choices to consider when buying:
- Single family
- Semi-detached (joined together by a common middle wall)
- Duplex - 2 separate dwellings that are attached either side-by-side (semi-detached or one above each other).
- Townhouse - one of a group of dwellings - joined together by common walls, each with its own entrance from outside, usually Strata Title.
- Apartment - one of several dwellings joined together by common walls - each with its own entrance from common hallway, usually Strata Title.
checklist for strata properties
- Minutes - minimum 24 months - strata council meetings, annual general meeting(s), extraordinary meeting(s), special general meeting(s), and meetings of the executive or the members of any section to which the strata lot belongs. Request written verification from the strata property manager, the strata council or, if a section exists, the executive of the section, that the information received represents complete copies of minutes requested.
- Information Certificate (Form "B") to which must be attached copies of the Rules (formerly called regulations), the current budget, and the developer’s Rental Disclosure Statement, if any (Note: the information in the Certificate and its attachments are only current to the date of the Certificate).
- Current bylaws of the strata corporation and any section to which the strata lot belongs (includes information such as parking entitlements and vehicle restrictions, pet restrictions, age and children restrictions, rental restrictions, barbecue restrictions etc.
- Current financial statements of the strata corporation and any section to which the strata lot belongs.
- The registered strata plan, any amendments, and any resolutions dealing with changes to common property.
- Property Disclosure Statement: Strata Title Properties
- Information about any additional fees charged by the strata corporation, over and above the monthly strata fee, for parking, storage or other features.
- Information regarding any building warranty that may be applicable.
- Municipal occupancy permits and/or final inspection permit.
if deciding on a condo or strata title unit
- Keep your priorities in mind re community, transportation, neighbourhood, etc.
- Don’t just look at the suite, look around the entire building. Its upkeep - neat, clean, well painted, general good condition
- Also pay attention to the grounds. If you know anyone in the building talk to them re conditions/problems and benefits.
- When buying a strata unit you are buying into an organization that should operate as a democracy.
when you have narrowed down your choice:
Your realtor will:
Write an offer making it subject to receiving the following:
- All documents on the checklist for Strata Property.
- READ all material over thoroughly.
- The Minutes and Financial Statements are the Diary of the building. They will give you a feel of the building and who your neighbours are. They will also give you clues if the building has had problems in the past or is presently experiencing problems.
questions to keep in mind when reviewing minutes
- What are the charges for common area maintenance?
- What is included in these costs?
- What services or utilities are included in monthly maintenance and what are you expected to pay in addition?
- Look at Budget or financials for the building
- Does this project developer have a good reputation for honesty and successful operations?
- Does it have a third party warranty? If building permit was taken out after July 1, 1999, property is required to have third party warranty. Closely review disclosure statement provided by developer.
- Are units being successfully resold?
- Who controls the recreational facilities?
- Will you be required to pay extra fees for using any facilities?
- How many parking spots included and are they limited common property or are they assigned to the owners? (Or is it assigned by the strata corporation with possibility of future change?)
- How is the storage assigned?
- Is there a professional property management company or is it self-managed?
- What is the contingency reserve? Do they have a 5 10 year maintenance plan?
- Are rentals permitted?
- How many rentals permitted?
- Are pets permitted?
- Have any special assessments been agreed upon?
- Have any structural problems been noted that may lead to a special assessment in future?
- Is there an engineering report available?
- Have there been any recent court actions or arbitrations? Any dissension?
when should you call me?
- When you see a real estate ad about a home that interests you,
Call Me. - When you drive by a home or condo that looks like what you want,
Call Me. - When you see a "For Sale by Owner" sign,
Call Me. - When you drop by an "Open House" on the weekend,
Call Me. - Any time you have a question about real estate,
Call Me!! - I am always happy to hear from you!! I am your source of reliable, current and historical real estate information.
- I have direct access to:
- Current list price and a full description of homes
- Previous list price if there has been a reduction
- Other sales on the street or in the building
- Municipal Tax Assessment value
- What the Seller paid and when
You need this information to make a confident decision.
Take advantage of our expertise.
Call Me!!!
Judi Whyte R.I.
Prudential Sussex Realty
604 - 925-2911
your moving checklist
Tips from Judi Whyte
- Right away, start a "Moving Expense" book or file. Keep all your receipts as they can be tax deductions.
- Plan meals to use up frozen and canned food. Then you won’t have to move them.
- Notify BC Tel, BC Gas, BC Hydro, your cable company, etc. regarding your new address and dates of disconnection and hook-up.
- Gather all important documents together and keep them accessible. Don’t forget your pet’s documents.
- Return all borrowed items to neighbours and reclaim any of yours.
- Go through your home from top to bottom. Discard or give away all items no longer used or needed.
- Dispose of open paint cans, aerosols, oil, ammunition, cleaning fluids, etc. as moving companies won’t transport these items.
- This is a great time to do a household inventory for insurance purposes.
- Call at least three moving companies and get written estimates on the cost of your move. Book the dates as far in advance as possible and get the commitment for the dates in writing from the company.
- If required, call cleaning company or rent rug cleaning equipment if necessary as far in advance as possible.
contact your credit card companies:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Gas Cards
- Department Store Cards
- Frequent Flyer/Buyer/Airmiles etc.
complete a change of address for:
- BC Medicare
- Magazine Subscriptions
- Newspaper
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Lawyer
- Season Ticket Subscriptions
- Bank - Order new cheques
- Clubs
- Cable Television
- Revenue Canada
- House Insurance
- Library
- Church
- Schools
- Alumni Association
- BC Driver’s License
- I.C.B.C.
- Civic Organizations
- Frequent Flyer Memberships
good luck with your move!!