Recent content by Somayeh

Wow! This was a really complete response Lizthevw, thanks! I agree, in the end, there is the risk and one shoudl have a reserve fund for any special charges. Thank you!

Thanks a lot jaycola. This was so helpful! I now know exactly how much to put aside!

Thanks Paul. Lots of things to learn from your message!

Any recommendations on how to select a lawyer for closing a buying agreement? Not that I'm there yet (or anytime soon!) but like to be proactive! Are legal fees generally the same, or should I contact multiple lawyers and look for the best rates? Can I assume any lawyer can do a simple condo...

Thanks everybody, lots of good tips :-) Lizthevw, if I may ask, is it only the old condos that would face this moisture problem (i.e. would a tall new condo face the same issue some years down the road? or are new condos built in a totally different way and they won't face this issue at all?)...

Thanks drewp and gracecondos. I learned a lot from both your posts :-)

Thanks Tuscani01. I think your advice on signing the contract when I am ready to make an offer is great! So, if I don't sign a contract before making an offer, does this mean that I can see various places with various agents? (but then I would guess only sign the contract with the one agent who...

Thanks drewp. I learned a lot from your comments! One final question for you (if I may): If I am willing to pay the commission myself, can I use the services of a real estate agent for a private sale? (i.e. get his/her opinion on the price, etc)? Also, if I do sign a contract with the agent...

I will (hopefully) buy my first home during the next few months. I understand that some agents encourage/require you to sign a contract to exclusively work with them. Are there advantages/disadvantages in doing this? Would one require a buyer agent at all? What about the private sales (e.g...

Like your point Jaycola about comparing maintenance fees per square feet, and then the older buildings might not look as expensive. Thanks!

Thanks DSC. I think you bring up a valid point about the newer condos maintenance fees going up after the second reserve fund study.

Felix07Richerd, I see your point about maintenance fees and weird neighbours, but not sure about the earthquake one. How is a condo different from a house if an earthquake knocks it down? Every owner still owns a piece of the land, right?

Thanks drewp. Very informative. I don't care about them being shiny, and I don't mind buying an unrennovated one and rennovate it gradually during the years to come. In terms of time frame, we plan to stay in this area for another 5 years. So I am guessing investment wise it's not a terrible...

I am looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom condo in downtown with a good lake view. Turns out the real good views can only be found in the older ones (e.g. 33, 55, 65, 77, and 99 harbour square). I have no problem buying into them (as I've been renting in one of of these buildings and they are managed...