QUESTIONS TO ASK
Before
you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for
you. However, you should contact the board yourself ahead of time. You’ll learn
how responsive and organized its members
are and be alerted to potential problems.
How
many units are owner-occupied?
Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the easier the
condo will be to resell.
What
covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property?
Carefully read the bylaws to determine if you can abide by them. Also, find out
if there are grandfather provisions that allow current owners more rights than
you would have as a new owner, such as the ability to rent out your unit.
How
much does the association keep in reserve?
Ask how the money is being invested.
Are
association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation?
Smart boards raise assessments a reasonable percentage each year to build reserves
for funding future repairs.
What
does the assessment cover?
Ask specifically about common-area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash
collection, and snow removal (if applicable).
What
special assessments have been mandated in the past five years, and how much of
that was the responsibility of individual owners?
Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments
could be a red flag about building conditions or fiscal policy.
What’s
the turnover rate?
This will tell you if residents are generally happy with the building.
Is
the condo building in litigation?
Obviously, this is never a good sign. If the
builders or owners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly
to pay legal fees.
What other projects has the developer built?
Try to visit one, and ask residents about their perceptions. Also, request an engineer’s report if the building has been converted from another use
In very large developments, umbrella associations also may require separate assessments.