My career in condominiums began in the property management business in the early 70’s.  As a condominium manager I was soon involved in special assessing (cash calls) young families and seniors who simply were not able to pay these assessments, nor the increases in their monthly contributions.   In Alberta condominium law, if an owner is not able to pay these assessments or increases, the condominium corporation has the right to foreclose on the home.  In the mid 80’s, as the market changed, I could not find it in my heart to give foreclosure notices to seniors and these young families. So, I gave up my property management career.

In 1986 left the management business and obtained my Real Estate licence.  I spent eight years selling condominiums, committed to providing the information that a buyer needs regarding the operation and function of the condominium corporation, before they buy.  I realized during my time in real estate sales that buyers are not aware, that when they purchase a condominium home, they are not only buying property but that they are also becoming a “shareholder” in a legal corporation.  This means they inherit all liabilities, benefits and assets of that condominium corporation.  This makes checking into how the corporation operates an important part of the buying decision.

Having managed, owned and sold condominiums, it was clear to me that consumers were getting hurt when they learned the “facts” of that corporation AFTER becoming an owner.  These “facts” can include things like renovations, pet restrictions, age restrictions, BBQ’s, storage of RV’s, boats, etc.  These “facts” often would detail how the maintenance is being deferred, and that there was a shortage of operating funds, or on the other hand, how the corporation was proactive, organized and functioning very well.

After leaving the real estate sales industry, I was asked by a colleague to assist her young buyer in verifying if she could have her dog in the condominium home she wanted to buy.  I gladly sat down with this young woman and her Realtor and went over the package of documents, identifying the process to address her concern.  As I did this, I observed how overwhelmed the buyer was as I flipped from one document to another, to answer her questions.

This was when the Document Review Service was born.  I designed a written report and summary that would identify any red flags, good news and gave perspective to the operation of a condominium corporation so a buyer could make an informed buying decision.

At Condo-Check, we subscribe to the Canadian Condominium Institute and the Better Business Bureau and guide ourselves according to their code of ethics.  We also carry insurance to protect you, the buyer.  We choose these business practices to demonstrate our commitment to providing you with a competent and accurate document review.

Thank you for using Condo-Check
Bernice M Winter (Bernie) A.C.C.I., F.C.C.I.