THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 30, 1994 TAG: 9407290450
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: Heidi Glick
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Condominiums aren't for everyone, especially if you like a big back yard and enjoy mowing the lawn, says Louise C. Hall, an agent for Womble Realty in Virginia Beach.
But many South Hampton Roads residents are trading in the lawn mower and other maintenance headaches for the convenience of condo life. In the condo system of ownership, residents own their individual units, but the common areas, such as parking lots and landscaping, are jointly held with other owners in the complex.
Before investing in a condo, area realty agents, condo owners and property managers offer some advice and tips:
If you spot a condo that you like, drive by it during a weekend night, says Mary Dail, a Virginia Beach condominium resident. That's when it's likely to be at its loudest, with residents throwing parties and blaring music. Many condominiums look quiet and deserted during the week. But on weekends they may take on different atmosphere.
Dail also advises potential buyers to ask residents questions about the complex: How much is the condo fee? What does it include? How often is it raised?
Condo neighbhors are much closer to each other than owners of detached houses, Hall says.
``If you put a stereo right next to a wall between two apartments, unless it's a thick wall, everyone will have the benefit of it.''
Though the condo owners association maintains and repairs the exterior of the complex, it does not handle the interior.
``If the sink leaks, it's not the association's responsibility,'' said Tim Gifford, president of Coldwell, Banker Gifford Realty Inc. in Norfolk. ``It's the homeowner's responsibility.''
In high-rise condos, especially, watch for interior water problems, says Bettye Evans, vice president of Century 21 Executive Real Estate in Virginia Beach. Check the air-conditioning and washing-machine hoses periodically. When they get old, they can rot and cause water damage.
Buyers should read all their condo documents closely, says Harry R. Purkey, a Virginia Beach attorney who specializes in condominium law. People who buy a new condominium have 10 days to cancel. But for resales, a cancellation period is not required. Potential buyers should ask questions, Purkey says, if they don't understand something written in a contract.
If you own a pet, read the contract carefull. Condos have differing policies on pets, Purkey says.
``There's nothing worse than being a property owner, signing a contract and then realizing that your pet is not going to be allowed.'' by CNB