Crucial Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

So your last rent cheque cleared your account and you are thinking "maybe it's time to start building some equity of your own instead of contributing to the Landlords". You have managed to save some money towards a down payment and the folks who raised you recently offered to help you out with that also.

You have heard that a condo is the best and most affordable first home choice. So you start the mental arguments of whether to buy a condominium apartment or a condo townhouse. Before you start to wrestle with these issues there are some other things you need to know and consider about buying a condo in general.

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What Does Owning a Condo Mean?

Crucial Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

Condominium owners have title to their own unit while sharing the ownership, upkeep and responsibility for the rest of the property such as the hallways, lobby, gardens, recreational facilities and parking areas which make up the condo corporation.

There are a number of crucial Questions you need to ask yourself when considering a condo purchase. Most condo owners like the idea of not having any maintenance headaches and are more than happy to pass these along to a condo corporation. Remember though these maintenance activities have to be paid for by you and all the other owners in the building or complex.

What Are the Condo Rules?

Condo living is not for everyone. There are some lifestyle changes you may need to adjust should you decide on condo living. That brand new hardly used gourmet BBQ you bought last season may end up in your locker not on your balcony. Condo corporations have a set of rules and regulations governing such things as pets, car washing in the parking area and yes BBQ's on the balcony.

What is a Status Certificate?

In Ontario every offer to purchase a condo must contain a 10 day conditional clause allowing the buyer to examine the rules and regulations as well as the financial operations of a condo corporation together with the ability to walk away from a potential purchase within the 10 day period if they find something they cannot live with. The document delivered to the buyer by the seller is known as the Status Certificate.

It is well worth the money to have a lawyer check these documents to make sure that not only is the condo corporation in sound financial condition but also to bring to your attention any rules or regulations that may potentially affect your individual enjoyment of the unit.

You will want your lawyer to check if there are any special assessments in place or coming up in the future. Special assessments are fees in addition to the monthly maintenance fees that are sometimes levied by condo corporations for large unexpected repairs or lawsuits. Remember the condo corporation may be responsible for carrying out these duties but the funding of them comes from the owners.

In Ontario condo corporations have to set aside a portion of the monthly maintenance fees by law to take care of future repairs and upkeep.

Does the Condo Allow Rentals?

Another crucial question to ask when buying a condo is how many units in the building or complex are rented. Renters do not always have the same pride of ownership which may affect future value.

On the other hand, you may be buying a condominium now with the intention of making it your primary residence in the future but plan on renting it until that time comes. Some condominium corporations may have restrictions on your ability to rent out your unit. You can obtain this information from the Rules and Regulations section of the Status Certificate.

Should I Buy New or a Resale?

If after getting this far in this article you have decided that a condo lifestyle is for you, your next decision will be whether to buy a resale or a new condo.

Resale

If you decide upon a resale condo you will be able to physically inspect the building as well as the unit itself. You will see first hand how the building is being maintained and whether or not the management company is doing a good job.

You will also be able to see the kinds of neighbors you will be living alongside and whether or not you feel the building itself will be a good "fit" for you.

Your unit is ready to move into within a very short period of time.

New Construction

If you decide upon a new condo purchased from plans you will not know when your unit will be ready to move into.

You will not see the quality of construction until the building is ready to move into.

You will not know who your or what your neighbors will be like until the building is ready and you are already committed to buy the unit.

On the positive side no one else will have occupied your unit and you will be able to personally customize your unit from scratch.

Crucial Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

How Much to Tip For a Massage

Tipping is an unusual experience. You pay for a services then after it is completed you are expected to pay and unspoken amount more. This brings up the question, when should you tip and when shouldn't you tip? If tipping for a service is customary then should you tip for every service?

The answer is no. In my opinion you should only tip for services were interaction with a person brings the desired outcome. For example, I don't tip when I get my oil changed because I wait in a waiting room the whole time. The only time I talk to someone is when I pay. On the other hand, I do tip when I am in a restaurant where I have to interact with a waiter. That interaction is what results in me getting my food cooked to my liking and a good dining experience.

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So the question is, should you tip when getting a massage? My answer is yes. A great massage is the result of the interaction between you and your masseuse. They tailor the massage to fit your needs.

How Much to Tip For a Massage

So how much is customary? This can vary from person to person but I tend to tip 15%, and if I really loved it I tip 20%. 15% is pretty standard in the service industry and is most notably used in the restaurant world. So if I pay for a massage then I would generally tip 11-15 dollars depending how much I liked it.

