Condos/Townhouse/House?

[Red]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

And he was right to because you are wrong on this and you were passing on bad info. Duplex owners actually have fewer mechanisms (like noise restrictions) to live peacefully with their neighbors. He likes to bang on drums at 2:00am? Too bad. You want a brick one, he wants to paint the walls white? You end up with this:



Duplex owners typically have Party Wall Agreements - at least the newer ones. Older units might be out of luck.

Here's a great story about Duplexes gone wrong:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03...ur-neighbours/


Snoeshoe - Bottom line - in any sort of shared living, be it an apartment condo, or duplex, or townhouse - you're going to have to give up some of your freedoms in order to live in proximity with your neighbors. In exchange you will pay less up front and have the luxury of a "low maintenance" lifestyle. You need to weigh whether you want to accept these tradeoffs for paying less on the purchase price. While it may seem draconian - from my experience 75% of people are just fine to pass the maintenance decision over to someone else and just cut cheques as needed.

Not seeing your point here. You actually just proved mine better than I could. You own half the building, paint it however you want.

A friend of mine owns a half, he just put stacco on it, the other half is siding. It was his choice to do that. I agree, not the best look, but he likes it.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Red

This is what I see from you guys. If I don't like how car X handles, you suggest that I become an engineer in that field, join car X team and design the car to suit me better.

My suggestion is to look for another car.

No it's more like you've been riding a bike your whole life, and only hear second hand information about the car. You don't know how car X handles because you've never driven one.

If you really want to know more about cars take some time and do some research, then you won't be uninformed on the topic.

[Red]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

(1) No, a small group make the decisions because only a small group decides to get involved. Every person in the assication has a say and a voice, but VERY few actually exercise it. By not getting involved they are impliclitly approving of the actions of the board.

(2) Yes, 5 people are on the board becasue they are the only ones that volunteered. The ther 295 residents had a chance, to elect them (they chose not to), they had a chance to propose changes to and vote on by-laws at the AGMs (they chose not to), they had a chance to come to board meetings and discuss issues with how the complex was being run (they chose not to). Just becaue people don't exercise their right to control, doesn't mean they don't have it.

(3) It is wrong because not having control, and not exercising it are two very different things. Yes, there was a small group that made decisions becasue were were the only ones interested in doing so, and we did so with what little direction we recieved from the rest of the residents. In the absence of that, we did what we thought best.

(4) Your comment is competely false. As I've said there is a big differnce between not having control, and not excersing it.

(5) Were your friends on the boards of these conods? If so then you MAY have some insight, but still quite a bit less than anyone who has actually done so. Since when is "I've heard stories" a good substitute for "I have direct experience"?

(6) Again, no one has ever said that living in a condo is as flexible as living in your own home. That's a statement you've tried to attribute to me, even though I've never made it. You on the other hand are trying to argue that living in a condo leaves you in a positon of having zero control, which is 100% false

Bogus, as expected. Board this, board that.
Can every resident be on the board?

If yes then great, 200 people that think they know better than you.
If no, then again we are back to this.

You voted for Joe because he likes cats. I voted for Ted because he likes dogs. Both are on the board.

Are you sure you can get that cat?

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Red

Bogus, as expected. Board this, board that.
Can every resident be on the board?

If yes then great, 200 people that think they know better than you.
If no, then again we are back to this.

You voted for Joe because he likes cats. I voted for Ted because he likes dogs. Both are on the board.

Are you sure you can get that cat?

The bylaws list what animals are acceptable, something like dogs under 40lbs, cats, birds, ect. As you put it, it's a mute point.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Red

Not seeing your point here. You actually just proved mine better than I could. You own half the building, paint it however you want.

A friend of mine owns a half, he just put stacco on it, the other half is siding. It was his choice to do that. I agree, not the best look, but he likes it.

LOL, did you think that "I can do whatever I want" look impaired the value of your "friend's" place? If you think that's OK to have your property affected that way.... wow.

