First-Timer Primer: A Condo Fee Tutorial

• June 30, 2021

by UrbanTurf Staff

To help home buyers and sellers both novice and seasoned, UrbanTurf is running a series of primer articles this week about the buying and selling process. 

When searching for a condo or co-op, one of the first things buyers look at are the monthly fees. High fees can be a turn-off, but they can also be an indication that a building is in good financial health.

In addition to amenities, condo fees typically cover payments for a reserve fund (a fund for major building repairs or improvements), a master insurance policy, maintenance, trash removal and utilities like water. Older buildings and those that offer a number of services and amenities tend to have higher fees. Condo fees for smaller, self-managed buildings tend to be lower.

How much fees will rise over time is a difficult question to answer, as it is largely up to the building's condo board. For example, there is a four-unit rowhouse conversion in Logan Circle where the condo fees have remained the same for the last five years. In contrast, there is a larger building in Woodley Park where the board mandates that the fees increase 5 percent annually.

In trying to determine whether or not your fees are justified, consider factors like the age of the building; an older building likely has to maintain more outdated features and systems, and could have a higher fee that a new building with energy-efficient features. Bigger buildings often come with more shared space and more involved features, so a higher condo fee may be justified. And of course, condos with doormen, yoga rooms, lounges outfitted with giant TVs, and extensive gyms are likely to have correspondingly high monthly fees.

Beyond the monthly fees, when you are looking at a condo it's a good idea to spend some time investigating the building and its financial history. During the condo document review period, potential buyers should take a close look at the financial statements and budget of the condo, as well as attempt to find out when the last time big capital improvements, like roof replacement, were completed. Some real estate agents also suggest speaking with a current condo board member to determine exactly what is planned for the building in the near future, and if the reserves will cover the costs.

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/first-timer_primer_a_condo_fee_tutorial/6802