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

Ken Roth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2006

"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. If you're not fully prepared and properly informed, the buying process and even ownership itself could turn into a nightmare. 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. Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse is a one-stop guide to the particular challenges of buying, owning, living in and ultimately selling these homes. Inside the book, 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 isses * 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!"

Editorial Reviews

Review

Robert Bruss, nationally syndicated real estate columnist: "Don’t buy or sell a condominium, co-op or townhouse without first reading Ken Roth’s revealing new book...Not only is this book enjoyable, easy reading, but the author’s many personal experiences explain how to avoid potential pitfalls...By far, this is the best ‘how to buy a condominium’ book I’ve read...On my scale of one to 10, this outstanding book rates an off-the-chart 12."

Book Description

"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. If you’re not fully prepared and properly informed, the buying process and even ownership itself could turn into a nightmare.

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. Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op, Condo, or Townhouse is a one-stop guide to the particular challenges of buying, owning, living in and ultimately selling these homes. Inside the book, 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 isses • 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!"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (July 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814473253
• ISBN-13: 978-0814473252
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #438,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars balanced book, October 9, 2011

By 

Jeanne Boyarsky (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op,Condo, or Townhouse (Paperback)

The author has moved around enough to have a balanced view of different real estate markets. He grew up in Rego Park (a part of New York City), lived in Europe and currently practices in Florida. He might have lived other places too - it wasn't memorable because he noted when something was regional rather than just stating it as fact.

The book had a lot of information including some things I never thought about and is well worth the read.

3.0 out of 5 stars One thing missing from this book, June 19, 2011

By 

B. Hendricks "MT" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op,Condo, or Townhouse (Paperback)

One of the most important things to know about when buying a condo is the HOA monthly fee (homeowner's association). There is not ONE mention of these fees in this book. Other than that, the book has a lot of useful info, but I think the author was remiss in not covering HOA fees, which really should have it's own chapter.

3 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book on the subject, August 20, 2006

By 

James Tousley - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op,Condo, or Townhouse (Paperback)

This is a step by step, how to book .