Know What You Are Actually Buying

In Florida, a townhome can be fee simple, where you own the building and the land under it, or condo-form, where you own the unit and the association owns the rest. The listing does not always say which. It changes what the association controls, which type of homeowner's policy you carry, and what a lender will require, so I confirm it before we write an offer.

Townhomes often land between a condo and a house on price and upkeep. Whether that trade is a good one depends more on the association than on the unit.

Read the Association Documents

• The monthly fee and exactly what it covers: roof, exterior, insurance, landscaping.
• Reserve balance and any special assessments recent or planned.
• How much the fee has gone up over the last few years.
• Rental, pet and parking rules, which are often stricter than buyers expect.
• Pending litigation and the percentage of owner-occupied units.

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.