Book minimizes woes condo-buying Judy Smith > a Pw Contributing Writer NIZAM Dossa’s new consumer’s guide to condo shopping is what rubber boots are to a mud puddle. Called Condo Minimums: A Buyer's Guide to Purchasing a Condominium in British Columbia, the book offers step-by-step information on what to look for and what to avoid when making what is, for most people, the most important purchase of their lives. Considering all the bad press about heartless develop- ers, in person Dossa seems almost too nice to be in the business at all. He explains how he came to write a book to help the uninformed or naive buyer navigate the minefield that is B.C. conde buying. It seems that in 1996, while siting in a coftee shop, he overheard two women dis- cussing buying a suite in the Gastown area. “They talked about how the suite and building looked great, and how they thought they could afford it,” he said. “But there was no mention of whether they had read the condo’s strata council minutes to check for any problems with the building, or looked at the bylaws governing the condominium complex. That’s when I though there was a need for a detailed explaining to prospective buyers what to look for = and look out for — in a condo.” : Because he has worked extensively as a 5 manager and a pro; evelop- or Doses has seen first-hand The pluses and NEWS photo Cindy Goodman NIZAM Dossa with his book on how to buy a condo and not get soaked. He also has a web- site with the latest info on the leaky condo debacle: http:/www.bcconde.com pitfalls of condo living. Among the many subjects covered in the book, he discusses the advantages and disadvantages of buying new, pre-sale, con version and re-sale condos — but more fundamental than that, Dossa said owning a condo is not for everyone. He cites as an example a woman who was perfectly happy living in the West End. Since she couldn't afford to buy a home there, she bought something she could afford in Coquitlam. The problem she and others in her posi- tion don’t consider, he said, is the lifestyle change required to live in the suburbs — not the least of which is the commute. Dossa now works as an independent real estate consultant and, as well, the energetic and bright 30-year-old also teaches college courses in property management. | ARE you in the market for a home? Ifso, how do you envision your ideal abode? Do you see vourself in’ a cozy character home with ornate fireplaces? Or does the image of a brand new home built with today’s state-of-the-art technology be Either way, vou'll find thar the rewards of purchasing your own home are immeasurable. The «security. comfort and peace of mind you get from home ownership, regardless of your preference for pre-owned or new, are well worth the investment. The time is nghe tor buy- ing. Attractive mortgage int est rates. government incentive programs, and 4 growing selection of housing options available on the Multiple Listing Service (MIS) make this an excelent time to buy. Look and compare As you start jooking for a home, you will want to enlist the service, of a realror ro assist you in your search. You'll want to look at and cempare homes that are both old and new before making the deci- sion on which you preter. Your selection, to a large extent, will be determined by your lifestyle and in most cases becomes a matter of cornpro- ntise. For instance, you may find a perfect 80-year-old gem that needs a fair bit of renovation work and tender loving care, but this may not necessarily fit into your budget plans (or your schedule, if you plan to do a lot of the work yourself). Friday, September 18, 1998 — North Shore News — 77 On the other hand, vou may tind anew home attractive, but would have to spend) extra money on Jandscaping and installing some of the ameni- ties which may be parr of the package in an older home. Advantages of an older home Advocates of older tell you that it’s d potentially expensive to dupli- cate the charm of an older house in a newer one. And with an older home, vou often get the added advan- tage of improvements made by previous owners. Here are some of the advantages of an older home: @ You can see exactly what you are getting and don’t have to try and picture the completed house from a set of blueprints. The house has been “shaken down” and structural faules are clearly seen and can be, or have been, corrected. @ The neighbourhood is fully built up and its character has been established; there are existing recreation areas and a variery of local services. Landscaping is in place and trees are mature. @ There are generally fewer immediate move-in costs with an older home, because basic features like drapery tracks (and sometimes window cov- crings) are already installed. And chattels, such as special lighting fixtures, are often included with the sale of an older home. Advantages of a new home On the other hand, new home advocates will point out that ing © brand new house is geting a fresh starr. You can choose to purchase a custom-built home designed exactly to suit your own needs, or a home built on order from asample model house or plans. Here are some other advan- tages of buying a new home: @ You kave much more flexi- bilirv with a new home in cus- tomuzing your decor and Jand- scaping to suit your tastes, You get fresh, unblemished walls and you can usually choose the type of flooring, carpeting and cupboards that you want, & With most new homes, you gencrally get much more stor- age space (such as closers) and larger rooms. & Today's minimum standards for plumbing, electrical, iisu- lation, and heating s higher than ever before. @ Traditionaily, land values tend to increase during the Consider location Regardless of what type of home vou choose — old, new, or in-between — be sure you examine all your options first, so that you and your family are happy with the final choice. And don’: forget to consid- er location; expenenced buyers know that it’s the number-one consideration. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or your realtor are comprehensive sources for real estate exper- tise, service and statistical information for Greater Vancouver. Visit the REBGY s website at: realtylink.org Mohammad Abaee 623-4984 Buchanan 649-8850 le, a t 1239 INGLEWOOD, WEST VANCOUVER J Large level lot approx. 65’ x 122’ central area of West Van. 2 bedrooms up plus 2 bedrooms down. Down has separate entrance and high ceiling great for further development. Come see this on Sunday or call for an exclusive tour. Fabulous opportunity to invest. Caii Maggie Chan direct at 990-5577 WANTED Warehouse space approx. 2,000 sq.ft. Reasonable lease Please call Maggie direct 990-5577 anes puclody 671-7964 | Ce ee . era 623-5650 __© 650-3802: -.seymour realty OKER do. Concepcion © Mabanta Nader Entezami 341-2903 Eifie Paviakovic 986-9321 Metody tzpelmann 990-0981. fl é sutton group - west coast realty ». ANSINDEPENDENT MEMBER BROKER 924-0693 a SON : rn _ : “