In part 1 we examined the different types and styles of condos.. Now lets look at some of the more common questions buyers have about condos in general:
What do Condo-Fees pay for? Each condominium project (and there are hundreds in Winnipeg) has a different arrangement. With some, your condo fee only pays for the very basics, such as snow-clearing, grass cutting, management fees and common-element insurance'. With other condos, the fees might include water, cable-vision packages, heat and an on-site caretaker.
What is a 'common-element'? Basically it is any area where all residents have access. In an apartment style condo, that would be the entrance and the hallways, as an example. In a townhouse, or bungalow styles, it would be the roadway and the visitor parking lot. The 'common-element insurance' basically protects the owners from any lawsuits by visiting guests, whether invited or uninvited, but that is a subject all to itself.
What is a Reserve Fund? Every month, a small portion of the condo-fee goes into a special savings account, called a "Reserve Fund". Again depending on the type of condo we are looking at, this reserve fund might pay for any building repairs such as a new roof, new windows, painting and re-carpeting of hallways, etc. Basically the maintenance and repairs of areas which are common to all owners, and which effect all owners. So for example, if you own a stand-alone bungalow condo, you might be responsible for your own roof repairs, new windows etc etc.
About Condo By-laws: When a condo-project is first created, the builder usually sets up a set of 'by-laws', which would govern the use and rights of the individual owners. The initial set of by-laws are quite often very simple, such as "No Laundry to be hung from windows" of an apartment style condo. Bungalow condos might have a rule that states "No Outbuildings or Sheds or Fences to be erected".
As owners settle into the condo, they establish a board, and can then write their own by-laws. In order to change a current law, or to create a new one, the owners need to approve such changes by a 75% margin. In short, majority rules.
Taxes: Unfortunately, in our fair city and province, condominiums are taxed at precisely the same rate as regular houses. Considering that many condos, especially high-rises, uses a lot less services (i.e.: street cleaning, garbage pickup which is often paid for by the condo fees, snow clearing, etc etc) this current system is not considered fair by many. Fair or not, condos offer a unique lifestyle, and definite value in a time when it is becoming more and more difficult to find a house in a similar price range.
If you have any questions regarding Condos, please feel free to contact me anytime.
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Posted by: real estate | June 05, 2008 at 07:40 AM
This information is very helpful. Keep posting. Will certainly try doing that myself. Your post/article really interesting.
Deirdre Gonzales
Posted by: philippines properties | May 25, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Good info here, Condo's can be a great, but more detailed process. Happy Selling!
Posted by: Steve Randell | September 30, 2009 at 01:57 PM
There is so much confusion surrounding the issues of condominium bylaws. Great information for buyers who have not yet lived in a condo.
Posted by: Calgary Real Estate | October 16, 2009 at 01:43 PM
As a rule, condos do not appreciate as quickly as SFRs Depending upon your market, you may need to hold for ten years to get the same percentage appreciation that you would have with a SFR after five years
Posted by: Puerto Rico Condos for sale | October 22, 2009 at 01:13 AM