Getting (and Wanting) What You Pay For You’d certainly think that $300 a month for Association dues is a better deal than $500, assuming two near-identical units. But, the truth is, the higher fee could be a (much) better value. How so? If it covers a long list of services and building amenities that the...Read More
Silver Lining: Indoor Exercise I’ve certainly had prospective Buyers pass on a single-family home because they didn’t like the feel of the neighboring houses or block. What’s the equivalent for a condo? I just showed a Minnetonka condo that was so far from the elevator — I’d guess about 250 feet, or literally a 2...Read More
Home Buyers, Sellers — and Condo Associations When Realtors talk about how “cooperative” a client is, they’re usually thinking of Sellers. So, a cooperative Seller is one who takes (most of) their Realtor’s advice about home prep and staging; prices realistically; has their home looking great for showings and is reasonable about accommodating same, etc. A...Read More
The Condo Association Fee Stealth Subsidy Question: When does a $300,000 condo on the 2nd floor with a view of a parking lot pay the same monthly association fee as a $600,000 top-floor unit with skyline views? Answer: when both units are the same size, and the condo association fees are determined by square feet....Read More
MLS: “Pets – Cats Allowed; Pets – Number Limit” As you may (or likely may not) remember from high school civics, the U.S. Constitution provides that any powers not expressly granted to the federal government are reserved to the states. When it comes to pet restrictions, condo associations are the same way. Not Expressly Allowed = Forbidden...Read More
Single-Family New York City Townhomes “Single-family townhomes also often offer other benefits: residents can have a garden; they can own a dog without asking anyone’s permission. Many of these houses are in picturesque neighborhoods with an embracing sense of community.” –“Townhouse Turnaround“; The New York Times (11/8/2013) This week’s New York Times real estate section...Read More
