Need Clarification on Watercolor Amenities

There is some clarification needed.

When you have amenities that are community property (owning property within the subdivision includes 1/500th of the pool/tennis courts/community areas) and maintained by HOA dues then you and your guests (whether they are paying you or not) are eligible to use them.

This is the standard definition of how community owned amenities work. Since all of the common areas and community elements are showing as owned by the WaterColor Community Association Inc. you most likely own a share of that entity and the bylaws govern how/when you may access said amenities. There must be some sort of loop hole or waiver that a property owner must sign when they purchase to allow this as the use of amenities in a condo or HOA is determined by state law.

As much as I hate to say it some owners may wish to consult an attorney regarding this policy. As I read it, and I'm not a lawyer, it's a violation of your rights under the Condominium/HOA acts of Florida.

I believe that there are some community amenities that are available only to property owners AND people renting through Watercolor. If you rent through the non-Watercolor rental agency you don't get those perks.

Last I heard, stuff like kayaking, golf at Camp Creek, fitness center, had different rates based on whether you were renting in WC or were just one of us regular folk.

WC Managment

o.k., I have spoken to Watercolor Vacations on two separate occasions and got the same basic answer with some variation on details. I find it hard to believe at all, so I need everyone's help. Watercolor Vacations has initiated a "resort fee" for guests who book through them. This fee covers access to amenities that NOBODY else can have access to. These include: boat house.. being kayaking, canoeing, electric boat rides, and fishing; access to the golf course; use of Camp Watercolor; DVD Rentals; beach bonfires; fitness club usage without fees, etc.. I was informed I was still "allowed" to dine at Fish out of Water (gee, I feel lucky). I pursued more details because, as some of you know, we have considered purchasing in the community. They went on to inform me that ONLY those homes using Watercolor Vacations had access. In fact, that these homeowners paid an additional fee on top of the 40% management fee, for amenity access. Therefore, if I used another rental agency, or VRBO, my guests would not have access to these things. In addition I was told as a home owner, neither I nor my guests, could use these facilities (even as a full time ressie)! huh? Well, needless to say that didn't sit well with me. As steam rolls from my ears, I need clarification. Do I not already pay a premium to rent and/or live in Watercolor? As a homeowner, there is a substantial monthly fee.... on top of the million dollar price tag. What is going on?

Watercolor has changed their management fee structure. There are two packages...one for 25% and one for 35%. The pdf was too large to attach but I will try to send it to you. Regardless, we are still bailing from WC to another rental management company. We are tired of their siphoning fees here and there.

Yes, there is now a new program in place giving you options for rates and inclusions. I have the latest packet, and will try to remember to post when I get a chance, or you can call the rental people handling WaterColor and they can send you a packet directly. You may need a deciphering code to go along with it.

Sounds like you were incorrectly informed about owners not being able to use the common facilities.

Yes, there is now a new program in place giving you options for rates and inclusions. I have the latest packet, and will try to remember to post when I get a chance, or you can call the rental people handling WaterColor and they can send you a packet directly. You may need a deciphering code to go along with it.

Sounds like you were incorrectly informed about owners not being able to use the common facilities.

In reference to Watercolor, I am friends with many owners there-- for clarity sake, the HOA only controls the amenities that they own (last time I checked, the HOA does not own the fitness center, the canoes and kayaks, Camp WaterColor or any of the restaurants or golf courses)
The dues that a homeowner pays to the HOA does not pay for any of the amenities that the HOA does not own (why would it?)
I believe if you own a home in WaterColor, you still have access to the amenities above but guests not renting through WaterColor do not

Before you spend your $$ on attorneys, why not call the HOA Manager and ask them what the HOA owns and what do the dues cover?

I'm pretty sure the HOA doesn't own the Beach Club either.

It was never clear to me who actually owned he WC tennis center. It was always included as an amenity in the descriptions, but ownership seems to be St. Joe along with the bike barn, fitness center, inn, boat house, and camp watercolor. Renting a "Tennis Package" room at the Inn guaranteed you special access which seemed inconsistent with HOA ownership of the amenity.

I always wondered why he HOA was providing security, landscaping services, water, garbage, etc.

HOA does own the beach club.

HOA does own the beach club.

So, technically, they can't refuse a homeowner, or his/her guests, access to the beach club, but possibly down the road, dining privileges... or towel service, or beach service? I'm not understanding the motive.... market share? It's just looks like plain greed and monopoly to me. If I own the dock and pay for its maintenance, or a building the amenity is being provided in, I darn well better be able to use the service. And so should my guests. I don't like dirty business and that is what this seems. If this is accurate, how can I trust that what I buy into today, will be the same quality in 5 years? It just seems underhanded and now I'm not confident in the product. Did the homeowners get notice of this change? Is there possibly an amenity fee that can be paid (beyond the .5% to the "St. Joe Foundation" at closing mind you) to allow these services to be provided?

