by Denis Doucet
What you’ll learn
There’s no magic pill that allows you to see the future, but the steps below can help bring a little peace of mind on your journey to owning a condo.
This will allow you to figure out the exact amount of condo fees (recurring costs) applicable to a unit and your obligations as an owner in the building.
“To get a pulse check of the building in question, ask to see the minutes of the last board meeting. You’ll get a better feel for the concerns of the owners, what they’re complaining about, and what to expect looking ahead,” – Raymond Leclair, Vice President of TitlePLUS, a company specializing in title insurance for condominiums.
You will be responsible for any major expenses that may occur for building upkeep and maintenance, so insist on obtaining the official financial documents for the building from the board. It’s important to know whether their reserve is sufficiently funded to cover unforeseen expenses in the future.
Before hiring a building inspector for an independent assessment of the property (which is highly recommended), be proactive by checking the building yourself to see if everything is in satisfactory condition.
As you can see, buying a condo comes with its share of responsibilities. Before you sign that deed of sale, be sure you get an accurate overall picture of what you’re getting into – particular when it comes to recurring fees and the potential of unforeseen maintenance costs in the future.
Key takeaways