Questions Condo Sellers Don’t Want You to Ask Them

SECRET CONDO QUESTIONS TO ASK

Here are what we consider the top 10 questions a condo SELLER does not want you to ask them….SO ASK THEM!!!

Warren Damiano Premier Properties The Damiano GroupBy Warren Damiano – Premier Properties- The Damiano Group

Some of these items may or may not be released until a contract is signed.
We STRONGLY suggest you get these answer prior to the contract being placed out of attorney review.

HOME OWNERS DUES / MONTHLY MAINTENANCE HISTORY QUESTIONS

QUESTION #1. What has been the history of increases in the HOA fees for the last 10 years?
Better ask and check about the past increases of Association fees over the last 10 years, someone should be able to give you a history of increases, the best source would be the Condo Management Company or the current homeowner if they have been there that long.

QUESTION #2. Can I see the latest financial records?
Before making a condo purchase offer, you are entitled to a copy of the latest financial statement for the complex to check the reserves, annual income and expenses. Look over the annual budget and minutes of the last few directors’ meetings, too. The listing Realtor should have this information easily available.

QUESTION #3. What does the maintenance fee actually cover?
All associations are different in what is covered, typically it would cover exterior items such as snow removal lawn care etc. Some cover water and sewer charges some not.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

QUESTION #4. Are they any current “Special Assessments” and when was the last one?
When was the last (if any) Special Assessment given and for what was it for?

RESERVE FUND QUESTIONS

QUESTION 5. How much is in the Condo Reserve fund, is it adequately funded?   In a typical condo, 25 to 35 percent of your HOA fees should be going to reserves. If your reserve is 70 percent funded or more is it good. Definitely ask that question of the Management Company.  Many times owners of condos are hit for “Special Assessments”. This is usually do to the Reserve Fund not being funded sufficiently.

QUESTION 6. When was the last time a “Reserve Fund” study was done?  Different states require a Reserve Fund study to be done to insure the community is being funded properly. Ask and find out when it was done and if a copy can be obtained of the results.

LAWSUITS FOR or AGAINST THE ASSOCIATION

QUESTION # 7. Are there any current lawsuits against the Association?
If they are current lawsuits either against for by the Association could affect your future HOA dues if the lawsuit is lost.  Usually simple slip and falls are not usually a concern. Be specially attentive to construction lawsuits. It could also affect the mortgaging of units.  If the association is involved in litigation, this can hurt saleability of individual condos. Be sure the complex carries liability insurance and adequate replacement insurance.

Lawsuit FOR The Association….It’s also important to find out whether the Association has lawsuits against others (usually the original builder) Why? Let’s say the Association is suing the original builder for construction defects such as the exterior siding is defective. If the Association loses the lawsuit and the siding truly is defective, guess who will end up paying for the new siding…probably the current owners with a special assessment. 

OCCUPANTS

QUESTION #8. What is the percentage of renters and owner-occupants?  The higher the percentage of renters, the less desirable the complex from a lending point of view.  If more than 25 percent of the units are occupied by renters, that’s a bad sign. Ask if the complex has rental restrictions. If it does, that’s a good sign.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

QUESTION #9. Can I see a copy of the bylaws?  Are there any unusual bylaws, rules or CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions)? The listing agent should have copies of these documents for you. Study them. Ask about pet and rental restrictions (they can add to a condo’s desirability and market value). Watch out for “first right of refusal” restrictions, which give the homeowners’ association the right to buy any condo that comes up for sale.

CONSTRUCTION

QUESTION #10. How good is the soundproofing and safety construction?  Before buying a condo, be sure to check its soundproofing. The No. 1 complaint of condo owners is poor soundproofing.
Do yourself a favor and Google “AVALON BAY FIRE IN EDGEWATER”.
In short…Borough zoning board members criticized the AvalonBay company’s plan to use hollow cinderblocks instead of solid ones in the building’s firewalls. Hollow cinderblocks are more than is required by the state’s building code, but board members questioned why they didn’t opt for solid blocks.