I've never hated a massage before, but I have gotten some that weren't great. In those instances I usually tip around . I always like to tip even if it wasn't great, because the masseuse obviously put out the effort and it wasn't her fault that she wasn't right for me. Next time I just don't see that masseuse again.

How Much to Tip For a Massage

Top 10 Best Places and Interesting Destinations in Thailand For Vacationing Family With Children

Thailand is the best place to spend family vacations. The country has plenty of beautiful and attractive places which parents and their children will definitely love. There are top ten best places in Thailand where most families from around the world love to visit. Here is the list of the ten most recommended vacation destinations in Thailand:

1.    Pattaya, Thailand - located along the Thailand Gulf. It is the most popular ocean site resort in the Southeast Asia. Pattaya has 300 affordable hotels to choose from, which are perfect for vacationing families of any size. There are also a number of markets and shopping malls. Lots of affordable restaurants are also found in Pattaya serving the delicious Thai delicacies.

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2.    Phuket - the most popular tourist destination in the country with its beautiful white sand beach coasts. Phuket is also known as the "pearl of the South". Here, one can find the best variety of restaurants offering the best of Thai cuisines.

Top 10 Best Places and Interesting Destinations in Thailand For Vacationing Family With Children

3.    Koh Samui - perfect to spend family summer vacations. Koh Samui has a large number of beach hotels where one can enjoy the amazing beauty of the white sand beaches along the coastlines. Resorts offer good budget accommodations which will surely please families.

4.    Chiand Mai popular tourist destination mostly because of the best shopping experience it offers. Here, one can buy a lot with just a dollar. Tourists often swarm the market of Chiang Mai that opens from 5pm and opens until midnight daily. The night marketplace has many products that will surely suit and satisfy everyone. Goods such as clothes, baggage, souvenir items, shoes and a lot more can be found here. There are also clubs in several places which offers very affordable prices. This is definitely a place for any family vacation.

5.    Koh Chang Thailand - is a marine national park which attracted thousands of visitors worldwide. The island has a nick name of "the last untouched paradise in the Southeast Asia", because much of its place are not yet been discovered by modern explorations and haven't been built in with establishments and infrastructures. Here, one can fully appreciate the pure gifts of nature. Koh Chang has everything nature has to offer. Perfect getaway place for families who wants to have a quiet and peaceful vacation. Families can rent natively designed bungalows where they can feel at ease and comfortable all throughout their stay.

6.    Krabi, Thailand - an island territory of Thailand that has fine-looking coastline and offshore islands. This location was used in the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo di Caprio. These beaches are truly pictures perfect panoramas, together with the coconut palm trees and the blue waters of the ocean. Krabi has been a favorite place for vacationers coming from different countries.

7.    Hua Hin - a place which combines pleasure and beach holidays and also a place for several sports. Golf has been the most famous sport here wherein visitors can play under the shade of the coconut trees.

8.    Chiang Rai - a located in the mountainous regions of Thailand, which are said to have retained much Thailand's culture. Popular attractions here include the White Temple, which is the only handcrafted temple in Thailand with striking botanical gardens. Visitors love to visit here and take a look at the Buddha statues built in Buddhist temples which truly spectacular.

9.    Cha-am Thailand - located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok, about two hours drive via car.  Cha-am beach resort is known as the longest white sand beach in Thailand. It is also a place for golfing which many of vacationers enjoy to play. Perfect for vacationing families.

10.    Bangkok - the main attractions in Bangkok are the magnificent temples and shrines along the city. These religious buildings were made with artistic architecture design which are truly captivating to the eyes.

Top 10 Best Places and Interesting Destinations in Thailand For Vacationing Family With Children

The 5 Disadvantages of Condominium Ownership

In the past condominiums were not necessarily considered to be a good investment for a variety of reasons, however that image has since changed dramatically. With the high price of single family homes, condominiums and townhouses are becoming more attractive to many buyers such as singles, retiring couples that are downsizing and small families that would like to purchase in excellent school districts. However, for those home buyers that have only considered a single family home as the definition of homeownership they may not be familiar with what options are available in the form of condominiums.

