What is a Condominium?
A Condominium is a form of home ownership in which individual units of a larger complex are owned, not rented. Condominium owners legally agree to share ownership and maintenance of the shared property, while individually owning their own units. These unit styles are often townhouses, apartment-style units and cottages, but can also be commercial spaces, warehouses, a combination of residential and commercial units and, with the new legislation, could even be the land itself.
What do I own when I own a Condominium?
When you own a Condominium, you individually own your unit and you share ownership of a percentage of common property with the other unit owners. Typically, your unit consists of the space within the finished walls of your living space. Unlike an apartment, this means that you own the kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, all the inside partition walls and even the flooring.
The common area that everyone shares or the ‘common elements’ can include halls, elevators, pools, septic systems, land, exterior walls and general structures like the windows, roofs, outside doors and more.
You may also have some ‘exclusive use’ rights over the common elements which are outside of your unit. This is not private ownership; rather it gives you the right to use it exclusively. These could include balconies, parking spaces, storage lockers, driveways and lawns.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Martes, Mayo 12, 2015
Lunes, Mayo 11, 2015
Condominium Insurance
Condominium Insurance
Condominium insurance is a unique kind of insurance that integrates the interests of a condominium association with the interests of the individual unit owners. Even though each unit owner has a proportional interest in the Association, unit owners do have distinct and separate interests of their own.
The structure of the insurance policy is important, and this structure is normally defined in the Master Deed. One of the most important initial details is where association vs. unit ownership begins and ends… because insurance usually follows ownership. Ownership is defined in the Master Deed. (When buying a condo unit, always get a copy of the Master Deed, as well as association by-laws).
All-in
The condominium structure commonly known as "All-in" includes everything right to the interior coat of paint inside the condominium units. This “All-in” approach typically will include additions or alterations that a unit owner makes, such as adding new cabinets, alarm system, chandelier, and so forth, provided the unit owner alerts the association to these additional values. The association is then responsible for providing insurance for everything that is permanently attached within the condominium structure. A simple way of visualizing this concept is to imagine turning the building upside down and shaking it; everything that falls out, such as furniture and other personal property, is the responsibility of the unit owner. Everything else that stays attached to the structure is insured by the association policy.
Bare walls
The “bare walls” approach means the bare walls of the building, and leaves a greater responsibility on individual unit owners to insure their owned portion of the “structure”, building, or “real property”. In the Master Deed, the “bare walls” approach uses wording such as “on the plane of the interior studs”, or “the plane of the lower side of the roof rafters”, or ”the top surface of the sub-flooring”. All these means is that the unit owner owns all the drywall, wallpaper, paint, flooring, etc. and is therefore responsible for insuring these items personally. Even bathtubs, toilets, sinks, kitchen cabinets and counter-tops would not be covered. Remember, insurance usually follows ownership. The condominium association insures only the shell structure plus common mechanicals such as heating systems, common plumbing, and common electrical; the rest is the unit owner’s responsibility.
Master deeds aren't always written on a 100% "All-in" vs 100% "Bare-walls" basis. Often there are shades of gray. Some master deeds with an All-in basis exclude betterments & improvements (e.g., upgraded lighting fixtures or cabinetry would not be covered).
Biggest Possible Problems where the association policy intersects with personal policies:
The biggest condominium insurance problems occur when there is a master deed and insurance program that calls for "bare walls" insurance, but unit owners do not know that it is their responsibility to ensure their portion of the building individually. When this happens and there is damage to interior walls, such as water damage from storms or plumbing problems in upper floors, there is no insurance in either policy for the interior walls. Depending upon the size and build within individual units, this can be significant value that unit owners self-insure by default, and without even knowing.
The second big problem can occur if a condominium association insures its building based on a “bare walls” replacement estimate, but the deed calls for “All-in” coverage; the result is a severely under insured property. Valuations for “bare walls” condominium buildings typically run 30 to 40% less than valuations for similar sized all in policies because of the cost of finish work and interior walls. Imagine if you were handed the keys to your newly rebuilt unit, only to find rough plywood floors, studs for walls, and only joists for a ceiling. Lesson: review your master deed for ownership specifics. (Or work with a broker like Gordon who understands these things.)
