| Windows |
Often times, windows fall to the owner of
the unit for repair and replacement.
Replacement often is required because of a broken seal. Read the documents
to see how windows are or are not covered before you need to know. |
| Exercise Center |
More and more, exercise centers play a
prominent role in a condominium community. In the high-rises uptown, he
size and quality vary greatly. A good measure of the overall amenity
package might be to compare these centers.
Look for quality space, quality finishes and extra touches. They are
obvious. |
| Docks |
Some complexes may have community docks,
some may have boat slips. Some of the boat slips may come with the unit,
some may have been purchased separately. Ask the question and get it in
writing...always. |
| Tennis Courts |
Most of the tennis courts I have seen
fall into disrepair. There is a bonafide Tennis Community at Lake Norman
so the condition of those courts might be better. Again, read the
documents. One complex made space from the tennis courts to build another
building. |
| Sprinkler Systems |
Sprinkler systems have become a
requirement. If the system includes the closets, be sure to inform your
insurance company. You may save some with this feature: sprinklers in the
closets. |
| Stairwells and
Stairs |
No matter the age, I look for public
stairwells to be metal. When I look for fine points, I look for the places
where corners can be cut, money saved by the builder. If there is a fire,
metal steps... |
| Parking and Garage |
Some communities detail the parking
spaces for owners and for visitors and they are often clearly marked. Some
parking in the uptown buildings can convey with the unit, but some were
purchased or leased separately. Ask the questions. Read the documents. Get
it in writing. |
| Trucks and
Boats |
Read the documents. Some attached housing
communities have special parking places for trucks and boats. The trucks
may have certain specs. If the details are in the documentation, they are
recorded and enforceable. |
| Club House |
I like the complexes that are
self-managed and the clubhouse often houses the management office.
Clubhouses like pools and tennis courts have their own rules and
regulations about days and hours, owners and guests. Read carefully. |
| Swimming Pool |
Swimming pools...great for kids. Super
for Seniors. And really quite snazzy in the uptown high rises. An added
expense to dues, but if you really do intend to use it, I think worth it.
If your community does not have a pool, Charlotte is blessed with aquatic
centers and clubs across the city. |
| Signs-For Sale |
Again, in the community documents, there
is a paragraph about signs. Maybe yes, maybe no...under what circumstances
and sometimes, the size and placement. There may be a set of rules for
rentals and one for sales. |
| Units for Rent |
Investors. Before even getting remotely
serious about a unit, know the exact number of investors. Many loan
programs detail percentages allowed and if those numbers are high, the
interest rate may change. Investors mean rentals. Some states are not
allowing investors in attached housing and do not allow units to be rented
except in dire emergency. Many of the older communities in Charlotte are
changing or have changed their by-laws to prohibit investors from
ownership. |
| Documents: Rules,
Regulations
and Covenants |
Most sellers will have these on hand and
you or their agent should provide you with a copy. I think it is better
coming from the owner because often the management company charges a
rather high fee if they will do it at all. They most often, depending on
dates, be on line. |