Don't ask me - I am still annoyed that they banned employees and their families from the New Year's Eve party.

This should help resale values.

HOA does own the beach club.

HOA owns tennis center and WC has a mgt. contract. Homeowners, renters staying in WC managed properties ( Elite program ), Inn guests have complimentary use. Guests staying in non-WC managed properties ( VRBO, etc ) can use for an hourly fee.

HOA owns tennis center and WC has a mgt. contract. Homeowners, renters staying in WC managed properties ( Elite program ), Inn guests have complimentary use. Guests staying in non-WC managed properties ( VRBO, etc ) can use for an hourly fee.

That is how it's worked in the past, with non WC renters being charged a slightly higher price for the other programs. I can understand that. WC is now saying if you are not staying in one of the properties managed by them, you can NOT have access, no matter what. Just to clarify, for tennis, WC Vacations said we all had access. What homeowners and guests not staying through them can't have access to are: the kayaks, canoes, fishing, Camp Watercolor, bonfires, DVD Rentals, electric boat rides, golfing, etc.. I just keep thinking that can't be right. And if they get away with it, what will be next? It concerns me as both a renter, and a potential homeowner. I don't want the amenities slowly being taken from me and the only way to have them is to pay the WC premium. Just to be specific, they want to charge me about $1400.00 more for the same amount of time as last years stay through them. A large appeal of WC is the amenities that tie into the beautiful green spaces and parks. If I can only sit there and watch others partake... well that just doesn't sit well with me. I sure as hell don't want to pay a premium to watch it.

What homeowners and guests not staying through them can't have access to are: the kayaks, canoes, fishing, Camp Watercolor, bonfires, DVD Rentals, electric boat rides, golfing, etc.

That sounds incorrect on one account -- what about the WC homeowner who doesn't rent out their house? I believe they still have access to these things. I believe this information you mention applies only for guests who stay in a house not on the WC rental program. I don't believe these amenities are for guests only. I think they are geared for homeowners first, then WC rentals.

If you consider cost as your only reasoning behind not wanting to rent through WC, you may be missing the boat (no pun intended). Yes, you can save money renting through VRBO, but you may not have much recourse and you likely have inconsistencies and bad experiences which lead to perception that WaterColor is to blame, when it was the owner who was to blame. WaterColor rental provides on staff people to act as a concierge, check in, check out, can get housekeeping or maintanence there pronto when there is an oversite on cleaning, or if an A/C unit goes out on July 4. If the house has other renters in there from a double booking, there are options. With a VRBO, you don't get any of that. The owners are typically living in another state, and have no way to take care of things which could be a miserable experience. You pay for much more than a house when renting through WC. You are paying for a total experience, and are much more likely to leave feeling satisfied and as though you got something special.

An analogy might be Central Square Record store and Sundog Books in Seaside. You can go to those stores and pull out your iPhone and scan the barcode and order the music or the book, and save a few dollars by ordering online. That idea of saving money is most important to some people. However, both of those stores don't sell music and books -- they sell experience. They are your personal Amazon. You can ask the staff to play you samples of the music before you buy. You can ask the staff to recommend books and which book may be a better read based on your likes and dislikes. They know their business. They are in the people business, disguised as a bookstore and a music store. If you leave a bookstore or a music store with only an album or a book, you are shortchanged. When you leave Sundog Books or Central Square Records, you leave with a total experience of community, of other people caring about you personally, and respecting the work of the artists and writers.

I would think the same goes for renting a home through WaterColor -- you are buying something more than a rental house. You are buying a vacation experience. You are not having to worry about the VRBO owner getting foreclosed and selling off the furniture inside, or better yet, having an eviction and foreclosure notice on the door to the house you rent. Vacations are short and shouldn't be spent worrying about whether or not you are enjoying your vacation. Leave it to the pros to take care your vacation.

When you place an order for a record at Central Square that they don't stock, they will typically buy additional copies and place them on the shelves. Pretty savvy.

Maybe this will help....

Our gift for the New Year

I know that the past year has been economically tough and I appreciate your partnership and trust. As a special “Thank You” our team here at WaterColor Resort would like to offer you a newly lowered management fee and some additional benefits.

The WaterColor Elite Package offers all the great services that you enjoy now, plus some added benefits for a newly lowered fee of 35%. There is no need to worry about a new contract, we'll just add the newly lowered fee to your contract and you'll automatically be enrolled. You will enjoy the exclusivity that the WaterColor Resort Elite Package offers that no other homeowner or guest will have access to. Please view the WaterColor Elite Package.