The management of a condominium association can directly affect the cost of insurance, as attention to general conditions and safety concerns affects potential losses. Because every association is managed uniquely, and because attention to these details does affect losses over the long run, insurance underwriters pay close attention to loss history with condominiums. There is also the natural tendency for unit owners to prefer to have an association assume condominium losses, rather than file their own claims. So, even though insurance generally follows ownership, it is understandable that there is pressure to have associations assume losses where possible. However, this is a shortsighted strategy for the association.
Because of these issues, we usually recommend associations use high deductibles, and self-insure smaller losses to avoid these losses from affecting insurance claims experience. When associations have more skin in the game, attention to loss prevention is heightened, lowering the long term cost of risk. With condo associations greater than four units, insurance companies usually will want to review condominium association financials to ensure the ability to pay for these smaller claims.
Even when claims experience is good, insurance company initial inspection is rigorous. Talk to us about conditions honestly. The most attractive pricing is reserved for the best-maintained (perfect) places.
See our other blogs and whiteboard videos for more on how individual unit owners can address their interests as they may deviate from association interests and association management’s lack of understanding of some of these nuances.
If you have any further questions, contact us by clicking the buttons below.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Condominium insurance is a unique kind of insurance that integrates the interests of a condominium association with the interests of the individual unit owners. Even though each unit owner has a proportional interest in the Association, unit owners do have distinct and separate interests of their own.
The structure of the insurance policy is important, and this structure is normally defined in the Master Deed. One of the most important initial details is where association vs. unit ownership begins and ends… because insurance usually follows ownership. Ownership is defined in the Master Deed. (When buying a condo unit, always get a copy of the Master Deed, as well as association by-laws).
All-in
The condominium structure commonly known as "All-in" includes everything right to the interior coat of paint inside the condominium units. This “All-in” approach typically will include additions or alterations that a unit owner makes, such as adding new cabinets, alarm system, chandelier, and so forth, provided the unit owner alerts the association to these additional values. The association is then responsible for providing insurance for everything that is permanently attached within the condominium structure. A simple way of visualizing this concept is to imagine turning the building upside down and shaking it; everything that falls out, such as furniture and other personal property, is the responsibility of the unit owner. Everything else that stays attached to the structure is insured by the association policy.
Bare walls
The “bare walls” approach means the bare walls of the building, and leaves a greater responsibility on individual unit owners to insure their owned portion of the “structure”, building, or “real property”. In the Master Deed, the “bare walls” approach uses wording such as “on the plane of the interior studs”, or “the plane of the lower side of the roof rafters”, or ”the top surface of the sub-flooring”. All these means is that the unit owner owns all the drywall, wallpaper, paint, flooring, etc. and is therefore responsible for insuring these items personally. Even bathtubs, toilets, sinks, kitchen cabinets and counter-tops would not be covered. Remember, insurance usually follows ownership. The condominium association insures only the shell structure plus common mechanicals such as heating systems, common plumbing, and common electrical; the rest is the unit owner’s responsibility.
Master deeds aren't always written on a 100% "All-in" vs 100% "Bare-walls" basis. Often there are shades of gray. Some master deeds with an All-in basis exclude betterments & improvements (e.g., upgraded lighting fixtures or cabinetry would not be covered).
Biggest Possible Problems where the association policy intersects with personal policies:
The biggest condominium insurance problems occur when there is a master deed and insurance program that calls for "bare walls" insurance, but unit owners do not know that it is their responsibility to ensure their portion of the building individually. When this happens and there is damage to interior walls, such as water damage from storms or plumbing problems in upper floors, there is no insurance in either policy for the interior walls. Depending upon the size and build within individual units, this can be significant value that unit owners self-insure by default, and without even knowing.
