The House Looks Perfect.
The neighborhood is beautiful.
The schools are attractive.
The kitchen has been remodeled.
The backyard is exactly what you wanted.
The commute works.
The price is within your range.
You start thinking:
"This could be the one."
Then you look at the property taxes.
And there's another charge.
Mello-Roos.
You ask:
"What is that?"
And that's when things get interesting.
Because Mello-Roos isn't necessarily a reason to walk away from a house.
But it is something you need to understand before you buy.
And if you're comparing homes throughout the East Bay and Tri-Valley, ignoring Mello-Roos can lead you to make a decision based on an incomplete picture of what the home actually costs.
Quick Answer
Mello-Roos is the common name for a special tax imposed within a Community Facilities District, or CFD.
Under California's Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act, local agencies can establish CFDs to finance certain public facilities and services. California law allows CFDs to finance a range of services and facilities, including certain public infrastructure and public safety-related services. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
The tax is separate from the ordinary ad valorem property tax based on assessed value. The California State Board of Equalization specifically distinguishes Mello-Roos special taxes from ordinary property taxation. (boe.ca.gov)
In plain English:
Mello-Roos is an additional property-related cost that applies to properties located within certain Community Facilities Districts.
It can help pay for things such as:
- Roads.
- Schools.
- Parks.
- Public facilities.
- Infrastructure.
- Certain public services.
- Maintenance and other authorized district expenses.
The exact purpose depends on the specific CFD.
Mello-Roos Is Not Automatically Bad
This is the first thing I want buyers to understand.
I hear people say:
"I don't want a house with Mello-Roos."
That's understandable.
Nobody wakes up excited about paying another tax.
But here's the problem with automatically eliminating every home with Mello-Roos:
You may be eliminating a house without comparing the total value and total cost.
A newer neighborhood might have:
- Better infrastructure.
- Newer roads.
- Newer parks.
- Newer schools or school facilities.
- Community amenities.
- Newer public infrastructure.
And some of those improvements may have been financed through a CFD.
The question isn't simply:
"Does this home have Mello-Roos?"
The better question is:
"What is the Mello-Roos obligation, what does it fund, and does this home still make financial sense to me?"
What Does "Mello-Roos" Actually Mean?
The term comes from the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982.
The law created a mechanism through which local agencies could establish Community Facilities Districts and impose special taxes to finance authorized public facilities and services. California Government Code Chapter 2.5 contains the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
So when someone says:
"This house has Mello-Roos,"
what they usually mean is:
"This property is located within a Community Facilities District that imposes a special tax."
What Is a Community Facilities District?
A Community Facilities District, commonly called a CFD, is a defined geographic area in which a special tax can be levied to finance authorized facilities or services.
The district doesn't necessarily correspond perfectly to:
- A city.
- A neighborhood.
- A ZIP code.
- A school district.
It can cover a specific area or development.
That's why two houses that are:
half a mile apart
can have very different tax obligations.
This Is Why You Need to Look at the Actual Property
You can't reliably say:
"San Ramon has Mello-Roos."
or:
"Dublin doesn't have Mello-Roos."
That's too broad.
The relevant question is:
"Does this specific property fall within a CFD?"
And if it does:
What are the specific charges?
What Can Mello-Roos Pay For?
The exact purpose depends on the district.
California law allows Community Facilities Districts to finance certain public facilities and services.
Depending on the CFD, that can include things such as:
- Streets.
- Sewer systems.
- Water infrastructure.
- Parks.
- Schools.
- Libraries.
- Public safety facilities.
- Police-related services.
- Fire-related services.
- Other authorized public facilities and services.
The specific authority is established by the particular district and its formation documents. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Here's the Part Buyers Sometimes Miss
Mello-Roos isn't necessarily based on:
"Your house is worth $1.5 million, so you pay X%."
A CFD's special tax can be structured according to the district's authorized rate and method of apportionment.
That means:
Two houses with similar values can have different Mello-Roos charges.
And:
Two houses with different values can potentially have similar special-tax obligations.
You need to look at the actual property.
Mello-Roos Is Different From Your Regular Property Tax
This distinction is important.
Your ordinary property tax is generally based on the property's assessed value under California's property-tax system.
Mello-Roos is a special tax associated with a Community Facilities District.
