A condominium is another real estate option other than a traditional stand-alone home. Usually condos are purchased with mortgage, but in difficult markets or selling situations they may be rented as apartments. Learn more here about condominium housing.
Homeowners Association Assessment And Developer
When you live in a community with a homeowners association you're responsible for assessments, as is anyone who lives in the community. Sometimes homeowners association by-laws exclude developers from paying assessments on land they own. But once the developer finishes his work with the community that exclusion may go away. What are the options for the members of a homeowners association that has a developer's son as a resident member?
Condominium Owners Starting An Association
Condominium owners should get a copy of the condominium statute from the state, and owners need to be cautious when hiring a management company. Management companies offer different levels of services for different fees. The most basic management services include helping the association bill each unit owner for monthly assessments, receiving funds and doing basic bookkeeping services.
Tax Implications Of Flipping Real Estate Before Construction
This reader is hoping to flip a property before it is constructed but is concerned about the tax implications. Ilyce explains if you make a profit by selling something that you own, even if it's real estate that gets flipped before construction is complete, you have a taxable gain. Just what kind of tax gain you would get flipping pre-construction real estate, hinges on the question of what it is that you bought and when you are considered to have made the purchase under tax law.
Closing Canceled at Last Moment
A young couple was on the way to owning their first condo. On the morning of the closing, the lender calls to say they will not be able to make the loan because the building is a condominium conversion. Ilyce and Sam give the reader advice on how to recover their many expenses and how to avoid this homebuyer nightmare.
Renting Apartment Instead of Buying Condo
If you're debating over continuing to be a renter or buying a condominium, you need to assess your short and long-term goals. Short term - what do interest rates look like? How do you want to use your current resources - building equity or having the money to travel? Long-term goals include where you'll want to retire and if you want to have an asset like a condominium to help support you in retirement.