The second big problem can occur if a condominium association insures its building based on a “bare walls” replacement estimate, but the deed calls for “All-in” coverage; the result is a severely under insured property. Valuations for “bare walls” condominium buildings typically run 30 to 40% less than valuations for similar sized all in policies because of the cost of finish work and interior walls. Imagine if you were handed the keys to your newly rebuilt unit, only to find rough plywood floors, studs for walls, and only joists for a ceiling. Lesson: review your master deed for ownership specifics. (Or work with a broker like Gordon who understands these things.)
The management of a condominium association can directly affect the cost of insurance, as attention to general conditions and safety concerns affects potential losses. Because every association is managed uniquely, and because attention to these details does affect losses over the long run, insurance underwriters pay close attention to loss history with condominiums. There is also the natural tendency for unit owners to prefer to have an association assume condominium losses, rather than file their own claims. So, even though insurance generally follows ownership, it is understandable that there is pressure to have associations assume losses where possible. However, this is a shortsighted strategy for the association.
Because of these issues, we usually recommend associations use high deductibles, and self-insure smaller losses to avoid these losses from affecting insurance claims experience. When associations have more skin in the game, attention to loss prevention is heightened, lowering the long term cost of risk. With condo associations greater than four units, insurance companies usually will want to review condominium association financials to ensure the ability to pay for these smaller claims.
Even when claims experience is good, insurance company initial inspection is rigorous. Talk to us about conditions honestly. The most attractive pricing is reserved for the best-maintained (perfect) places.
See our other blogs and whiteboard videos for more on how individual unit owners can address their interests as they may deviate from association interests and association management’s lack of understanding of some of these nuances.
If you have any further questions, contact us by clicking the buttons below.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
What Does Condo Insurance Cover?
What Does Condo Insurance Cover?
When you own a condominium, you are responsible for covering any and all damages within your unit, often including interior walls, flooring and ceilings. A condo insurance policy will also provide coverage for your personal property. If you should incur losses due to theft or experience property damage caused by such things as fire, water damage or tornado, you may be able to receive compensation through your condo insurance.
Your condo insurance will also cover you against liability claims. If a guest is injured while in your home and you are held liable, your condo insurance can cover some portion of the bodily injury claim, depending on your liability limit. If you are sued, most policies will also provide coverage for court costs and legal fees. Be sure to check the terms of your policy for full coverage details.
When shopping for a condo insurance policy, be sure to carefully review your needs, and inventory your personal belongings to understand their value if lost or damaged. Find out from your insurance company the specifics of your coverage and what exclusions apply to your policy.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
When you own a condominium, you are responsible for covering any and all damages within your unit, often including interior walls, flooring and ceilings. A condo insurance policy will also provide coverage for your personal property. If you should incur losses due to theft or experience property damage caused by such things as fire, water damage or tornado, you may be able to receive compensation through your condo insurance.
Your condo insurance will also cover you against liability claims. If a guest is injured while in your home and you are held liable, your condo insurance can cover some portion of the bodily injury claim, depending on your liability limit. If you are sued, most policies will also provide coverage for court costs and legal fees. Be sure to check the terms of your policy for full coverage details.
When shopping for a condo insurance policy, be sure to carefully review your needs, and inventory your personal belongings to understand their value if lost or damaged. Find out from your insurance company the specifics of your coverage and what exclusions apply to your policy.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Huwebes, Mayo 7, 2015
6 Ways to Make Your For-Sale Home Move-In Ready
6 Ways to Make Your For-Sale Home Move-In Ready
When to think like a buyer? The moment you even begin to think of selling.
Ever heard the phrase “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes?” When it comes to selling your home and boosting curb appeal, you need to walk every last inch of your home in the buyer’s shoes, from the front curb to the back fence. The moment you begin thinking of selling your home is the time to start thinking like a buyer.
Why?
Thinking like a buyer will help make your home move-in ready for just the right buyer (or maybe even a bevy of bidding buyers). The less work for the buyer, the shorter the time between the viewing and the closing table.
