recreation facilities, other than the monthly carrying charge?

• It depends on the facility.  There is no fee to use the golf course, swimming pool or exercise room.  The various clubs hold their meetings and activities at the clubhouses at no cost; however, private parties require a refundable cleaning deposit.

What is the minimum age to move into the community?

• In accordance with Section 51.3 of the California Civil Code, effective January 1, 1985, at least one person occupying a unit must be 55 years of age to qualify for occupancy.  Co-occupants must be at least 45 years of age except if a spouse or a medical or financial care provider.

Can the units be remodeled?

• Yes, with the approval of the mutual Board of Directors, the city of Seal Beach and the Golden Rain Foundation.
  • Only licensed and insured contractors may be used
  • A list is available in the Physical Properties office<
• Remodeling includes
  • Changes to the structure, inside and outside, in the patio or in the garden areas
    • All electrical work will require approval
  • Once remodeled, the owner assumes full responsibility for all repairs to the non-conforming additions or alterations.  This also applies to all non-standard appliances

Can the units be rented?

• Mutual 1, 2, 3, 5 – 12 and 14 – 16 do not allow units to be rented
• Mutual 4 allows 90 day rentals only to other owners who are remodeling their units and need housing until the remodeling is finished
• Mutual 17 allows only 10% of the 158 units to be leased on a year to year basis

Where can the new buyer park their recreational vehicle?

• Contact the Leisure World Trailer Club for space availability and storage in the Leisure World Trailer Park

Where can guests park recreational vehicles?

• Obtain permission from the security office
  • Park at club house #4 for a maximum of two weeks

Are there parking facilities for my vehicle(s)?

• Each unit is assigned one parking stall with a small storage space.  There is parking on some streets in the community, as well as parking for recreational vehicles in a designated area.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Arts and Crafts

•           Art Classes

•           Art League

•           Clay Crafters

•           Creative Writers

•           Enter Laughing

•           Fiction Writers Critique Group

•           Knit and Crochet

•           Lapidary and Jewelry Making

•           Leisure World Theater Club

•           LW Senior Fashion and Style

•           Photographic Arts

•           Poetry Workshop

•           Quilting Bees

•           Rug Hooking / Working with Wool

•           Theater Club

•           Wednesday Ceramics

•           Wood Shop Clubs

Bridge

•           Bridge Duplicate

•           Bridge, ACBL Duplicate

•           Burning Tree Duplicate Bridge Club

•           Combined Bridge

Cards and Games

•           Best Time Bunco

•           Boxcar Dominoes

•           Bunco Social Club

•           Chess

•           Cribbage

•           Diamond Poker Club

•           Euchrites

•           Leisure Girls Mahjong

•           Mahjong

•           Pinochle

•           Pinochle Friendly

•           Scrabble

•           Tournament Poker

Dance

•           Ballroom Dance

•           Dancers and Mixers

•           Hui O Hula

•           Leisure Time Dance

•           Line Dance

•           LW Cloggers Club

•           Stage Dance Club

•           Tap Dance

•           TGIF Ballroom Dancing

•           West Coast Swing

•           Western Line Dance

•           Whirlers – Square Dance

Education

•           Continuing Education forum

•           Current Events

•           Investment Forum

•           LW Historical Society

•           Open-Mind Forum

•           Science Discussion Club

•           World Affairs Forum

Hobbies and Sports

•           Amateur Radio Club

•           Astronomy

•           Coin

•           Computer Club

•           Garden Club

•           Genealogy Workshop

•           Golf, Men’s

•           Golf, Women’s

•           Lawn Bowling

•           Leisure Leggers

•           Leisure World Bowling Club

•           LW Karaoke

•           Mini Farmers

•           Photographic Arts

•           Pool and Billiards, Men’s

•           Pool, Lady’s “Q”

•           Shuffleboard

•           Stamp

•           Swim Club

•           Table Tennis

•           Trailer Club

•           Video Producers

•           Worldwide Travel Club

Music

•           Community Sing

•           Dixieland Jazz Club

•           LW Symphony Orchestra

•           Music Appreciation

•           Ukulele Neighbors Club

Nationality

•           Britannia Club

•           Chinese Friendship Club

•           German American

•           Italian American

•           Korean American Fellowship

•           Nikkei Club

•           Slavic

•           Spanish

•           Touch of Dutch

•           Vietnamese Club

Occupation

•           California Retired Teachers Association

Political

•           Democratic

•           Republican Women, Federated

•           Saving Our Seniors Benefits

Religious

•           Chinese English Bible Study Fellowship

•           Christian Fellowship and Fun Club

•           Holy Family Parish (Catholic)

•           LDS Family Home Evening

•           Little Flower Guild

•           Our Lady of Africa Mission Guild

•           Religious Science Study Group

•           St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church

•           Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Self Improvement

•           Aerobics

•           Feeling Good

•           Fun & Fitness Club

•           Impaired Vision and Hearing

•           Parkinson’s Support Group

•           Relax and Alert Meditation

•           Senior Fitness

•           Tai Chi, Tai Chi Chuan

•           Wa-Rite

Service Oriented

•           AARP Safe Driver

•           American Legion Auxiliary

•           American Legion Post 327

•           Concerned Share Holders

•           Joy Klowns

•           Kiwanis

•           Pan-Hellenic

•           Parkinson Support Group

•           PEO, Chapter RT

•           Pet Lovers Club

•           Salvation Army

Senior Patriots against the War

St. Jude Support Group of Leisure World

•           Translators’ Club

•           Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048

Ladies Auxiliary

•           Y’s Men

Social

•           Eastern Star Card Club

•           Friendly Couples

•           Gadabouts

•           GAF Hospitality Center

•           LW Phil-Am Social Club

•           Masonic Family Club

•           Schmooze Club

•           Women’s Club

•           Yiddish Club

State

•           Kansas

•           New York