The Condo Book

At last a book that guides the reader through the perils and opportunities of buying a home within a community association. Condominiums, townhomes, cooperatives, and single-family homes within a community association share similar issues with respect to financial and governance surprises that may affect your pocketbook and quality of life. Learn how to ask for the right information, ask the right questions, and decide for yourself the best home that reflects your values, lifestyle, and budget—and of course to help avoid a major surprise after purchase. David T. Schwindt, certified public accountant, consultant, and reserve study specialist, brings over thirty years of experience with community associations in an easy-to-understand resource that you will find invaluable in making the right decision for you and your family. Included with each informative chapter are tips, best practices, and ways to create community and harmony within an association.

"A timely, admirable book. Barnabic recognizes the paradox inherent in the idea of shared private property. He provides would-be buyers with a checklist of things to look for when assessing the financial stability and long-term viability of a particular condominium corporation." -BENJAMIN GIANNI, Associate Professor, Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University "I particularly like the description of the 100-unit complex example. Barnabic's expertise is invaluable to those considering condominium ownership and to those who may find themselves on the board of a condominium association." -KIMBERLY WINSON-GEIDEMAN, Ph.D., prolific author on real estate and Professor of Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Law at the University of North Texas The Condo Bible for Canadians is a buyer beware and owner beware book that reveals the legal and practical realities of condo ownership, compares owning a condo with owning a house/renting an apartment, and advises consumers on the dangers of the condo real estate market, given ... The debilitating market crashes of the late 1990s and 2006 The effects of today's record low interest rates, in which: Developers are enticing consumers into condo ownership by allowing low or even no down payments Real estate prices are soaring out of the reach of those with average incomes The market is being flooded with condo units, creating an oversupply that could prove disastrous Barnabic writes that very few consumers are aware that: One defaulting unit owner can affect the well being of all unit owners A high percentage of units being rented out may be a sign that the complex may be converted into an apartment building A condo association's default on a common loan can cause the demise of the whole condo complex and its individual units The Condo Bible for Canadians also includes: The Ten Commandments of Condo Buying Recommendations and remedies for government and financial institutions, condo associations, and condo boards to make condo ownership safer Dan S. Barnabic is a noted consumer advocate and a keen observer of condo proliferation. He worked in real estate as an agent, broker, property manager, and condominium developer. His over three decades in the real estate industry began in the 1970s and intensified after he witnessed the major real estate crashes of the late 1980s and 2006.

Adventure is just an elevator ride away for brothers Noah and Michael, who are best friends with all the other Condo Kids in their building. This tight-knit group of pals just want to have fun, but always wind up in hilarious, sticky situations. The latest adventure finds the Condo Kids keeping a major secret from nosy neighbors, after Noah, desperate for a pet, sneaks a Barbary sheep named Bob home from the zoo. While Bob is heaps of fun to have around, the Condo Kids soon learn keeping a secret pet is a risky game to play. Between Noah's suspicious mom and the scary superintendent on their trail, they are just one mistake away from being discovered once and for all. Will the Condo Kids manage to keep their furry friend hidden from prying eyes? Or will they be found out and lose the newest member of the Condo Kids gang?

Welcome to Golden Sands, the dream condominium built on a weak foundation and a thousand dirty secrets. Here is a panoramic look at the shocking facts of life in a Sun Belt community -- the real estate swindles and political payoffs, the maintenance charges that run up and the health benefits that run cut...the crackups and marital breakdowns...the disaster that awaits those who play in the path of the hurricane...

Offers a complete overview of these special, usually smaller, residences. It points out dozens of hints and suggestion as to what to look for as well as demonstrating the many mistakes common with these types of investments. You will learn how to find the best opportunities, to negotiate, finance, budget, handle pre-construction issues, set values, and make the offer. You will be able to define what you are buying (and what you are not) issues on your right to sell, lease, or mortgage. You will be prepared for restrictions pertaining to children, pets, parking, vehicles, boats, music, maintenance of windows, doors, screens, air conditioners, plumbing, club memberships, recreation facility leases, use of recreational facilities, and common areas. In addition, you will learn the advantages of using credit reports, home warranties, insurance, creative financing, closing procedures, moving plans, closing and settlement inspections, and certain legal contracts. You will have instruction in obtaining mortgages -- which government agencies can help, considerations for veterans, IRA use, hiring an attorney, calculating monthly payments, and establishing an escrow account. The real estate and mortgage glossaries alone are invaluable resources, even for the 'old hand' at property acquisition.

The Condo Owner's Answer Book covers all of the common issues with condos and condominium ownership presented in easy-to-follow question and answer format.

Condo residents' dreams of a luxurious life in the Florida Keys are shattered by an approaching hurricane and by Martin Liss, a greedy, indifferent developer who victimizes the residents with continuing price increases.