Condominium living can be an affordable and relatively carefree housing option. For instance, owning a condominium can mean fewer maintenance and repair responsibilities, more predictable monthly maintenance costs, and access to a wider range of on-site amenities that you otherwise might not be able to afford.
However, condo living can also mean less privacy, having to pay for amenities you rarely use, having less of a say in deciding when repairs get done, as well as possible restrictions on things like parking, pets or smoking.
If you have made the decision to purchase a condominium, be sure to ask the following questions when looking at your potential new home:
How much can you afford to comfortably spend? How large a down payment will you have? What will you need to pay each month in mortgage payments, condo fees, utilities, insurance premiums, property taxes and other expenses?
Is there a special assessment listed in the documents? What is this money being spent on? How will this impact your condo fees and overall expenses?
Is the condominium well managed and in good physical, financial and legal condition? Does it have sufficient insurance coverage?
Is the condominium protected by a new home warranty program? If you are buying a new condominium, what does the warranty cover? If you are purchasing a resale condominium, is there any warranty coverage remaining on the unit?
If you are buying a new condominium before the construction is complete, what are your unit’s exact specifications, and when will it be ready to move into?
If you are buying a resale condominium, can you get a copy of the corporation’s annual operating budget, financial statements and estoppel (or status) certificate? How large is the condominium’s reserve fund?
When you become a condominium owner, you are also becoming part of a community. Ask yourself if you are willing to take on the responsibility of being a member of a Condo Corporation, and whether you are comfortable living within the rules and By Laws set by your Condo Board. It’s always a good idea to obtain an up-to-date copy of the rules from the seller, the property manager or the board of directors.
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