Special offer

Thinking about purchasing a condo? Listen to local news and advice and partner up with a good buyers agent.

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center

Condo sold in Chesterfield TownshipLast month a buyer client of mine closed on the purchase of her condo and was absolutely thrilled. As she wasn't a first time home buyer she isn't able to receive the First Time Home Buyers tax credit, but is happy about the wonderful condo that she bought at a terrific price.

I've heard from several people over the last couple of months that are interested in purchasing condos but are concerned about what they've been reading as far as obtaining a mortgage for one.


A couple of tips:

  • If you are purchasing using an FHA or VA mortgage ask your buyers agent to check and see if the complex you are interested in is on the HUD approved list.

  • Have your buyers agent do their homework:  Insist on financial statements from the association or management company as part of the due diligence during the inspection period.   Review them together, and if they are complicated ask an accountant to review them on your behalf.

  • Ask your mortgage lender if there are any requirements that you or the condo complex must meet in order to obtain your mortgage.  (Guidelines change quickly and you want to make sure that the information you received 6 months ago from your lender is still the case today.)

  • Remember that all real estate is local.  What may be the norm for Florida or Nevada isn't the norm here.  Talk to your buyers agent and your mortgage lender about what is happening in your desired purchase area.


There are some outstanding condos on the market know in Macomb County and people who wish a more
maintenance free lifestyle may want to consider purchasing one of them.   For example, here are the condos
that are on the market this morning in Sterling Heights.  



If you have any questions about purchasing a condo in Macomb County MI please don't hesitate to contact me. No pressure - just conversation.

 

Kris Wales - A partner for your real estate needs in Macomb County MI

Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

Condos are tough sales here right now. Lenders are looking past the buyers and at the health of the association. Good post about what to do thanks

Jun 22, 2009 01:01 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Those are some good tips, especially the financial statement review.  Of course making sure the lender will finance in a condo complex is a good start.

Jun 22, 2009 01:02 AM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Charlie,  There are things that we can all do to help our buyer clients in their purchasing of condos.  Yes, banks and mortgage brokers are being a bit more picky about them, but for the most part here in my area they are selling successfully.  Sometimes it's as simple as having all your ducks in a row prior to the contract to purchase.

 

Gary,   I like seeing those financial statements prior to the mortgage lender getting them.  If there are any surprises or "uh ohs" I want my client to be able to back out before they've spent money on an appraisal.

Jun 22, 2009 01:08 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have heard some condo complexes are not able to get finance. Wow, times have changed.

Jun 22, 2009 01:52 AM
Sasha Miletic - Windsor Real Estate
RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. - Windsor, ON

Hi Kris, Good post. Thanks for sharing.

Best - Sash

Jun 22, 2009 03:14 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Kris, I know real estate is local but I am always learning....I actually think a condo might be a good choice for me at some point soon and you gave some good information. 

Jun 22, 2009 09:57 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

Asking to see the financials is so very important especially since so many forclosures have caused some complexes significant losses from these properties that have not paid the monthly fees.

Jun 22, 2009 10:08 AM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Harry:   I think the ones that are having trouble are those that are in financial hardship. 

Sasha:   Thanks for popping in.

Carole:  When you go to purchase a condo please hire an excellent buyers agent!  You'll want full disclosure on all the financials.

Terry:   Absolutely!  I'm sure you're seeing some of that in your area also.

Jun 23, 2009 01:07 AM