Before touring a condo, ask about the HOA budget and reserves, any special assessments, the rental and pet rules, the insurance the association carries, and what the monthly dues include. Those five answers decide whether the building fits, before the finishes ever matter.
Why the building comes first
A beautiful unit in a poorly run building is a monthly bill you cannot control. The association decides when the roof gets replaced, how the reserve fund is managed and whether owners can rent their homes. We read the governing documents with you, but these questions surface most problems early.
- Ask for the current budget and the latest reserve study.
- Ask whether any special assessment is planned or under discussion.
- Confirm the rental, short-term rental and pet rules.
- Ask what the master insurance policy covers inside the walls.
- List exactly what the monthly dues include.
Have a question about your own situation? Book a short call with an agent or ring (555) 318-4720.
What a healthy association looks like
Look for a reserve study less than three years old, a reserve fund that tracks it, and minutes that show the board planning ahead rather than reacting. A small special assessment is not a red flag on its own; a pattern of them is.
Read the minutes. They tell you how the building behaves when something breaks.
At a glance
| Dues usually include | Sometimes include | Rarely include |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior maintenance | Water and trash | Electricity |
| Common area insurance | Heat | Interior repairs |
| Snow removal | Internet | Parking upgrades |
General guidance. Every association is different, so read your own documents.