The California BOE specifically notes that Mello-Roos bonds and other special taxes are distinguishable from ordinary ad valorem property taxation because they are not based on the property's assessed value in the same manner. (boe.ca.gov)
So when you're evaluating a home, don't just ask:
"What's the property tax?"
Ask:
"What are all of the property-related taxes and assessments?"
Your Property Tax Bill May Tell the Story
One of the easiest places to start is the property's tax information.
You may see:
- General property taxes.
- Special taxes.
- Mello-Roos charges.
- Other assessments.
- Direct levies.
The exact presentation varies by county and district.
That's why you should review the actual tax information for the property you're considering.
What If the Listing Says "No Mello-Roos"?
Don't stop there.
Verify it.
Listings are useful.
But when you're making a purchase involving hundreds of thousands—or millions—of dollars:
Verify important financial information through the appropriate documents and agencies.
This is especially important when comparing newer developments.
How Do I Find Out if a Home Has Mello-Roos?
There are several places you can investigate.
1. Property Tax Records
Review the property's tax information.
2. Seller Disclosures
The seller may be required to provide information about applicable special taxes.
3. Notice of Special Tax
California law provides disclosure requirements for property located within a CFD.
4. Title and Escrow Documents
Relevant recorded information may appear in the transaction documents.
5. Local Government
The city, county or other agency responsible for the CFD can provide district-specific information.
6. Your Realtor
Your agent can help you identify where to look and what questions to ask.
The Notice of Special Tax
This is particularly important.
California law includes disclosure requirements regarding special taxes associated with CFDs.
For example, California Civil Code Section 1102.6 requires disclosure of certain special-tax information when property is located within a Community Facilities District. (fontanaca.gov)
The exact disclosure documents and transaction circumstances matter.
But the basic point is simple:
Buyers should know when a property carries a special tax obligation.
How Much Does Mello-Roos Cost?
This is where I want to be careful.
There is no single statewide Mello-Roos amount.
It depends on:
- The CFD.
- The property.
- The tax formula.
- The services or facilities being funded.
- The bonds.
- The district's authorized maximums.
- Annual adjustments where applicable.
So if someone tells you:
"Mello-Roos is usually $2,000."
That's not a useful rule.
One property could be:
$1,000 per year.
Another could be:
$4,000.
Another could be substantially higher.
Don't Budget From a Neighbor's House
This happens more often than you might think.
Buyer:
"My friend lives in the neighborhood and only pays $1,500."
Great.
But maybe your house is in:
A different CFD.
Or:
A different phase of the development.
Or:
A different tax-rate category.
Or:
A different parcel classification.
Your neighbor's bill doesn't establish yours.
Does Mello-Roos Increase?
Potentially.
The specific tax formula and authorized maximums depend on the CFD.
Some special taxes may be structured with annual adjustments or other provisions.
That's why you need to read the district's actual documentation rather than assuming:
"It will always be exactly $2,500."
How Long Does Mello-Roos Last?
This is another question with no universal answer.
Some Mello-Roos obligations are associated with bonds that eventually mature.
Others can include ongoing special taxes for authorized services or maintenance.
The duration depends on the specific CFD.
So don't ask:
"How long does Mello-Roos last in California?"
Ask:
"How long does the Mello-Roos obligation for this specific property last?"
That's the useful question.
What Happens When the Bonds Are Paid Off?
This depends on the structure of the CFD.
A district may have special taxes associated with debt service, while other authorized taxes can support ongoing services or maintenance.
So don't assume:
"The bonds get paid off, therefore every Mello-Roos charge disappears."
The governing documents control.
Can Mello-Roos Be Permanent?
Some special-tax obligations may continue for ongoing authorized services.
Others may be structured around a defined debt period.
Again:
Read the CFD documents.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Mello-Roos and New Construction
This is where buyers encounter Mello-Roos most frequently.
Many newer developments use special financing mechanisms to fund infrastructure and community facilities associated with growth.
The city of Vacaville, for example, describes CFDs as a mechanism for financing specific facilities and services under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act. (cityofvacaville.gov)
But:
New construction does not automatically mean Mello-Roos.
And:
Older construction does not automatically mean no Mello-Roos.
The specific property is what matters.
Why Newer Communities Can Have Higher Total Property Costs
Imagine two homes.
Home A
Built in 1978.
Purchase price:
$1,100,000
Home B
Built in 2022.
