February 2008

3 Things To Look For Before You Invest in a Condominium in Kitchener Waterloo

Over the last two years, clients have been investing in residential condominium apartments in the $110,000 - $160,000 range, 750 - 1000 square feet, usually 2 bedrooms & 1 bath (but sometimes two baths) and renting them out to stable, long term tenants for between $850-$950 a month.

There are many condominiums in Kitchener Waterloo - our thriving community in Southwestern Ontario - especially at this attractive, accessible entry level price point.  How do you, the investor, separate the duds from the great investment opportunities ?  Let me help you.

Here are 3 things you need to look at before you make the decision to invest in a condo:

1) Location Location Location!

This is the #1 non negotiable aspect of a real estate investment, whether it’s a condominium or a student complex.  A client of mine just put a complex under contract at a prime corner a stone’s throw from WLU (and yes, I have the arm to make that throw - I was a pitcher in little league) in Waterloo.  There is an intrinsic value in the location of a property that you can’t change later on. 

Some of my favourite investments are on the outskirts of the city, where lots of growth and development is taking place. 

There are also some great opportunities for equity growth in the city centre, an area that is seeing lots of rejuvenation.  There are several new projects downtown that are attractive, and one of them is right across the street from the brand new  (still under construction) University of Waterloo Downtown Kitchener Health Sciences Campus and a satellite campus of the McMaster School of Medicine, and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

2) Age & Condition

I typically like condominium complexes that are less than 25 years old.  There are some older complexes in good shape, but often the older buildings have higher maintenance and repair fees.

Interior cosmetic condition of the unit (paint, flooring, decorations etc) isn’t such a big concern for me - I like a condo that needs updating! I can get a better price on it than a unit that is staged and presented properly.  Once I update it, I’ll be able to generate more revenue from the unit, raising the value, and my cash flow.

Amenities of the building are important to consider - while a pool, exercise room and guest suite might be amenities you’re happy to pay for when you’re living in a condo community, they aren’t usually things you want to pay for your tenants to use (high end complexes excluded).  Buildings with these amenities will usually have condo fees that are hundreds of dollars higher than condos without them. 

3) Financial Health of the Condominium Corporation

When you invest in a Condo in Ontario, you’re buying part of the condominium corporation, and a specific interest and title in that condo unit. If you buy a condo in a complex that is not financially well managed, they corporation may come to you (as an owner) and demand a ‘contribution,’ which is likely allowed under the specific by-laws of the corporation. 

What you want to look for is the Reserve Fund - this is cash set aside for repairs and maintenance, including planned and unplanned work.  A corporation should be able to provide you with a reserve fund study, and an accounting of what has been spent in past years, and what is budgeting for future years.

This information will be contained in the Status Certificate for the condo.  This certificate, which is a series of documents, costs $100 and has to be purchased anytime you buy a condo in Ontario.  It contains information on the corporation, it’s directors, by-laws, governing documents, articles of incorporation, special addendums, financial documents, possible minutes from past Annual General Meetings of the Board of Directors etc.  Some Status Certificates will contain more than others.  Allow 10 business days to receive this, and then another day or two to review it with your lawyer.

You’ll want to read over, and understand, the operating budget of the corporation.  If there is zero money budgeting for snow removal….  better buy a good shovel

Whenever you’re buying a property you need professional representation and advice.  When you’re investing your hard earned investment capital - often your nest egg -  this is even more critical.  Buying and owning a condominium is different than a standard ‘freehold’ property (where you solely own the property), and you need someone to guide you through the intricacies and ensure your profit is being maximized.

There are currently great opportunities in the Kitchener Waterloo Condominium market - if you are interested in increasing the rate of return on your equity, email me right now to set up a Free 30 minute investment consultation.

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Kitchener Waterloo’s Favourite Real Estate Agent* wants to show you how Real Estate Investing can make you wealthy. Benjamin works with people from across Ontario, Canada (and recently, the world!) helping them build wealth through smart real estate investments.

Benjamin is a Sales Representative with Keller Williams Golden Triangle Realty in Kitchener Waterloo and would love to answer any questions about buying, selling and owning a rental, income or investment property.

You can reach Benjamin at Benjamin(AT)BenjaminBach.com or call him at 519 570 4447

*Gold Award, Kitchener Waterloo Record Readers Select Awards 2007 - 2008