Here are seven ways to make your home move-in ready:
1. Host a prelisting party
Invite your trusted friends for a floor-to-ceiling review. In each room of the home, ask them if they would make any changes, or if they see any red flags from a buyer’s perspective.
This will give you an extra set of non-real-estate eyes on your home to help you create a solid list of potential improvements.
2. Consult with a great agent
Now that you have your friends’ opinions, run them by your agent. Determine which problems to address before listing and which fixes are of no benefit financially. If you’re looking for an agent, try this new tool from Trulia; it’ll give you a free estimate of your home’s value and connect you with an agent who can help you sell it.
3. Declutter
Closets get full, extra pieces of furniture get crammed into rooms, and bookshelves overflow with odds and ends. Allow the potential buyers to see your home and not just your stuff. Every closet in your home should show off the entirety of the storage space. Rooms should scream “possibilities” instead of “I can’t fit one more thing in here.”
Consider renting a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your home. Fill it with anything you don’t need at the moment and have it delivered to your new dream home when the time comes. In the meantime, you’ll be making room for someone else’s dreams.
4. Clean out the garage
Potential buyers want to know that their cars can fit into the garage. While it might seem harsh (and unrealistic since everyone you know uses the garage for storage), no one wants to see the garage filled with bike parts, boxes, and haphazard clutter.
Move the clutter to the portable storage unit and make some room for folks to imagine parking their dream car (or their own clutter) in the space.
5. Think neutral
It’s hard for potential buyers to envision themselves in a home that has you written all over it. Consider replacing bright or bold-colored walls, specialty wallpaper, or mural trim with neutrals.
A simple beige satin wall paint with semigloss white or off-white trim can do wonders for giving potential buyers the blank-canvas feeling. You want future owners to dream of their own personal touches — not be scared away by yours.
6. Make those hardwood floors spiffy
Send the kids and the dog off to the park for the day and get those floors gleaming. Wash all surfaces with mild, soapy water first (avoid Murphy’s Oil Soap — it leaves a residue). Next, use a hardwood floor polish like Bona or a product like Rejuvenate to bring the beauty back —all for under $40–$50 for the average-sized home. Use the recommended cleaning product for each flooring type to prevent buildup and to keep them gleaming through your whole listing.
It’s a deal killer if the perfect buyer thinks they have to refinish a few thousand square feet of hardwood. Help them see hope, not dollar signs.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
When to think like a buyer? The moment you even begin to think of selling.
Ever heard the phrase “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes?” When it comes to selling your home and boosting curb appeal, you need to walk every last inch of your home in the buyer’s shoes, from the front curb to the back fence. The moment you begin thinking of selling your home is the time to start thinking like a buyer.
Why?
Thinking like a buyer will help make your home move-in ready for just the right buyer (or maybe even a bevy of bidding buyers). The less work for the buyer, the shorter the time between the viewing and the closing table.
Here are seven ways to make your home move-in ready:
1. Host a prelisting party
Invite your trusted friends for a floor-to-ceiling review. In each room of the home, ask them if they would make any changes, or if they see any red flags from a buyer’s perspective.
This will give you an extra set of non-real-estate eyes on your home to help you create a solid list of potential improvements.
2. Consult with a great agent
Now that you have your friends’ opinions, run them by your agent. Determine which problems to address before listing and which fixes are of no benefit financially. If you’re looking for an agent, try this new tool from Trulia; it’ll give you a free estimate of your home’s value and connect you with an agent who can help you sell it.
3. Declutter
Closets get full, extra pieces of furniture get crammed into rooms, and bookshelves overflow with odds and ends. Allow the potential buyers to see your home and not just your stuff. Every closet in your home should show off the entirety of the storage space. Rooms should scream “possibilities” instead of “I can’t fit one more thing in here.”
Consider renting a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your home. Fill it with anything you don’t need at the moment and have it delivered to your new dream home when the time comes. In the meantime, you’ll be making room for someone else’s dreams.
4. Clean out the garage
Potential buyers want to know that their cars can fit into the garage. While it might seem harsh (and unrealistic since everyone you know uses the garage for storage), no one wants to see the garage filled with bike parts, boxes, and haphazard clutter.