Purchase price:
$1,100,000
They cost the same to buy.
But Home B might have:
- Mello-Roos.
- HOA.
- Higher insurance.
- Newer infrastructure costs.
- Other special assessments.
Home A might have:
- Lower or no Mello-Roos.
- No HOA.
- Older systems.
- Higher expected maintenance.
So which is cheaper?
You can't answer that from the purchase price.
The Total-Cost Comparison
Let's say:
Home A
Mortgage:
$6,000
Property tax:
$1,100
HOA:
$0
Mello-Roos:
$0
Estimated maintenance:
$700
Total: $7,800
Home B
Mortgage:
$6,000
Property tax:
$1,100
HOA:
$150
Mello-Roos:
$300
Estimated maintenance:
$400
Total: $7,950
Suddenly, the $150 difference isn't nearly as dramatic as the purchase-price comparison might suggest.
These numbers are purely illustrative—not estimates of actual East Bay costs.
The point is:
Compare the entire ownership cost.
Mello-Roos vs. HOA
These are completely different.
Mello-Roos
A special tax associated with a Community Facilities District.
HOA
A private association that manages a common-interest development and collects assessments or dues.
You can have:
Mello-Roos + HOA
at the same property.
Mello-Roos vs. Supplemental Property Tax
This distinction is especially important because we just covered supplemental taxes in Blog #51.
Mello-Roos
A special tax associated with a CFD.
Supplemental Property Tax
A tax assessment that can result from a qualifying change in ownership or completed new construction.
They are not the same.
A home can potentially have:
Regular property taxes
Mello-Roos
HOA
Supplemental property taxes after purchase
Other assessments
That's why understanding the tax bill matters.
Mello-Roos vs. Parcel Tax
These can also be different.
A parcel tax is another type of special tax that may appear on a property-tax bill.
Don't assume every line item that isn't the basic property tax is Mello-Roos.
Look at the actual description.
Does Mello-Roos Affect Your Mortgage Qualification?
Potentially, yes.
Even though it isn't necessarily part of the base property-tax calculation, recurring property-related obligations can affect your overall housing expense and therefore your affordability analysis.
Your lender determines how applicable obligations are treated for underwriting.
This is one reason you should disclose the complete property-tax picture to your lender.
Don't Wait Until After Your Offer Is Accepted
If you're seriously considering a home with Mello-Roos:
Find out the amount before you write the offer.
You should know what you're buying into before deciding what you're willing to pay.
What If the Listing Price Looks Like a Bargain?
Let's say:
Home A
$1,250,000
No Mello-Roos.
Home B
$1,175,000
$4,500/year Mello-Roos.
At first glance:
Home B is $75,000 cheaper.
But now calculate the annual cost difference.
If Home B carries $4,500 more in annual special taxes, that matters.
You still need to evaluate:
- Financing.
- Tax treatment.
- Insurance.
- HOA.
- Maintenance.
- Appreciation.
- Neighborhood.
- Resale.
But the $75,000 price difference shouldn't be viewed in isolation.
Does Mello-Roos Reduce a Home's Value?
Not necessarily.
A buyer may value the community and improvements funded by the CFD.
Another buyer may strongly dislike the additional tax.
The market ultimately reflects what buyers are willing to pay for the property and its overall package.
That's why saying:
"Mello-Roos makes the house worth less"
is too simplistic.
Could Mello-Roos Affect Resale?
Potentially.
If buyers in a particular market strongly prefer properties without special taxes, the additional cost could influence demand.
But that's not the same as saying:
"A home with Mello-Roos won't sell."
Many homes with Mello-Roos sell every day.
The question is how the market perceives:
Price + taxes + HOA + amenities + location + condition.
The East Bay Perspective
This is where things get especially interesting.
If you're looking at:
San Ramon
Dublin
Pleasanton
Livermore
Danville
Walnut Creek
or surrounding communities, you may encounter a wide range of property types.
You could be comparing:
- Older established neighborhoods.
- Newer subdivisions.
- Condominiums.
- Townhomes.
- Master-planned communities.
- Custom homes.
- New construction.
Each can have a very different ownership-cost profile.
San Ramon Buyers Should Pay Attention to Total Carrying Costs
San Ramon has a mixture of established neighborhoods and newer development.
That means you shouldn't assume every San Ramon property has the same:
- Property taxes.
- HOA.
