HOA Fees - How much is too much?

Downtown Oakland is a mecca for spacious luxury condominiums. I specialize in condominiums for "downsizing clientele" who are selling a much larger home and moving to an urban condominium environment. Most of these clients desire a safe secure building, preferably with a doorman/concierge since they travel often and desire a "lock and go" situation.  When residents leave for an extended period - perhaps they are bi-coastal or take extended vacations to Europe or Asia, the doorman takes care of all mail and packages.  They lock up and just leave without worrying about security or maintenance. This feature comes with a hefty price tag - especially if there is a 24 hour doorman. What can you expect to pay in monthly HOA fees for a luxury condominium with at least 1,200 square feet?  Below are very close approximates:

• Bellevue Staten   $1,100

• Lake Royal Co-op  $800 to $1,200 depending on unit
• The Regillus  $720 - (recently raised from $700.)
• Park Bellevue $700
• The Ellington (Jack London Square) $625.
• The Essex $600
• Lakeside Regency Plaza $575.

Although these HOA fees might appear high when compared to other area condo's one must look at everything that is included.  Doorman/security, water & sewage, trash removal, common hot water, common heat, Cable TV, gas (if condo has gas appliances) common area maintenance, exterior maintenance, hazard insurance.  Many of the residents of the luxury condominiums have left much larger homes so when comparing home ownership costs the HOA fees are right in line.