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Ann Smith
Broker
Platinum Award Recipient
Phone: 519-433-4331
Toll Free:
1-866-851-1534
Fax: 519-433-6894Email: ansmith@sympatico.ca
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Condo
Living…Things You Must Consider
By Ann Smith
Ready for a low-maintenance lifestyle?
If you’re tired of mowing the lawn, painting the shutters, and shoveling snow, condo living may be the housing alternative you’re looking for. Buying a condominium involves the same planning as buying a detached home. You need to consider location, space, price, and amenities – and have it inspected by a professional.
When you buy a condo, you have exclusive ownership rights to the interior space of your dwelling. The common areas (walls, grounds, fences, facilities) are shared with the other owners in the complex and come with restrictions regarding modifications.
§ As a condo owner, you automatically become part of a homeowner's association to which you pay monthly dues to cover expenses (varies from each complex)
§ Maintenance is shared with other co-owners.
§ Read all agreements and condo association by-laws before purchasing to ensure you understand your rights – if there is something you don’t understand, ask to have it clarified.
§ Read the minutes of recent homeowner's association meetings to find out if there are issues you should be aware of.
§ Talk with several current owners to find out what they like and don't like about the complex.
Condo living provides a simpler, low-maintenance lifestyle. But just as with detached homes, prices vary depending on style, size, and location. Talk to your real estate agent...and make the right choice for your next move.
Your Real Estate Consultant…For Life!