- Special assessments.
- Mello-Roos.
- Insurance.
Compare the actual property.
Dublin Buyers Should Do the Same
Dublin has experienced significant development over the years.
Newer communities can have different tax and assessment structures than older neighborhoods.
If you're comparing two Dublin homes:
Don't compare only the list price.
Compare the annual carrying costs.
Pleasanton and Livermore
The same principle applies.
Two homes can be:
One mile apart
and have very different:
- Tax obligations.
- HOA costs.
- Special assessments.
- Insurance.
- Maintenance requirements.
That's why property-level research matters.
Danville Is a Great Example of Why You Need to Look at the Individual Property
Danville has many established neighborhoods with homes built decades ago.
But that doesn't mean every property has identical tax obligations.
Again:
Never assume based solely on the city.
Look at the actual parcel.
Is Mello-Roos Tax Deductible?
This is where I want to be careful.
Tax treatment can depend on the nature of the charge and your individual circumstances.
Some property-related taxes may receive different federal or state tax treatment than others.
Don't assume:
"Mello-Roos is deductible."
or:
"Mello-Roos isn't deductible."
Ask your qualified tax professional about your specific property and tax situation.
The California BOE notes that Mello-Roos special taxes are legally distinguishable from ordinary ad valorem property taxes. (boe.ca.gov)
That distinction is important when discussing tax treatment.
What Should Buyers Ask the Seller?
If the property has Mello-Roos, ask:
1. What is the current annual amount?
2. What CFD is the property in?
3. What does the special tax fund?
4. When was the CFD established?
5. Are bonds outstanding?
6. What is the expected remaining term?
7. Is there an annual escalation or adjustment?
8. Is there a maximum authorized tax?
9. Are there other special taxes or assessments?
10. Where can I review the governing documents?
Those are much better questions than simply:
"How much is Mello-Roos?"
Ask About the Maximum, Not Just the Current Amount
This is an important distinction.
Suppose someone tells you:
"It's only $2,000 a year."
Ask:
"Is $2,000 the current charge or the maximum authorized charge?"
Those are not necessarily the same thing.
You want to understand the district's actual formula and provisions.
Ask About the End Date
If the special tax is associated with debt:
When are the bonds scheduled to mature?
If the district also levies taxes for ongoing services:
Do those obligations continue after debt repayment?
Again, the specific CFD documents answer the question.
Ask About Annual Increases
Some special taxes may include provisions allowing increases.
Find out:
How is the tax calculated?
Can it increase?
How much?
Under what conditions?
This is much more useful than simply looking at today's bill.
Where Can You Find the Information?
Depending on the property, useful sources can include:
- Property tax bill.
- Preliminary title report.
- Seller disclosures.
- Notice of Special Tax.
- CFD formation documents.
- Rate and method of apportionment.
- Local agency records.
- County records.
If you're unsure where to find something, ask your Realtor, escrow officer or the applicable local agency.
What Is the "Rate and Method of Apportionment"?
You may see this phrase when researching a CFD.
It essentially describes how the special tax is allocated among properties within the district.
This document can be much more informative than simply knowing:
"$3,200/year."
It can explain:
- How the tax is calculated.
- What property characteristics matter.
- Maximum authorized amounts.
- Adjustment mechanisms.
- Other district-specific provisions.
Why Buyers Should Read the Actual Documents
Because the phrase:
"Mello-Roos"
doesn't tell you enough.
It's like saying:
"The house has an HOA."
Okay.
But what are the dues?
What does the HOA cover?
What are the reserves?
What are the restrictions?
What are the special assessments?
Same principle.
Mello-Roos is a category, not the complete answer.
What If the Seller Doesn't Know?
That happens.
The seller may simply know:
"It's around $3,000."
That's not enough for me.
I'd want to verify the actual information.
The buyer is making a major financial decision.
Get the documentation.
What If the Listing Agent Doesn't Know?
Same answer.
Find the source.
The important thing isn't who gives you the number.
It's whether the number can be verified.
What If You Are Buying New Construction?
This is especially important.
Ask the builder:
What are the estimated annual property taxes?
But don't stop there.
Ask:
What special taxes apply?
Is there a CFD?
What is the estimated Mello-Roos amount?
Is there an HOA?
Are there other assessments?
Can I see the tax information?
A new-home buyer should understand the complete carrying cost before signing.
