Condos, Co-ops, and Townhomes: A Complete Guide to Finding, Buying, Maintaining, and Enjoying Your New Home (Paperback)

~ Mark Weiss (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Affordability. Location. Amenities. Convenience. Low maintenance. Community. These are just some of the reasons why property buyers across all regions and all demographic categories are making the markets sizzle for townhomes, condominiums, and cooperatives. Addressing the unique challenges to successfully buying these kinds of homes, broker and developer Mark B. Weiss brings his insider's depth of experience to mentor potential buyers. Sharing the knowledge and experience gained in more than 15 years dealing with every type of real estate, Weiss presents comprehensive how-to information and brings it to life with true stories from his files. Weiss explains the pluses and minuses of condos, co-ops, and townhomes and the pros and cons of purchasing new construction versus preowned property. He outlines what to consider in detail for every step-from starting to look to financing to eventually selling-and provides sample forms that illustrate the process. Throughout, he provides the answers to such common questions as: *What are the differences between condos, co-ops, and townhomes? *Can these properties be financed? What are the special considerations? *How do assessments affect affordability? *Can the unit be rented as an investment? *What is a homeowners association and why is it important? *Who insures the common areas? With mortgages more affordable than ever, those seeking the shelter of a first home, a retirement home, or urban luxury, without the hassles of commuting, are turning to association-managed communities. Condos, Co-ops, and Townhomes provides the comprehensive road map needed to avoid pitfalls and make life-enhancing choices for this popular type of home.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Business (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793178401
• ISBN-13: 978-0793178407
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,009,969 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the help Mark, July 17, 2004

By A Customer

I bought my first condo in a converted loft building 18 months ago. Bad deal! I was taken by the hot shot developer. I learned my lesson. I needed to get out of this home and situation due to mis-representaion and other problems. I bought this book hoping to learn and I did. I felt that had I read this book before my first purchase I could have avoided many problems. I actually called the author who with his staff helped me sell my unit and relocate to a new home I am very happy now. For anyone ready to buy a condo, read this book and call Mark B Weiss Real Estate in Chicago for their expertise in helping people like you or me. I even made more money selling my first condo loft than I had thought. I'm in much better shape now thanks to Mark B Weiss.

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Better, December 7, 2003

By A Customer

While I was riding the "EL" to work I saw this book being read by a number of people over the last month, so I decided that there must be something to it. I recently moved to Chicago and am begining to look for a condo. I found that the authors writing style was not like any of those Dummies or Idiots Books prepared by the "HOW TO" writers but actually by a Chicago developer and broker who tells a good story. Mark hit me where I live, I enjoyed learning from his book because it is an easy read and covers the "never discussed" area's of what you really really need to consider before taking the plundge into home ownership. This man writes from years of practicle experience and it shows. I then realized that Mark had writen other books as well so I purchased those too. I think that after I buy my condo the next step will be investment property. Thanks Mark!!