Move the clutter to the portable storage unit and make some room for folks to imagine parking their dream car (or their own clutter) in the space.
5. Think neutral
It’s hard for potential buyers to envision themselves in a home that has you written all over it. Consider replacing bright or bold-colored walls, specialty wallpaper, or mural trim with neutrals.
A simple beige satin wall paint with semigloss white or off-white trim can do wonders for giving potential buyers the blank-canvas feeling. You want future owners to dream of their own personal touches — not be scared away by yours.
6. Make those hardwood floors spiffy
Send the kids and the dog off to the park for the day and get those floors gleaming. Wash all surfaces with mild, soapy water first (avoid Murphy’s Oil Soap — it leaves a residue). Next, use a hardwood floor polish like Bona or a product like Rejuvenate to bring the beauty back —all for under $40–$50 for the average-sized home. Use the recommended cleaning product for each flooring type to prevent buildup and to keep them gleaming through your whole listing.
It’s a deal killer if the perfect buyer thinks they have to refinish a few thousand square feet of hardwood. Help them see hope, not dollar signs.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Are You Cut Out for a Condo?
Before you take the leap, consider the pros and cons of living in a condominium.
There’s a point where you can just sense it, you can almost feel it in your bones. It’s time to put down some roots — and a down payment too. You’re ready to take the plunge and graduate from crazy landlords and leases to legit property owner, but what kind of property?
You’ve got choices. Do you want that traditional house with a picket fence? Or do you want to commit to a condo? Decisions, decisions.
There’s a lot to consider before signing on the dotted line, so how do you know which one is for you?
Pro: The condo is all yours, yet you don’t have to fix everything
With a condominium, you’ve got the equity of a property owner and the benefit of calling someone else when (some) stuff falls apart. Score! Of course, you pay maintenance fees for this glorious service, but why not?
“The condo association takes care of shoveling, snowplowing, landscaping, roofs, painting the exterior, paving, and more — all of those things that can drain your budget and your time on a house,” says Joe Houlihan, managing partner of Houlihan & O’Malley Real Estate in Bronxville, NY.
Con: You must abide by the homeowners association’s rules
Meet your new circle of friends: the infamous H-O-A. They’re not necessarily a bad group; it just happens to be one that’ll determine the quality of your lifestyle in your condo. They’ll also hit you up for money.
“Let’s say the HOA chooses to change the landscaping or the color of your building to purple — then that’s the color it will be, and you will be required to pay for any assessments attached to any of these changes,” says home improvement consultant Heidi Baker. “For some, this lack of control can be quite freeing.”
But for others, it can be annoying. If you need to be in control of everything in your space, a condo is definitely not for you. Plus, when you have to listen to the board, or participate in its decision-making process, your HOA can become a second job.
Pro: Condos often have cool stuff to do — and a community
When I lived in the South, I often rented apartments in complexes with pools, tennis courts — the works. And that’s actually standard for condo living, which can foster a sense of togetherness.
“In a condo, you’re part of a community immediately,” says Kuba Jewgieniew, founder and CEO of Realty ONE Group. “Condos offer many perks such as pools, gyms, and events that bring residents together, which can be beneficial to a single person or young family.”
Con: Privacy? What privacy?
Unfortunately, condominiums still share walls with neighbors, along with parking and other common quarters.
You may even have a policy about having guests overnight and for how long (just as with a lease) or whether you can decorate your door during holidays. That’s something most house owners don’t have to deal with.
Of course, every complex is different, but Philadelphia-based Realtor Denise Baron of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach says you can always opt for a more intimate condo building — for a price.
“The question to ask is: How do you feel about community living in a large building with 100 apartments or so?” she says. “Or do you want a boutique small condo building with four or six units? Smaller buildings tend to have high fees, but they are more private.”
Pro: Condos have elevators
This isn’t one I was expecting. But, hey, the real estate experts have spoken. A lot of condo buildings have elevators and, well, houses just don’t — unless you’ve got a supercool house.
