Anshu Arora LLM, MSc, PMP

Cell 604-828-7331 | yourbcagent@gmail.com

RSS

How to Understand Strata Minutes When Buying A Condo

 

Considering the purchase of a strata condo? One of the key steps to ensure you are making a sound purchase will be in reviewing the strata minutes. Not the most exciting of reading choices – however, the minutes will provide you with an in-depth look, not only to the building and operations, but also a peek into the condo culture.


 

How to approach minutes, in four easy steps:


 

#1 Read the minutes from oldest to most recent

 

A minimum of two years is a standard request. As you read, keep a running tally of any questions you have, removing from the list questions answered as you read forward through subsequent months. From this summary, prepare a list of any unanswered questions for the property manager or seller.


 

#2 Be sure to read correspondence closely

 

Pay attention to any records of complaints regarding a specific owner. Be sure to enquire about corresponding unit number and determine proximity to the unit you are looking to purchase. Noise/ harassment disputes are very hard to resolve and wherever possible should be avoided.


 

#3 Request a copy of all current bylaws and rules

 

Look for tenant requests and said outcomes. If a previous request has been voted down, ie access to electrical outlets for electric car charges (often not readily available in older buildings), or acceptance of a pet slightly larger than a 40 lb maximum (not easy sneaking in your Newfie), you can be sure this will not be an easy change.


 

#4 Request copies of reports

 

Always request copies of reports referenced in minutes, and if work is done based on these reports, ask for a scope of work to make sure all suggested work was completed.

 

 

 

In today’s sellers’ market, there is pressure to put in quick offers with limited subjects. I can request minutes in advance before the offer is placed, thus removing the subject to review.

 

 

 

Considering the purchase of a strata condo? One of the key steps to ensure you are making a sound purchase will be in reviewing the strata minutes. Not the most exciting of reading choices – however, the minutes will provide you with an in-depth look, not only to the building and operations, but also a peek into the condo culture.

How to approach minutes, in four easy steps:

#1 Read the minutes from oldest to most recent

A minimum of two years is a standard request. As you read, keep a running tally of any questions you have, removing from the list questions answered as you read forward through subsequent months. From this summary, prepare a list of any unanswered questions for the property manager or seller.

#2 Be sure to read correspondence closely

Pay attention to any records of complaints regarding a specific owner. Be sure to enquire about corresponding unit number and determine proximity to the unit you are looking to purchase. Noise/ harassment disputes are very hard to resolve and wherever possible should be avoided.

#3 Request a copy of all current bylaws and rules

Look for tenant requests and said outcomes. If a previous request has been voted down, ie access to electrical outlets for electric car charges (often not readily available in older buildings), or acceptance of a pet slightly larger than a 40 lb maximum (not easy sneaking in your Newfie), you can be sure this will not be an easy change.

#4 Request copies of reports

Always request copies of reports referenced in minutes,and if work is done based on these reports, ask for a scope of work to make sure all suggested work was completed. Reports may include:

  • Current budget and a statement of the contingency reserve fund. This will help determine if there is a sufficient budget to meet the current operations of the building, and enough contingency to cover an emergency repair or replacement. Note: The contingency and required upkeep of the building and property will directly affect monthly strata fees.
  • Insurance policy and the history of insurance claims on the strata common areas can signal potential problems.
  • A depreciation report, if available, will include a Form B, providing information on current and future costs to the strata. (Effective December 13, 2013, all strata corporations of five units or more in British Columbia, must complete a depreciation report as required by the Strata Property Act, unless they have passed a three-quarters vote each year they wish to be exempt from the requirements.)
  • A copy of the strata plan that shows what property you will be responsible for and what is common property (e.g. decks and balconies), the provision of parking and storage space or any changes that have been made to the development. Note: your home inspector may not have access to inspect common property areas, emphasizing the importance of reviewing a depreciation report.

In today’s sellers’ market, there is pressure to put in quick offers with limited subjects. Realtors can request minutes in advance before the offer is placed, thus removing the subject to review.

- See more at: http://www.rew.ca/news/how-to-understand-strata-minutes-when-buying-a-condo-1.2058232#sthash.3EGzyItz.dpuf
Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.