You have interesting "friends".

[jammies]

Originally Posted by Locke

I'm sold! I've already got coveralls and a straw hat, when do I get my farm?

Sir, I congratulate you on your good sense and prudence. Run - don't walk - to your nearest farm shopping district, find a farm salesman, and demand a farm of the finest quality, one you'll be proud to work 12-16 hours a day, every day, so as to feed the wife and bairns. Neither the oppressive oligarchy of the condo juntas, nor the dead-eyed waffle-eaters of the duplicitous and duplex-dwelling suburbs shall trouble you any longer. You will be happier than a squirrel on a date with another, but sexier, squirrel, or a slumming mink with a squirrel fetish.

[Red]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

LOL, did you think that "I can do whatever I want" look impaired the value of your "friend's" place? If you think that's OK to have your property affected that way.... wow.

You have interesting "friends".

He improved his property and offered to do the same for the next door neighbour. The neighbour declined as it was his right. Why so hostile to the guy you know nothing about? Interesting? yes, super guy actually.

For the record, he needed to do outside work because he changed all windows and the old siding got damaged.

[Burninator]

Not all condos have the same rules. Mine was good for the first couple years but more recently they have been ruling with an iron fist (I assume from people breaking rules/damage/what have you). The registered bylaws for my condo contain very little except for one line that allows them to make whatever regulations they want. So frequently I will get a letter revising a regulation in the complex and it is now enforceable by fines (as laid out by the boards regulations). Banning dogs was one. Just got a simple letter one day stating no new dogs are allowed in the complex. There is no transparency for people not on the condo board. Residents are not allowed to attend board meetings and we receive no updates regarding the ongoings of the complex. The only time for participation is the AGM and unfortunately I was out of town for that this year.

[MarchHare]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Not all condos have the same rules. Mine was good for the first couple years but more recently they have been ruling with an iron fist (I assume from people breaking rules/damage/what have you). The registered bylaws for my condo contain very little except for one line that allows them to make whatever regulations they want. So frequently I will get a letter revising a regulation in the complex and it is now enforceable by fines (as laid out by the boards regulations). Banning dogs was one. Just got a simple letter one day stating no new dogs are allowed in the complex. There is no transparency for people not on the condo board. Residents are not allowed to attend board meetings and we receive no updates regarding the ongoings of the complex. The only time for participation is the AGM and unfortunately I was out of town for that this year.

Your board sucks; elect a new one at the next AGM. If you are out of town, your bylaws should permit you to vote by proxy.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Your board sucks; elect a new one at the next AGM. If you are out of town, your bylaws should permit you to vote by proxy.

I think the problem stems from one building having more rentals (therefore more problems) but lots of blanket punishment happening. Still doesn't excuse the lack of transparency. They did mail out proxy voting letters, but I didn't know anyone to vote for.

[Calgary14]

Sorry to hear about your situation.

I also say rent. And I wouldn't even consider it a waste like some would. In your situation the last thing you need is to be tied down to something long term when your current living arrangements may not be long term

[DoubleF]

I'm on the same boat as many. Consider renting if you think it's short term, but for long term, consider buying. Stay on good terms with your land lord, you might even end up with a good deal.

The buy vs rent argument does not have a clear answer, but most do believe it's cheaper to rent if you're in a place short term vs buy over long term.

There is nothing wrong with condos or townhouses or houses/duplexes. Main difference with condos and townhouses is the size of the place/locations. Main difference between condos and townhouses vs house/duplex is the manual "landscaping" you will end up doing (try telling anyone that moving several feet of snow every winter isn't landscaping ). A good idea is to learn how to read a condo/townhouse's financial statements to see if the restricted fund is big enough for big issues that may pop up (ie: Elevator repairs, landscaping, fixes etc.)

