Product Description

One third of all homes sold today are condos, co-ops, or townhouses. America's #1 real estate expert shows what to watch for when buying one of them. Home ownership is still the American dream, but not everyone follows tradition by buying a detached one-family house. Condos, co-ops, and townhouses are increasingly popular alternatives nationwide. These "shared ownership" options have unique pluses and minuses, as Bob Irwin reveals in Tips & Traps When Buying a Condo, Co-op, or Townhouse.

Like other books in his best-selling "Tips & Traps" series, it's packed with targeted, reader-friendly advice. If you're a prospective buyer, Bob Irwin will show you how to:

• Decide if shared ownership is right for you
• Read between the lines of bylaws
• Deal with homeowners associations
• Check out the seven warning signs of big trouble
• Handle disclosures and inspections
• And much more

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1507936 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Review
"Buying a condo, townhouse, or co-op is like marrying into a family," writes Irwin. (Library Journal )

From the Back Cover

Hunting for your dream co-op, condo, or townhouse? Don't even think of buying one until you check with one of America's leading real estate experts!

Buying a condo, townhouse, or co-op is like marrying into a family, writes Robert Irwin in Tips & Traps When Buying a Condo, Co-op, or Townhouse. It can be a dream come true of shared amenities you could not afford on your own­­like pools, golf courses, lakes, and spas. Or you could find that you've married into a dysfunctional "family" and you're living in a nightmare of real estate politics, hidden fees, and draconian approval processes.

Now best-selling real estate writer Robert Irwin lays out the many things you need to know when buying a condo, townhouse, or co-op, much of which goes beyond buying a single-family home. Make your condo, townhouse, or co-op dreams come true with practical advice that will save you time and money:

• Learn the 7 "red flag" questions
• Evaluate the property's future value
• Understand homeowners' rules
• Check out hidden shared legal hazards
• Rate insurance coverage and cash reserves
• Uncover potential financial liabilities
• Discover what dues histories mean
• Determine who's responsible for maintenance
• Conduct a thorough inspection and investigate disclosures

About the Author

Robert Irwin, one of America's leading experts in all areas of real estate, is the author of more than twenty books, including McGraw-Hill's best-selling Tips and Traps series. For more of Bob Irwin's real estate tips and traps, go to www.robertirwin.com.