Condominiums are buildings in which individuals separately own the air space inside the interior walls, floors and ceilings of their unit, but they jointly own an interest in the common areas that they share such as the land, lobby, hallways, swimming pool, grounds and parking lot. While many condominiums are designed to look like apartments or are built in high rise city buildings, more and more builders are designing them where they can be referred to as townhouses. Townhouses are usually attached to one or more houses and can run the gamut from duplexes and triplexes to communities with hundreds of homes

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In addition to paying a mortgage, each owner is responsible for paying a monthly fee to the condo association, usually referred to as the homeowner's association which is made up of the unit owners. The fee covers maintenance, repairs, grounds keeping and building insurance.

The 5 Disadvantages of Condominium Ownership

In the past condominium ownership suffered with a negative image for a variety of reasons, however that image has since changed dramatically. Once the thorn in homeowner's sides, condominium associations have worked hard in recent years to clean up their negative image where disputes and lawsuits were once rampant. Homeowner's associations have become savvier and much more professional about property management and have taken steps to prevent legal problems and disputes before they happen. However, there are some disadvantages that still need to be considered before you buy.

1) Monthly Homeowner's Association Fee

If there is a homeowner's association, you will usually have to pay a monthly maintenance fee that is separate from your mortgage payment. Many condominium owners factor this expense as similar to the costs they would have incurred for someone to do the lawn care and other maintenance if they owned a single family home. However, you should watch for unnecessarily high monthly charges and ask to see a copy of the latest financial statement from the homeowner's association.

2) Less Privacy

There is also less privacy than with a detached single-family home. Communal living is not always desirable for some people and the noise level generated by living in close proximity to others can influence some buyers to simply look elsewhere. Usually, the biggest concern is about parking for the owners and for their guests. However, many condominiums are being designed with their own garages and have common parking areas available for guests.

3) CCR's Can be Very Restrictive

CCR's or Covenants, Codes and Restrictions are defined as the bylaws that govern the use of the property. Most CCR's are reasonable, but some can be very restrictive. There usually are limits on the type of exterior changes or improvements you will be able to make to the property. In addition, you may find, among other things, that they prohibit or restrict pets and the renting or subletting of units. Make sure that you get a copy of the CCRs and review them (they usually have a summary booklet) before you decide to make an offer.

4) High Tenant Ratio

Also, make sure you find out the owner-to-tenant ratio. Because many condominiums are often purchased as investments, there could be a high percentage of tenants in the building. Although this trend is also changing, especially in condominiums which are located in urban areas where they provide convenient shopping, access to transportation and other amenities thereby attracting owners who intend to live in their condos.

5) Resale Value

In some real estate markets, such as Las Vegas and Florida, builders have overbuilt condominiums and townhouses and they are being sold at a loss. However, in other real estate markets they have held their value as an investment despite economic downturns and problems with some homeowner's associations.

While some of these factors would discourage some buyers from purchasing condominiums, it may be just the right investment for others because it suits their pocketbook and lifestyle. In spite of these disadvantages, the high price of single-family homes in some real estate markets such as California and the influx into the housing market of more single homebuyers have made condos relatively hot national investments. A professional realtor can assist and guide you in showing you which are the great deals in your local market and city.

The 5 Disadvantages of Condominium Ownership

Walking Street - Pattaya, Thailand

Being famous the world over since the American GI's first used Pattaya as their R&R is "Waking Street". This street in Pattaya which has had ten's of thousands of visitors of all descriptions and nationalities over the years. Is the hottest street virtually known anywhere. Everything here is on overdose proportions packed wall to wall with bars, disco's, nightclubs and restaurants of all descriptions. Flashing neon lights, Coyote dancers, loud music and cheap drink guarantee an unforgettable experience.

One's first time in the Street is completely mind blowing, loud music being heard in every direction. At the top end can be found Mxxx disco for the rich and trendy of Pattaya. If you are going to venture here, dress to impress bearing in mind anyone over thirty five, will appear ancient. If rock and roll is your your bag "The rolling stones bar" is for you with popular live rock and roll from its resident band.

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If your looking for something really different then there is the arab quarter, with belly dancers and deafening music from all directions. Don't stay here long or you might suffer permanent damage and loss of hearing, you will see people of all nationalities smoking water pipes in some establishments.

Walking Street - Pattaya, Thailand

Lucifer's disco is easy found with its large neon sign above the entrance, like most discos in Pattaya entrance time is regarded as two am when the ladies leave their respective bars. Going any earlier and you might well be the only person there. Although the drinks are expensive this drifts into insignificance when weighted against the atmosphere and entertainment value.

