Seriously? I Need to Review Condo Docs?

Your Conditional Offer

100% you're going to be reviewing documents such as:

• Current and Audited Financials (Are they healthy or falling apart?)
• Operating Budget (Spending habits)
• Monthly and AGM Meeting Minutes (Find out what they're talking about)
• ByLaws and Registered Condo Plan (Learn the Rules)
• Reserve Fund Study and Report (Engineers Report)
• Pet Policy (if...

What is a Reserve Fund?

The reserver fund is an integral part of your monthly condo fees and it creates the ability to pay for scheduled repairs needing to be made to the complex. The reserve fund can be as low as a few thousand dollars, upwards into the hundreds of thousands or more. How much is in the reserve fund largely depends on what the reserve fund study dictates.

Don't be side tracked...

Seriously? I Have to Pay Condo Fees?

Yes. Simple right?

Why Fees?

You wil be required to pay a monthly condo fee and this actually is a good thing. Here is a summary:

Let's say you buy a condo and the monthly association fee is $350 per month. Initially, this does seem like a lot of money - but let's break this down.

• Reserve Fund Contribution (click for more info)
• Landscape Maintenance and Snow...

What About Pets?

If having a pet is important to you in the future or currently have a pet, reviewing the condo association's Pet Policy should be completed prior to removing conditions.

Pet Policies

Most condo boards have a pet policy in place. This can be different from what is stated within the bylaws and by reviewing the policy you will know exactly what is expected as an owner and what kind...

Buying a Condo in Calgary, Realtor® Help

Knowledge is Key

Having someone with experience guide you is extremely important when buying a condo. Questions will come up, I am here to help - simply ask.

Each section is separated and will link you to the corresponding sections to learn more.

What is a Condo?

A condominium is simply a building or group of buildings with several individually owned...

What is a Condo?

Firstly, Condo is short for Condominium - in Alberta - this is the term we use. In other provinces you may find the term "Strata" being used. Pretty much the same thing.

Condo Associations are also referred to as Condo Corporation.

Condos can be an apartment style or town / row house complex or it can be villa style, semi-detached or even detached homes. In a nutshell...

ByLaws - What You Need to Know

In Alberta, when a new condo is registered, they automatically adopt the standard bylaws set forth by the Condominium Property Act. This binds the board and it's members along with the property owners to follow rules in the complex.

Things covered:

• Voting Rights for owners electing the Board of Directors
• How often board and Annual General Meetings are held...

What is Right for My Lifestyle? Condo Living or a House?

Understanding Before You Buy

Buying your first Condo is going to be an exciting experience, let's keep it that way by self due diligence. 

Questions To Ask Yourself

• Am I generally quiet or am I pretty loud?
• Do I party like an animal, or Netflix and Chill?
• Will I blow a gasket when I hear a neighbour? Or can I get used to it? (within reason...