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Useful Tips on how to avoid buying a leaky condo


Blog by Ian Watt | October 30th, 2007


How do I avoid buying a leaky condo?

A number of blue and green tarps sprouting on older condos grows every year.  "The only way to minimize the risks is through the buyers' own due diligence." says John Grasty, a licensed representative and advocate for homeowners.  He offers the following tips to avoid buying a leaky condo:
 
 1.) Speak to condo owners about the bulding before purchasing.

2.) Hire qualified professionals to help with the risk assessment and buying process.  While the building envelope itself cannot be probed, the  exterior wall detailing can be carefully inspected and any repair document details, technical audits or engineer reprots should be reviewed by a  professionally certified home inspector.

3.) A low strata maintenance fee may not necessarily indicate a well-mananged building.  Is there a contingency or reserve fund to pay for repairs in  the future?  Is there a long-term maintenance plan in place which includescapital improvements?  If there aren't any, be very leery.

4.) One useful buyer's tool is the minutes of strata council meetings (notes recorded during the period of assessment discussions and when  remediation decisions are being made).  Check to ensure it is a complete set of all minutes, without missing pages.

5.) Sellers are required to disclose in writing any known hidden defects (known as "material latent" defects) on the Property Disclosure Statement  (PDS).  Note that MLS listings for properties in the same building often have disclosure discrepancies.  For example, the lisitngs might describe the  cladding or building exterior as "rainscreened," "partial rainscreen" or "no rainscreen."  A professional shouyld be able to help identify and get to  the bottom of couched statements such as these.

6.) Beware of language like "We are not aware of leaks," and get any oral representation and warranties in writing in the COntract of Purchase and  Sale.

7.) For resales, the PDS should be incorporated into the Contract of Purchase and Sale and you should be informed of any material chnages before the  completion date.

 8.) Understand the differences between using a lawyer and a notary.  Before removing subject conditions, a lawyer needs to review the contract, the  disclosure statement, the title search and any pending litigation, judgment or other liability.  Doing this at completion is too late.

9.)Be extra cautious of any property offered "as is."  There are no shortcuts to completing due diligence.  Refuse to be rushed. No real estate  transaction is without risk.


 See The Condominium Buyer's Guide, Appendix C, pages 34-37 for a general checklist: cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/63100.pdf.Or visit johngrasty.ca-Tara  Schmidt.