A condominium is another real estate option other than a traditional stand-alone home. Usually condos are purchased with mortgage, but in difficult markets or selling situations they may be rented as apartments. Learn more here about condominium housing.
How HOA Fine Schedules Work
How HOA fine schedules work. This reader wants to know why the condo association board fined homeowners different amounts for the same violation. Q: Can a condo association charge different fines for exactly the same infraction? Some of us broke the same rule in our association. We took matters into our own hands in making [...]
Turn That Music Down! Handling Loud Condo Neighbors
Handling loud condo neighbors who refuse to turn the music down and respect condo rules can be difficult. Here are a few steps you may want to consider before seeking legal action. Q: I am a condo owner in a four-unit building in Washington, DC. I believe my fellow condo owners are refusing to enforce [...]
Navigating Rules and Rights in Your Condo Association
A condo association has the right to approve or reject buyers, but as in the case of this buyer, it's important to be aware of your rights. Q: My mother and I are on the same deed since she added me in 2010. She’s still alive and there is no mortgage on the property. The [...]
Condo Declarant Should Pay Expenses For Units They Own
When a condo declarant still owns unit in the building, they're responsible for ongoing maintenance expenses in the building. Q: We bought into a condo development five years ago. The condo documents said the declarant didn’t have to follow the condo rules or pay dues on his units until the last unit was sold. We [...]
Five Things to Consider When Renting Out Your Condo
When you bought your condo, did you think it would be the beginning of your real estate investing career? Perhaps you planned to rent it out for a few months while you were vacationing, or maybe you thought that you could one day move into a bigger place and rent out the condo as an [...]
Can I Afford a Condo? Is a Condo Right for Me?
Can I afford a condo, is a condo right for me? Condos are more affordable than single-family homes, but you have to pay monthly assessments. Comment: Just read your column in today's paper responding to a question for advice whether to buy a home at age 66 or continue renting. I was surprised you didn't make two [...]
Problems Selling Your Condo? How to Deal with Condo Association Issues
Are you having problems selling your condo? Here's how you should deal with condo association repair issues. Q: I recently read a response you wrote to a reader about her building shaking when big trucks go by. I have a similar issue. I live in condominium building in Chicago and there is a dip in [...]
If a Neighbor Damages Your Condo, Who Makes the Insurance Claim?
You open the door to your condominium after a long day of work, but before you settle in for the night, you notice water dripping from the ceiling and a large discolored spot on your living room carpet. It appears as if a toilet or bathtub belonging to your upstairs neighbor has overflowed, causing damage [...]
Reserve Funds for Condos | What Are the Requirements?
Reserve funds for condos: what are the requirements? Mortgage lenders pay closer attention to reserve funds for condos as requirements have increased. Q: In trying to sell a condominium, the buyer was denied a loan due to the fact the condo/management association did not transfer 10 percent into the reserve fund. What are the requirements [...]
Real Estate Boom and Bust: Taking a Loss on a Condo
The real estate boom and bust dropped home values severely. Taking a loss on a condo might be your only option other than to wait. Q: Back in 2005, I purchased a condo with cash for my disabled son to live in. I used an inheritance to buy the condominium, which was located near my [...]