Waukesha County Home

By Sara Rae Lancaster Special to HomesPlus Moving into a condo makes a lot of sense for a lot of people: empty-nesters who no longer need as much space, young pro- fessionals who spend little time at home due to busy work sched- ules, people who don't want to (or can't) keep up with yard work. It's easy to see the appeal. With minimal exterior home mainte- nance, a built-in community, and even amenities like fitness cen- ters and pools, it's like having the benefits of an apartment and hotel wrapped up into a property you own. "And today there are all kinds of condos," said Pewaukee resi- dent Mary McCurdy, a condo owner for over 13 years. "From high-rise units downtown to con- dos out in the country. Some con- dos are even free-standing, so families with young children can have a yard, if they want to. Real- ly, condo living is for everyone." Even with condo living's mass appeal, there are some things prospective buyers should keep in mind before signing the clos- ing papers. Educating potential buyers about the right questions to ask is part of the Community Associations Institute-Wiscon- sin's (CAI-WI) mission. A chapter of the international membership organization, CAI-WI provides education and resources to Wis- consin homeowner volunteers who govern communities like McCurdy's and the professionals who support them. On Friday, the CAI-WI will host its annual con- ference and trade show where people associated with, or inter- ested in, condo living can boost their knowledge about condo life. Asking the right questions "Education is very important," said Chad Emrath, a real estate portfolio manager with Ogden & Company, Inc. "People are com- ing into these associations and they don't always know what questions to ask or what to expect." Emrath and McCrady suggest- ed potential buyers consider the following questions before mak- ing the move. ■ Compare managed vs. self-managed associations Self-managed associations are usually smaller and try to keep their dues low. The cost savings appeals to many members, but it does come with a trade-off. "A smaller sized association that is self-managed may not be as consistent with maintenance, or the association may not have contacts for all the necessary resources members need," said McCurdy, who has lived in both managed and self-managed asso- ciations. Based on her experience, she prefers managed associations. "I think it's a lot easier when you have a management company and are not relying on the associ- ation to take care of everything," she said. Self-managed associa- tions still exist, but Emrath said C O N T E N T S Exploring the best ways to get stale air out and fresh air in while temperatures are still cold. The Lenten Easter rose signals it's time to prep the garden for spring A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • MARCH 2016 Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden and MORE! HOMES HOMES WAUKESHA + Condo, sweet condo Questions to ask before signing on the dotted line Creative Outlet While the styles of condominiums can range from lofts to detached single-family homes, the questions buyers should ask remain the same. See CONDOS/Page 6

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