I agree with Jeff on this. If there is a roof problem which needs to be fixed the condo owners fees will go up. Your client will not be happy and you can forget about working for there Realtor or any of there friends or work collages.
Here are some photos from yesterday’s condo inspection for a Realtor that is buying the condo for her mother to live in. How could I, with a clear conscience, not include and comment on these in my report? The 1st is the exterior wall just outside the front door, the 2nd is a weight bearing post on the patio supporting the deck in the condo above, 3rd and 4th are HOA handyman attempts to install additional wiring and are what I would consider to be safety/fire issues. I do draw the line however at commenting only those HOA items that are an integral part of the building that the condo being inspected is located in. In other words, I disclaim and don’t include the pool, playground, washateria,etc.
Very easily if you lived here in San Diego by making sure that she contacted the HOA to have them inspect the roof, exterior, and foundation before close of escrow, as well as getting copies of the HOA CCRs, budget, meeting minutes, etc.
Good.
Which I of course do recommend in the very front of my report. However, I would be willing to bet that none of the issues shown in the photos would be communicated to the client by those documents. I just can’t get to the mindset where I don’t feel responsible for reporting on issues that materially affect the condo, regardless of who is responsible for any repairs. Maybe I’ll be convinced to do so at some point, just not yet.
Also, one of two things will happen if I advise my client to have the HOA inspect the roof, exterior, etc. One, the HOA will send their handyman over to glance around and say “Yep, everything’s just hunky-dorey y’all” which would be illegal here as that would be performing an inspection by an unlicensed person for a property that is under a real estate contract. Or two, if the client suggested the HOA spend money to have a legal inspection done then I don’t think I have to explain what the HOA response would be.
I’ve inspected many condos and townhomes. I comment on the adequacy of exterior lighting, safety Guards, if the elevator works, is there fire extinguishers, is the pool area protected, location of trash collection, roof condition, and if there is an attic check fire separation. I feel if the client has small children this is important. I don’t recommend ways to address these issues but add it for the clients info. I do recommend to ask the HOA who wound pay for the roof repairs if needed before they settle. I hope I’m not over doing it.
Pay attention for fire codes.