Gogo bars are common place at every turn. "The iron door" nearby being very popular. The place is full of beautiful and exotic ladies with lots of smiles and intensive looks. This makes a newbie single male tourist a love god overnight. Perhaps more seedy of all the gogo bars is "Beavers" here ladies dance on mirrored tables, and as the name implies little is left to the imagination.

For those who just want good food this is possible too with an array of restaurants covering varied menus, Want a first class meal at 3am "No problem Sir"

Walking Street - Pattaya, Thailand

Guest Friendly Hotels in Pattaya

Pattaya is a city with multiple personalities. For some it is a place to learn about Thai culture, for many it is a shopping paradise, for families it offers a host of activities that everyone can enjoy and for a millions of single men, it's a nightclub centre and a place to meet some of Thailand's most beautiful women.

You can meet Thai girls at bars, go-go bars, at the beach or just about anywhere in this friendly town. The question that guys often ask is where do I find a guest friendly hotel. If I want to invite my new friend back to my hotel, does the hotel welcome an extra guest, is it "girl friendly" or will I be charged a "joiner fee"?

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5 Star Hotels

Guest Friendly Hotels in Pattaya

While many people think of Pattaya as Asia's most vibrant nightlife centre, this is just one part of the tourist activities in Pattaya. Judging by hotel bookings, the lion's share of hotel revenue is from older couples and families. Hotels target their business at one or more of these tourist groups, so you'll find that the 5 star hotels and family oriented hotels like the larger resort hotels are generally not guest friendly. There's one notable exception, Pattaya's top rated hotel, the Rabbit Resort on Dongtan beach offers hospitality to all visitors, including their friends.
Walking Street Hotels
If you're looking for a guest friendly hotel you'll find that virtually all of the hotels, guesthouses and apartments close to the night life areas are guest friendly. In the Walking Street area you'll find a good choice of popular and highly rated hotels.
On Soi Diamond, the street with more than a dozen go-go bars, there's Diamond Beach Hotel, Galaxy Suites and Green View Serviced Apartments. Just nearby on Soi 14, there's the Grand Hotel, with 80 rooms in a choice of styles, and Jasmine Hotel with 62 rooms, recently refurnished and a new indoor swimming pool, one of the highest rated Pattaya hotels on Trip Advisor. On Walking Street itself, there's the Walking Street Guesthouse just above Sweethearts Go-Go and P.72 Hotel, with the street level bar that opens onto Walking Street. A great place to sit and watch the activities on Walking Street before going out for the evening.
Soi Buakhao Area Hotels
The Soi Buakhao area is another popular nightclub area. Here you'll find an interesting mix of guest friendly hotels and guesthouses for visitors and apartments for Thais who work in the nightclubs and bars.
On Soi Buakhao itself, you'll find Katesiree House, Laguna Buakhao House with Thai style furniture, Target Regency Guesthouse, and Rabbi's Elephant Guesthouse which is also a meeting place for the Pattaya Golf Society.
Just off Soi Buakhao on Soi LK Metro mingled with the go-go bars, coyote bars and beer bars you find a bunch of guest-friendly hotels and guesthouses. If you like to hang out with aliens you'll love Armageddon Guesthouse and Bar, and there's Irish Rovers Guesthouse and Kilkenny Hotel with an Irish flavour. Close by you'll find the popular Stags Head Guesthouse, and in the corner of the street, there's Pasadena Lodge with a choice of 20 beautifully furnished rooms, in 4 different room styles.
Just across the road there's Soi Chaiyapoon, famous for Crazy Daves café that serves breakfast 24 hours/day and Neeroys late night restaurant that offers fish 'n chips and English style curries. Guest friendly guesthouses don't get much friendlier than Canterbury Tales Café that has a bookstore and restaurant on the ground floor. Just further down the street, near the popular Maggie May's bar there's Chaiyapoon Inn & Restaurant.
For a more comprehensive guide to Guest Friendly hotels in the Pattaya area, and a guide to the city's nightlife
Guest Friendly Hotels in Pattaya
Rick Gilmore has lived in Pattaya for the last 5 years, and enjoys reporting on the city's constant flow of news and exciting events. His particular interest is understanding Thai culture and how that impacts relationships betweens Thais and westerners. Rick can read and write the Thai language and is currently developing fluency in speaking Thai.