Don't Let the Model Home Sell You the Lifestyle Without the Math
The model home is beautiful.
The landscaping is perfect.
The furniture looks amazing.
The sales counselor tells you:
"Your payment could be around..."
Stop there.
Ask:
"Including what?"
Does that number include:
- Mortgage?
- Property tax?
- Mello-Roos?
- HOA?
- Insurance?
- Other assessments?
You want the full picture.
Mello-Roos Can Be a Good Trade-Off
Let's say you have two communities.
Community A
Older infrastructure.
No Mello-Roos.
Older homes.
Community B
Newer infrastructure.
Newer parks.
Newer roads.
Newer schools or facilities.
Mello-Roos:
$3,500/year.
A buyer may reasonably decide:
"I prefer Community B."
That's a personal decision.
There isn't one universally correct answer.
The Question Isn't:
"Is Mello-Roos bad?"
The better question is:
"Is the total cost of this property worth what I'm getting?"
That's how I would encourage buyers to evaluate it.
A $300 Monthly Charge Doesn't Sound Huge Until You Add Everything Else
Suppose your home already has:
$6,000 mortgage
$1,400 property taxes
$200 HOA
$300 Mello-Roos
$200 insurance
That's:
$8,100/month
before utilities and maintenance.
Now the Mello-Roos matters.
Not because $300 is catastrophic.
Because every recurring cost affects affordability.
This Is Why I Tell Buyers to Think Monthly
Annual numbers can sound abstract.
Take:
$3,600/year
Divide it by 12:
$300/month.
Now ask:
"Am I comfortable adding $300 to my monthly housing cost?"
That's easier to evaluate.
Mello-Roos and Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your lender determines how applicable property expenses and obligations are treated in underwriting.
Don't try to calculate your qualifying ratio from a generic internet formula.
Instead:
Give your lender the actual property tax and special-assessment information.
Then let the lender determine how it affects the loan.
Don't Make the Mistake of Looking Only at the Mortgage Payment
This is one of the biggest mistakes buyers make.
They say:
"The mortgage is $6,200."
But the real monthly housing cost might be:
$6,200 mortgage
$1,300 property tax
$350 Mello-Roos
$200 HOA
$250 insurance
=
$8,300/month
And you're still responsible for maintenance.
That's the number that matters.
What About Older Homes With No Mello-Roos?
That can be attractive.
But again, don't assume:
No Mello-Roos = cheaper.
An older house may have:
- Roof replacement.
- Sewer issues.
- Foundation work.
- HVAC replacement.
- Electrical upgrades.
- Plumbing.
- Windows.
- Landscaping.
A newer home with Mello-Roos may have fewer immediate capital expenses.
Again:
Compare the entire ownership picture.
Mello-Roos Is a Financial Decision, Not an Emotional One
Don't reject a house because someone told you:
"Mello-Roos is terrible."
And don't buy a house because someone told you:
"It's nothing."
Get the numbers.
Understand the documents.
Compare the alternatives.
Then make the decision.
The 10 Questions I Want Every Buyer to Ask
Before purchasing a property with Mello-Roos:
1. What is the current annual special tax?
2. What CFD is the property in?
3. What does the CFD fund?
4. How is the tax calculated?
5. Can the amount increase?
6. What is the maximum authorized amount?
7. When does the bond obligation mature?
8. Are there ongoing service or maintenance taxes?
9. Are there other special assessments?
10. What will my total monthly housing cost be?
If you can answer those questions, you're in a much better position to evaluate the property.
Common Mello-Roos Mistakes
Mistake #1: Assuming Every New Home Has Mello-Roos
Not necessarily.
Verify the property.
Mistake #2: Assuming Every Older Home Is Free of It
Also not necessarily.
Check the actual property.
Mistake #3: Looking Only at the Current Amount
Understand the tax structure and potential adjustments.
Mistake #4: Assuming It Ends When the Bonds Are Paid
Not necessarily. The specific district's authorized taxes and documents control.
Mistake #5: Comparing Homes by Purchase Price Only
Compare total ownership cost.
Mistake #6: Forgetting About HOA
A home can have both.
Mistake #7: Confusing Mello-Roos With Supplemental Tax
They are different.
Mistake #8: Assuming Mello-Roos Makes a Home a Bad Investment
That's far too simplistic.
