What's the secret in making a good condominium buy?

Buying a condominium means, in most cases, buying amenities -- neighborly lifestyle, sometimes complete with shopping, entertainment, playgrounds and/or sports facilities. Condominiums serve almost every possible kind of home buyer: singles, families with children, retired people. First-time buyers are particularly drawn to condominiums because of the amount of space available at a reasonable price.

Each condominium association has its own rules, and as a member of your community you help govern what can be done to the outside of units, whether or not pets are welcome, what landscaping and community improvements are made, and what by-laws are passed r amended. Because the owners' association can spend for amenities or limit spending to save expense, it is important for you to know if existing owners are in tune with your financial position by checking recent budgets.

Shopping for a condominium means looking for the same things you look for in buying any home: a neighborhood on the upswing (for maximum enjoyment and for appreciation possibilities), good construction (especially in sound-proofing of walls), good style and sound financing.

An agent knows the local condominium market and can assist you in evaluating the different communities, looking at sales contracts, maintenance charges and condominium management.

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