frustration, it's important to understand what property managers' duties are and what they can be expected to handle.
In general, a condominium manager has two primary responsibilities: to manage a community's daily operations and to carry out policies set by the condo board. The manager works closely with the board as an advisor, but acts at the sole direction of the board and is not technically a member of the board. Any questions or concerns you would like the board to address should be sent to the condominium manager but addressed to the board. Similarly, keep in mind that making a request through your condominium manager is not a way to bypass board approval, as the board still must approve all requests. When it comes to settling conflicts, a manager is the right person to call if any condo community rules are clearly being violated. Although most property managers are trained in dealing with conflict, your manager should not be asked to get involved if you are simply trying to settle an argument with another owner that's not related to your community's rules. In addition, keep in mind that a manager does not have any say in setting policies. If you disagree with a policy, it's better to bring your concerns to directly to the condo board. The property manager is responsible for performing property inspections, and is the person or organization to contact if you have a concern about a maintenance or repair issue. If any contractors are hired and are working onsite, the manager should monitor their performance, but not necessarily supervise them, as contractors should have their own appointed supervisors. If you are a unit owner and would like to report an issue with a contractor, you may bring the issue up with your manager, who will forward your concerns on to the condo board. Your property manager also likely handles the condo board's financial affairs. This includes collecting condo fees, preparing monthly financial statements and creating an operational budget to be submitted to the board. If you have questions or concerns about paying your fees, you may discuss them with your manager. Your manager is available as a resource to residents, but should not be expected to be available 24 hours a day, unless you're experiencing an emergency that threatens your life or your property. If you would like to see your property manager to discuss a concern, it's best to call and schedule a meeting. When discussing the contemporary real estate market, the term "condominium" is one that is sure to come up. In big cities and across the United States, condos are selling like hot cakes, and have now come into their own in the world of real estate. Sometimes the question of what exactly defines a condominium can seem hazy and it is perhaps deserving of such confusion. A condominium is a home in which the owner owns the space between the walls, but not the walls themselves. They may also own a percentage of such common amenities as a swimming pool.
Condominium owners generally share the ownership of the building and common areas, while individually owning a single unit. Condominiums are much like co-ops in such cities as New York. With a co-operative building, a buyer shares ownership in the grounds and is then entitled to his or her own apartment. What has made condominiums so desirable is there affordability and attractive qualities. These might include a pool, a sauna, and many other luxurious facilities. In addition, they require low maintenance and are often conveniently located. In the past, condominium ownership has been primarily pursued by older couples hoping to downsize. However, more recently, they have become a leader in the National Association of Realtors and their popularity continues to boom. For those interested in purchasing a condominium, there are many factors to think about. For example, how important are amenities like a pool or fitness room? Remember that you will be paying for these facilities monthly. How many years do you hope to live there? You must be there long enough to pay off loans and hopefully, see the home appreciate. |