If you are looking for a condo, it is imperative to check out the condo board. No matter how good your condo is, the gasket can mean the difference between a pleasant living situation and a nightmare from hell. The board is an important part of condo life and should play a part in your purchase decision. Attending at least one board meeting is something everyone looking for a condo unit should do before making the decision to buy.
What is the board and why do you need one? The condominium board is a group of people who uphold the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), address rule violators with warnings, fines, and other methods of dealing with violations, vote on changes to the CC&Rs, construction, policies and other matters. related to common property. You need a board in a condominium to make decisions, through an established process, about issues that arise in the condominium. Whether deciding when to replace the roof or mediating a dispute between two neighbors, the condominium board performs many tasks necessary to keep the condominium running smoothly. But at least it should.
Condo board members will be happy to talk with you about the condo, events, policies, CC&Rs, etc. Beware of board members who resist all polite questions about the board and their conduct. While you don’t necessarily want a whiteboard that interferes with your daily life, you also don’t want a whiteboard that’s inaccessible.
How are meetings held? You should sit in one and see. Are they reasonably orderly and productive, or do they turn into arguments and insults? Are there clear procedures by which the meeting is conducted? For example, one might have a number of “Old Business” issues, some “New Business” issues, and a time period in which people can bring issues to the board for consideration.
If the board employs a manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the condo, how approachable and professional is he/she? Do other residents speak well of the manager’s attitude and handling of condominium affairs? One or two unhappy people in ten may not be cause for alarm, but if most of the people you talk to are unhappy with the manager’s behavior, you may have reason to reconsider having to deal with them on a day-to-day basis. base.
Another aspect of the condominium board is the operating budget and reserve. The operating budget covers things like lawn maintenance, pool care, etc. The reserve is for the repair and replacement of things that inevitably wear out or break. A condominium’s operating and reserve budget must be flexible to meet rising costs and emergency issues. A condo that cuts back on reserve money and the amenities to keep it down may be a cheaper option, but the costs of replacing a roof without proper budgeting can require a major evaluation by every condo owner. It’s wise to avoid saving money now just by having to pay an unexpected tax.
The condo dashboard is an important part of condo life and should be considered when you are considering purchasing a condo. You could get the best condo in the most ideal location, but if you have a condo joint that makes your life difficult, it detracts from the space you’re paying for. The time it takes to make sure the condominium board is one you can live with is always well spent.