Hasmik Petrosian, a Toronto-based consultant, lived in a condo before buying a house with stairs and soon realized it was a major frustration.
“My experience with the stairs has given [me] newfound respect to elevators and the fact that condo living is virtually stair-free living,” he says.
Con: Condos don’t have yards you can make your own
Ever planted a garden, only to have it dug up by your kids and/or dog?
Well, you most likely won’t get that with a condo, which will dictate what you can and cannot do to your precious outdoor areas. And that’s one of the big differences between a home and a condo that prospective buyers need to consider, says Joe Houlihan.
“With a house, you have free reign to do what you like to the exterior and your yard, which is usually not the case with condos.”
Here are the pluses and minuses you need to weigh before handing over a big down payment. Still unsure? Talk to condo-living friends (or better yet visit them) and see if they can shed more light on the good and the bad of the condo lifestyle.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
There’s a point where you can just sense it, you can almost feel it in your bones. It’s time to put down some roots — and a down payment too. You’re ready to take the plunge and graduate from crazy landlords and leases to legit property owner, but what kind of property?
You’ve got choices. Do you want that traditional house with a picket fence? Or do you want to commit to a condo? Decisions, decisions.
There’s a lot to consider before signing on the dotted line, so how do you know which one is for you?
Pro: The condo is all yours, yet you don’t have to fix everything
With a condominium, you’ve got the equity of a property owner and the benefit of calling someone else when (some) stuff falls apart. Score! Of course, you pay maintenance fees for this glorious service, but why not?
“The condo association takes care of shoveling, snowplowing, landscaping, roofs, painting the exterior, paving, and more — all of those things that can drain your budget and your time on a house,” says Joe Houlihan, managing partner of Houlihan & O’Malley Real Estate in Bronxville, NY.
Con: You must abide by the homeowners association’s rules
Meet your new circle of friends: the infamous H-O-A. They’re not necessarily a bad group; it just happens to be one that’ll determine the quality of your lifestyle in your condo. They’ll also hit you up for money.
“Let’s say the HOA chooses to change the landscaping or the color of your building to purple — then that’s the color it will be, and you will be required to pay for any assessments attached to any of these changes,” says home improvement consultant Heidi Baker. “For some, this lack of control can be quite freeing.”
But for others, it can be annoying. If you need to be in control of everything in your space, a condo is definitely not for you. Plus, when you have to listen to the board, or participate in its decision-making process, your HOA can become a second job.
Pro: Condos often have cool stuff to do — and a community
When I lived in the South, I often rented apartments in complexes with pools, tennis courts — the works. And that’s actually standard for condo living, which can foster a sense of togetherness.
“In a condo, you’re part of a community immediately,” says Kuba Jewgieniew, founder and CEO of Realty ONE Group. “Condos offer many perks such as pools, gyms, and events that bring residents together, which can be beneficial to a single person or young family.”
Con: Privacy? What privacy?
Unfortunately, condominiums still share walls with neighbors, along with parking and other common quarters.
You may even have a policy about having guests overnight and for how long (just as with a lease) or whether you can decorate your door during holidays. That’s something most house owners don’t have to deal with.
Of course, every complex is different, but Philadelphia-based Realtor Denise Baron of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach says you can always opt for a more intimate condo building — for a price.
“The question to ask is: How do you feel about community living in a large building with 100 apartments or so?” she says. “Or do you want a boutique small condo building with four or six units? Smaller buildings tend to have high fees, but they are more private.”
Pro: Condos have elevators
This isn’t one I was expecting. But, hey, the real estate experts have spoken. A lot of condo buildings have elevators and, well, houses just don’t — unless you’ve got a supercool house.
Hasmik Petrosian, a Toronto-based consultant, lived in a condo before buying a house with stairs and soon realized it was a major frustration.
“My experience with the stairs has given [me] newfound respect to elevators and the fact that condo living is virtually stair-free living,” he says.
