Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse

A comprehensive, one-stop guide to the challenges of buying, owning, living in and ultimately selling these homes.

If you've been thinking about buying a co-op, condo, or townhouse, you probably know that you can't get much useful information from the books about buying houses. The obstacles you face are different-and often a lot more complicated. Price and financial situation are only part of the equation, and it's important to understand all the factors before deciding what sort of home to pursue.

In Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse, you'll find complete and indispensable information on:

• finding the right type of home for you
• negotiating and making a sensible and strong offer
• the financial and tax considerations unique to each type of home
• dealing with homeowners' associations and co-op boards
• rules, rights, and responsibilities of ownership
• repair responsibilities and renovation issues
• maintenance and common charges
• flip taxes, restrictions, and other selling issues

There's valuable information about buying both new construction and resales, dealing with developers and real estate agents, and deciphering the mountains of paperwork involved in even the simplest transaction, from contract to closing documents. You'll also learn secrets for increasing the value of your investment and preparing your home for sale-even if that day is a long way down the road.

There's more than one kind of dream home, and each kind has its own unique issues. Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse will help you make sure your dream comes true!

Ken Roth is a lawyer specializing in real estate issues and has more than 20 years of experience in real estate. He is a licensed Realtor(R) and residential property manager in Florida, and is the author of The Successful Landlord. He lives in Pompano Beach.