Condo buying
Two identical units in neighbouring towers can differ by hundreds of dollars a month, and the reason is in the documents, not the finishes.
The status certificate
In Ontario it sets out the corporation's finances, rules, any special assessments and pending legal issues. Having a lawyer review it before the conditional period ends is the single most useful step in a condo purchase.
Reserve fund
A thin reserve in an ageing building is a future special assessment. Look at the reserve fund study and what major components are due for replacement.
What the fee covers
Fees vary in what they include — heat, water, parking, internet — so compare total monthly cost rather than the fee alone. Buildings with pools, concierges and guest suites cost more to run, permanently.