I've never considered going on my condo board, but I have been to the AGM every year since I bought my condo. I have made suggestions and have seen things change fast. However, for those commenting about no transparency during the year, I think all boards are like that. I've only ever hear things and seen things done via notices during the year. The only discussion with non-board members I've ever seen is at the AGM (open to residents and owners).

Overall, complaining about a board is like not going to voting and complaining about the government elected in. Honestly, if you don't vote, you don't get to complain. If you do complain, keep in mind the board is volunteer. They're not paid to deal with your crap, so they won't deal with it.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Locke

I'm sold! I've already got coveralls and a straw hat, when do I get my farm?

Hot!

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by Calgary14

Sorry to hear about your situation.

I also say rent. And I wouldn't even consider it a waste like some would. In your situation the last thing you need is to be tied down to something long term when your current living arrangements may not be long term

Is there any post by u on rent vs own in Calgary market.

[topfiverecords]

Ugg, I'd never live in a duplex (semi-detached is actually the correct term for side by side btw). That's like being a conjoined twin where the other one wants to be a famous country singer.

So you buy a property that looks like 1 house, and then the people on the other half paint their side pink with a purple door. As if that doesn't limit your property value significantly and make it near impossible to sell.

[Frequitude]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

The sales pitch from realtors when you let them know you are renting is "Oh, so you are paying someone else's mortgage".

I rent and had a realtor ask me exactly that the other day. My response was "No, I plan to move in the next few years. I'm choosing not to pay the principal portion to an eventual realtor."

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Frequitude

I rent and had a realtor ask me exactly that the other day. My response was "No, I plan to move in the next few years. I'm choosing not to pay the principal portion to an eventual realtor."

I rented for 3 years and had people spew that crap at me constantly.

When I left my apartment I got my damage deposit back.

Renting is not evil.

[darklord700]

I've a rental condo unit and the board took on a very anti-investor attitude. New bylaws were brought in every year to fine people, I haven't been fined yet but it's unnerving.

My unit is on the ground floor but each move I have to pay money to hire a security guard for 3 hours minimum. Most of my tenants move from the balcony anyway but the board strickly enforce this law or you'll get fined.

Since I don't live there I cannot and do not want to be elected on the board.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by darklord700

I've a rental condo unit and the board took on a very anti-investor attitude. New bylaws were brought in every year to fine people, I haven't been fined yet but it's unnerving.

My unit is on the ground floor but each move I have to pay money to hire a security guard for 3 hours minimum. Most of my tenants move from the balcony anyway but the board strickly enforce this law or you'll get fined.

Since I don't live there I cannot and do not want to be elected on the board.

I'm positive that's not true. I'm on condo boards for condos I own as rental properties. I don't think a bylaw forbidding any owner (who was current on fees) would stand. Of course, if the other owners are that anal you may not have a chance of getting elected.

[mrkajz44]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Not all condos have the same rules. Mine was good for the first couple years but more recently they have been ruling with an iron fist (I assume from people breaking rules/damage/what have you). The registered bylaws for my condo contain very little except for one line that allows them to make whatever regulations they want. So frequently I will get a letter revising a regulation in the complex and it is now enforceable by fines (as laid out by the boards regulations). Banning dogs was one. Just got a simple letter one day stating no new dogs are allowed in the complex. There is no transparency for people not on the condo board. Residents are not allowed to attend board meetings and we receive no updates regarding the ongoings of the complex. The only time for participation is the AGM and unfortunately I was out of town for that this year.

Do you live in Canvas at Millrise? That's where I live and this is pretty much exactly what is happening at our place. I still think the board does a great job, but they've really buckled down lately.

Anyway, I think it is hard to blanket "condo boards = bad/good" as each one will be different, and as seen above, can change over time. Personally, I enjoy having a board that takes care of most things, and am willing to live under their rules as a result. All just personal preference.

PS - If you are in Canvas, you are allowed a dog so long as you own your place and are not renting. The notice given out was very poor on the wording (I think to make people think no dogs allowed at all!)