Mistake #9: Relying on a Neighbor's Tax Bill
Your property may have different obligations.
Mistake #10: Not Asking About the Maximum
The current amount isn't necessarily the entire story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mello-Roos?
Mello-Roos is the common term for special taxes imposed by Community Facilities Districts under California's Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act.
Is Mello-Roos a property tax?
It is a special tax associated with a Community Facilities District and is distinct from ordinary ad valorem property taxation. (boe.ca.gov)
What does Mello-Roos pay for?
Depending on the CFD, it can finance authorized public facilities and services, including certain roads, schools, parks, infrastructure and public safety-related services. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Does every California home have Mello-Roos?
No. Mello-Roos applies to properties within applicable Community Facilities Districts.
Does every new construction home have Mello-Roos?
No. It depends on the specific development and district.
Can an older home have Mello-Roos?
Yes. The age of the home alone doesn't determine whether a property is subject to a CFD.
How much is Mello-Roos?
There is no statewide standard amount. The amount depends on the specific CFD and its rate and method of apportionment.
Does Mello-Roos increase?
It can, depending on the provisions of the particular CFD.
How long does Mello-Roos last?
It depends on the specific district. Some charges may be tied to bonds, while other authorized special taxes may support ongoing services or maintenance.
Can Mello-Roos be paid off early?
That depends on the particular CFD and its governing documents. Don't assume an individual homeowner can simply pay it off like a normal mortgage.
Does Mello-Roos show up on the property tax bill?
It can appear as a special tax or related charge, although the exact presentation varies.
Is Mello-Roos included in my mortgage payment?
Don't assume it is handled the same way as your lender's normal property-tax impound. Ask your lender how the specific charge will be handled.
Is Mello-Roos the same as HOA?
No. HOA dues are association assessments. Mello-Roos is a special tax associated with a CFD.
Is Mello-Roos the same as supplemental property tax?
No. Supplemental property tax results from certain reassessments, while Mello-Roos is a special tax associated with a CFD.
Does Mello-Roos affect home value?
Potentially, because recurring ownership costs can influence what buyers are willing to pay. But Mello-Roos does not automatically make a property a bad investment.
Can Mello-Roos affect mortgage qualification?
Potentially. Your lender determines how applicable property-related obligations are treated in underwriting.
Can Mello-Roos be deducted on my taxes?
Tax treatment depends on the specific charge and your individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional.
How do I find out whether a house has Mello-Roos?
Review property-tax records, seller disclosures, the Notice of Special Tax where applicable, title and escrow documents, and information from the applicable local agency.
Related East Bay Resources
- Supplemental Property Taxes in California: The Surprise Tax Bill Every Home Buyer Should Understand
- How Much House Can You Really Afford in the East Bay?
- How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy a Home in California?
- What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted in California?
- What Is a Preliminary Title Report?
- Buying a Home With an HOA in California
- California Home Buyer Disclosures Explained
- Buying a Home in California? Why Homeowners Insurance Matters
- What Happens During a Home Inspection?
- What Happens If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
- The True Cost of Owning a Home in the East Bay
- What Should You Know Before Buying a Home With Solar?
Your Next Step
Mello-Roos shouldn't automatically scare you.
But it also shouldn't be something you discover after you've fallen in love with the house.
Before making an offer, understand:
The purchase price.
The regular property taxes.
The Mello-Roos.
The HOA.
The insurance.
The maintenance.
The potential supplemental taxes.
Then put all of those numbers together.
Because the most expensive house isn't necessarily the one with the highest purchase price.
Sometimes it's the house that looked affordable on the listing page but came with another $400, $500 or $600 every month in costs you hadn't considered.
And sometimes the opposite is true.
A home with Mello-Roos may offer a neighborhood, amenities, infrastructure or location that makes the additional cost worthwhile.
The answer isn't:
"Mello-Roos is good."
or:
"Mello-Roos is bad."
The answer is:
Know what you're paying for.
And then decide whether it's worth it to you.
If you're looking at homes in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Alamo, Walnut Creek or surrounding East Bay communities, I'd encourage you to look beyond the list price and evaluate the true cost of ownership before you make your decision.
Because buying the house is one decision.
Affording the house comfortably for the next 5, 10 or 20 years is the bigger one.
Waleed "Walter" Akbar
Everhome Real Estate
📞 (510) 541-1610