At last a book that guides the reader through the perils and opportunities of buying a home within a community association. Condominiums, townhomes, cooperatives, and single-family homes within a community association share similar issues with respect to financial and governance surprises that may affect your pocketbook and quality of life. Learn how to ask for the right information, ask the right questions, and decide for yourself the best home that reflects your values, lifestyle, and budget—and of course to help avoid a major surprise after purchase. David T. Schwindt, certified public accountant, consultant, and reserve study specialist, brings over thirty years of experience with community associations in an easy-to-understand resource that you will find invaluable in making the right decision for you and your family. Included with each informative chapter are tips, best practices, and ways to create community and harmony within an association.

The first comprehensive architectural and cultural history of condominium and cooperative housing in twentieth-century America. Today, one in five homeowners in American cities and suburbs lives in a multifamily home rather than a single-family house. As the American dream evolves, precipitated by rising real estate prices and a renewed interest in urban living, many predict that condos will become the predominant form of housing in the twenty-first century. In this unprecedented study, Matthew Gordon Lasner explores the history of co-owned multifamily housing in the United States, from New York City’s first co-op, in 1881, to contemporary condominium and townhouse complexes coast to coast. Lasner explains the complicated social, economic, and political factors that have increased demand for this way of living, situating the trend within the larger housing market and broad shifts in residential architecture and family life. He contrasts the prevalence and popularity of condos, townhouses, and other privately governed communities with their ambiguous economic, legal, and social standing, as well as their striking absence from urban and architectural history.

Welcome to Golden Sands, the dream condominium built on a weak foundation and a thousand dirty secrets. Here is a panoramic look at the shocking facts of life in a Sun Belt community -- the real estate swindles and political payoffs, the maintenance charges that run up and the health benefits that run cut...the crackups and marital breakdowns...the disaster that awaits those who play in the path of the hurricane...

Condo residents' dreams of a luxurious life in the Florida Keys are shattered by an approaching hurricane and by Martin Liss, a greedy, indifferent developer who victimizes the residents with continuing price increases.

A simple proven method for improving cash flow so you can live rent-free and retire early How to Invest in Condominiums provides a simple, low-risk blueprint for building cash flow by buying and renting out condominiums. You can provide for your retirement or improve your monthly income by investing in income-producing real estate at a very low risk to the capital you invest. Unlike stocks and bonds, real estate is immune to inflation and a fluctuating stock market and also provides some shelter from taxes-and the return on investment typically exceeds that of the average Wall Street investor! The author includes a plan for getting started and a detailed record of his investments that shows how he grew a considerable cash flow-with only a small commitment of time and effort. This straightforward, realistic guide will help you: * Use this method to establish long-term cash flow * Avoid owning a money-losing rental unit * Use professional property management to save time and money * Avoid "fixer-uppers" v Keep your long-run effort minimal * Live rent-free and retire early! How to Invest in Condominiums is a reliable and realistic way to supplement your income. There are no gimmicks and no strings attached and this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a long-term plan that will help you meet-and surpass-your long-term goals.

"Featuring Kay's exclusive buyer's checklists"--Cover.

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