We are also offering a new WaterColor Advantage Package that allows a lower commission structure of 25% and the option to add services ? la carte. Our team will be happy to go over the differences of the two packages to see which one best fits your needs. Please call (850) 231-7708.

You will enjoy the exclusivity that the WaterColor Resort Elite Package offers that no other homeowner or guest will have access to.

Well, that is as clear as mud, Ms Kitty. This letter makes it indeed sound as though homeowners who don't choose to rent their house in WC, won't have access to things like bicycles, kayaks, bonfires, etc. I am going to call the new guy in charge over there this afternoon and see if I can get clarification.

Please post the response you get from management. I can't see denying a homeowner these benefits. We do not rent our home and should not be penalized for it. The amenities was a huge factor in purchasing a home in Watercolor for our family.

If you don't want to use WC Mgt. program that's your choice but please stop advising your clients ( you know who you are ) to call the front desk at the Inn for help every time they have issues after hours or on the week-ends. Maintenance can't come to their rescue for HVAC, refrigerator etc. problems, supplying loaner TV's and DVD players, after hours and week-end help in getting into units because of late arrivals, getting new or extra ving keys for the beach club can't be accomodated for non-rental guest anymore - all have to go through HOA office which closes at 5 and not open on week-ends. Also, the DVD library is not available. These things go on all the time - had a request the other nite from a no-WC property for help getting his children into a pool. These are some of the benefits to your renters associated with our program that I don't think many owners appreciate until there is a problem.

Please post the response you get from management. I can't see denying a homeowner these benefits. We do not rent our home and should not be penalized for it. The amenities was a huge factor in purchasing a home in Watercolor for our family.

I'm anxious for the response too. This has been my point. While it peeves me as a renter, it inflames me as a potential homeowner. We feel the same way. A large part of the appeal of WC is the amenities. I shouldn't be forced to either rent my home, or use a certain rental company to enjoy all my community has to offer. As I stated earlier, I'm paying a premium to live there, or own a second home there. I shouldn't be denied services because of a monopoly... whose using my buildings to supply those services!

Noble House says that there is a list of amenities for the exclusive use of owners of homes on the WC rental program and renters of those properties, For owners who don't rent through WC rental program, including those who don't rent their home out at all, they do not have use of those select privileges which are ran and funded through Noble House (WC rental program).

If you are an owner, you can elect to choose the elite or advantage package, giving you some choices of which amenities that will be included.

There is also talk of changing one or two items on that list to make available for fee for WC owners who do not rent their home.

Well, that is as clear as mud, Ms Kitty. This letter makes it indeed sound as though homeowners who don't choose to rent their house in WC, won't have access to things like bicycles, kayaks, bonfires, etc. I am going to call the new guy in charge over there this afternoon and see if I can get clarification.

...good call! The letter didn't c/p with the links for each package. I am still confused and need to make my list of questions and make the call.

...good call! The letter didn't c/p with the links for each package. I am still confused and need to make my list of questions and make the call.

Want his home number?

just reading this blog gives me a headache. so much confusion - if i were thinking of buying or even renting, i would definitely want the info in writing!

If you own a home and pay your HOA dues($1000+ quarter) you should have all amenities offered by the development in my opinion. I understand not offering to outside guests. Was Watercolor's or is Watercolor's main focus renting or selling to second homeowners ? Looks as though there focus could be moving in a bad direction for owners who want a second home just for themselves and family. There is no way I can see where you can cash flow a property by renting it at todays prices much less prices from a few years back. If they are focusing on rent then they better be ready for the backlash from non renting owners. Mgt. is going to kill the bright spot they have in home and lot sales in my opinion. Just seems like bad business to offer a renter something a homeowner can't have. Reminds me of 4th of July fireworks show when you could not get to the beach without a wristband. I witnessed one homeowner having a confrontation with staff over beach access at the beach club walk over on this issue. He was pissed because they would not let him use something he thought he was paying to maintain. Maybe it is just a very few small things offered that will not effect my family's visit. I just hate to tell the kids they can't do something that other kids are doing just because their grandparents are owner's, not renters. We rented for years and I never expected to be given more amenities than an owner. I guess we could put the house in a LLC and rent it to ourselves so we could enjoy the entire vaction experience. It would only cost us 30%. What a deal, buy ahouse for a million$$ + , pay insurance, maintenance, HOA dues, taxes, garbage, lights, water, landscape and then RENT to a mgt. company to get somethinga renter pays nominal fes for. What a great deal!!!!