Con: Condos don’t have yards you can make your own
Ever planted a garden, only to have it dug up by your kids and/or dog?
Well, you most likely won’t get that with a condo, which will dictate what you can and cannot do to your precious outdoor areas. And that’s one of the big differences between a home and a condo that prospective buyers need to consider, says Joe Houlihan.
“With a house, you have free reign to do what you like to the exterior and your yard, which is usually not the case with condos.”
Here are the pluses and minuses you need to weigh before handing over a big down payment. Still unsure? Talk to condo-living friends (or better yet visit them) and see if they can shed more light on the good and the bad of the condo lifestyle.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Miyerkules, Mayo 6, 2015
Condo Insurance
Condos are a great alternative to renting or owning a single-family home, but they also have their own unique needs when it comes to insurance. Most condominium associations carry insurance for you. So you’re covered, right? Not necessarily. Condo association insurance typically only covers the building, any commonly owned property, and liability insurance for the association. That still leaves all your possessions up to you to insure.
Not all condo insurance policies are the same; however, so you want to make sure they contain some key points that will help you protect yourself financially. Check out some of the condominium coverages we offer at Pekin Insurance, including our enhanced coverages which are available with the purchase of the “Deluxe” endorsement.
- The Structure of Your Condo—In many cases, this coverage is offered through the association. But if it isn’t, you will want to make sure it is included to protect your investment. This part of your policy pays to repair or rebuild your condo if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, tornado, hail, lightning, or other disaster listed in your policy.
- Personal Belongings—Your furniture, clothes, and other personal items are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, tornado, or other insured disaster. This also includes off-premises coverage, meaning under most circumstances, your belongings are covered anywhere in the world. We strongly recommend you also keep a home inventory.
- Additional Living Expense—If you can’t live in your home due to damage from a fire, storm, or other insured disaster, this will pay the costs of living away from home. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt.
- Liability Protection—Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or resident family members are legally liable for. It also pays for damage caused by your pets. This coverage also protects you anywhere in the world.
- Medical Payments—If a friend or neighbor is injured in your condo, he or she can simply submit medical bills to Pekin Insurance under the no-fault Medical coverage. This ensures expenses are paid without a liability claim being filed against you.
- Deluxe Endorsement—For the most comprehensive coverage, you will want to choose the Deluxe endorsement package which includes: 1) replacement cost on contents, 2) equipment breakdown coverage [accidental breakdown of air conditioner, water heater, furnace, etc.], 3) $15,000 identity fraud expense coverage, 4) $1,000 refrigerated property coverage, 5) tree, shrub, and plant debris removal from storms, 6) personal injury liability coverage, 7) water back-up coverage, 8) up to 125% of replacement cost for dwelling, 9) lock and garage door transmitter coverage if keys or transmitters are lost or stolen.
- Additional endorsements—Special coverages are also available for canine/feline protection and water and wastewater line coverage should you need them.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
Lunes, Mayo 4, 2015
What is the difference between a Condo and a rental apartment?
The difference between the two lies primarily within the ownership structure. A condo complex has units that can be purchased and owned individually. In rental apartment buildings, the owner of the building maintains the ownership of the rental units. Condos tend to be built to a higher quality standard than apartment buildings, because condos are not only a living space, but also a potential investment for the buyer. Renters tend to be less concerned about maintaining common areas. Renters usually have no long-term stake in rental apartments.
The condo unit is usually an apartment-like unit in a medium or high-rise building. Those buildings have elevators, whereas, condo townhouses are usually built on street level, and without elevators.
From their physical appearance, condo townhouses may resemble freehold traditional properties. However, they have common foundation connections to qualify for condo status. Therefore, their outside upkeep and maintenance is mandated by monthly maintenance fees, just like the condos in high-rise buildings.
GET YOUR CONDOMINIUM NOW!!
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
RAQUEL CINENSE
(0920) 6273091
(0915) 3636381
(02) 736-1731
FOR MORE PROPERTIES VISIT:
WWW.BAHAYSHOP.COM
WWW.CONDYSHOP.COM
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