For consumers interested in purchasing a condominium, there are a number of variables to consider, many of which differ from those associated with the purchase of a home and are unique to buying a condominium.
1. 10For consumers interested in purchasing a condominium, there are a number of variables to
consider, many of which differ from those associated with the purchase of a home and are
unique to buying a condominium.
TEN THINGS TO CONSIDER
Before buying a condo
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
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2. 01THING #1
What are the current
monthly fees for the unit?
!
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
3. 02THING #2
What are the rules
regarding pets, common
areas, and amenities?
!
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
4. 03THING #3
What is the percentage
of live-in owners versus
renters?
WHY? To get a general idea of the current and predicted tenure of the
building’s inhabitants. More renters may give some prospective
buyers pause.
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
5. 04THING #4
Discover any big-ticket
maintenance items on
the horizon.
!
Will this expenditure be paid from reserves or a special assessment?
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
6. 05THING #5
Ask if the association has
been involved in litigation
in the last five years.
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
7. 06THING #6
Are there any liens on the
condo for unpaid taxes or
assessments?
!
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
8. 07THING #7
Is there sufficient wind,
fire and liability
insurance?
!
Don’t assume the association has the appropriate insurance coverage.
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
9. 08THING #8
Read the condominium
declaration and by-laws.
!
WHY? Review the language in these documents to help in your decision-making
process, and to allow for a better understanding of the limitations on
your actions as a unit owner and how they pertain to the property.
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
10. 09THING #9
Inquire about current
members of the board.
!
WHY? To ensure they do not conflict with relevant legal statutes related to
administering the association’s declaration and by-laws.
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
11. 10THING #10
Study the association’s
financial reports.
!
‣ Are reports issued monthly?
‣ Is there an annual review of actual income and expenses?
‣ How is the money spent?
‣ Is the reserve adequate?
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
12. 11BONUS THING - THING #11
Are there any architectural
restrictions?
!
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.
13. How can Lugenbuhl assist you with condominium law?
!
Stanley J. CohnAttorney At Law | New Orleans Office
!
CALL: (504)968-1990
EMAIL: scohn@lawla.com
VISIT: www.lawla.com/attorneys/stanley-cohn
!
!
Phone: (504)568-1990 Address:
Fax: (504)310-9195 601PoydrasStreet,Suite2775
Website: www.lawla.com NewOrleans,LA70130
Thecontentofthispresentationdoesnotconstitutelegaladvice.