When buying a strata take the time to understand the basics and the rules governing the many aspects of strata properties.
This article focuses on what to look for to ensure you are buying a solid strata, including the Strata Property Disclosure Statement, the maintenance program, the contingency fund, the warranty program, and more.
Review strata council minutes
Look at minutes for the past 12 months or more, along with by-laws, financial statements, Annual General Meeting minutes, and engineering reports that may have been completed. Look for past problems, previous repairs, special assessments, and upcoming expenditures.
Ensure a maintenance program
Talk to the strata property manager to determine whether the building has a solid preventative maintenance program in place.
Check the contingency fund
Since a portion of strata owners? monthly maintenance fees must go into a ?contingency fund? to pay for extraordinary repairs, such as a new roof or exterior painting, it pays to?know if the contingency fund is large enough to cover any upcoming expenses.
Review the Strata Property Condition Disclosure Statement
Sellers are strongly encouraged to complete this disclosure statement. It is a checklist about the property?s condition. Buyers should carefully review it for any defects or potential problems. The?statement can be legally incorporated into the Contract for Purchase and Sale.
Investigate the warranty program and builder?s background
Regardless of whether the condo is new or resale,?your REALTOR? can find out what type of warranty the building carries, noting the limits and duration of coverage. They may also be able to help you obtain background information about the builder/developer of the project.
Hire a professional home inspector
Make sure the home inspector has?proper accreditation and carries errors and omissions insurance. Have them inspect the condition of the suite, common areas, and the overall building structure.
If you have any real estate questions or if you are thinking of buying or selling your home, please contact?James Louie Chung, Greater Vancouver REALTOR? ? Real Estate Agent?at?[email?protected]?or call / text ( 6 0 4 ) 7 1 9 ? 6 3 2 8 today!
Connect with James on?Facebook,?Twitter?and?Google +.
Photo:?Design.Shuffle
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