Compare the Building Before the Unit

Two similar condos in different buildings can have very different monthly costs and very different risk. After the 2021 Surfside collapse, Florida changed its condo laws: older buildings now face milestone inspections and structural reserve studies, and associations are required to fund reserves they could once waive. Those costs reach owners as higher fees or special assessments, and they are showing up in prices.

I would rather tell you a building is a bad idea before you pay for an inspection than after.

Documents to Request Before You Commit

• Current budget and reserve balance.
• Milestone inspection and structural integrity reserve study, where they apply.
• Special assessments levied or proposed, and board minutes from the last 12 months.
• The master insurance policy and what it leaves to the owner.
• Rental, short-term rental and pet rules.
• Pending litigation and the share of owner-occupied units, which can affect whether your lender will approve the building.

How I Work With Buyers

I start every buyer with a showing agreement. Think of it as going on a date: we see homes together under clear terms and find out whether we work well together. If it is a fit, we move to a buyer broker agreement, which is closer to a marriage. I explain both before you sign either.