THE BIGGER PICTURE
You’re buying
more than the unit.
With a condo, your decision includes the unit, the building, the corporation and the shared financial responsibilities that come with ownership.
THE UNIT
Layout, condition, finishes and future maintenance still matter, just like any other home.
THE BUILDING
Look at the age, condition, major systems and how well the common areas appear to be maintained.
THE CORPORATION
The condo corporation’s management, financial position and planning can directly affect owners.
THE SHARED COSTS
Condo fees, reserve fund contributions and future building expenses all form part of the ownership picture.
CONDO DOCUMENTS
The documents tell you
what the unit can’t.
A condo may look great during a showing, but the documents can reveal important details about the corporation’s finances, rules, reserve fund and future obligations.
RESERVE FUND STUDY
Helps show whether the corporation has planned for major future repairs and whether reserve funding appears adequate.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Review the corporation’s revenues, expenses, reserve balance and overall financial position.
BYLAWS & RULES
Check restrictions that may affect pets, rentals, renovations, parking, storage and how you plan to use the property.
BOARD MINUTES
Minutes can reveal recurring concerns, upcoming projects, disputes or issues that may not be obvious during a showing.
Important: Condo documents should be reviewed carefully and, where appropriate, with qualified legal or condominium-document professionals.
THE MONTHLY PICTURE
Condo fees.
Only part of the cost.
The monthly fee matters, but the bigger question is what it includes, how the building is funded and whether future costs are being planned for properly.
What does the fee include?
Ask for the current budget and fee breakdown. Confirm heat, water, electricity, parking and storage separately. Corporation insurance is not a substitute for checking your own unit coverage. A lower fee is only comparable when the included services and funding needs are comparable.
Does the reserve plan add up?
Read the reserve fund study, the board’s funding plan and the latest financial statements together. Ask how the current balance and planned contributions match upcoming repairs. A large balance alone does not show whether those projects are funded. Unexplained gaps deserve further review.
Is a special levy payable?
Request notices for approved special levies (special assessments), the unit’s share and payment dates. Ask about proposed levies in the minutes too. These are separate cash obligations; do not assume they can be spread over a year. Have your lawyer confirm how the purchase contract allocates responsibility.
What work is coming next?
Match roof, elevator, parkade and building-envelope projects in the minutes to their estimated costs, timing and funding. Repeated deferrals, unresolved water issues or missing cost estimates are reasons to investigate, not a diagnosis. Use qualified document, inspection and legal professionals before removing conditions.
Read Alberta’s reserve fund guidance and special levy guidance. Sources checked October 21, 2026.
BEFORE YOU REMOVE CONDITIONS
Look at the unit.
And the building.
A condo inspection should go beyond finishes and appliances. The condition of the unit, building systems and common property can all affect your decision.
INSIDE THE UNIT
Look for visible concerns with plumbing, electrical, windows, appliances, flooring and the overall condition of the space.
WINDOWS & EXTERIOR
Confirm which exterior components are the owner’s responsibility and which belong to the condominium corporation.
COMMON AREAS
Review the condition of hallways, elevators, parkades, mechanical rooms and other shared areas where possible.
MAJOR BUILDING SYSTEMS
Consider the age and condition of roofing, elevators, heating systems, parkades and building-envelope components.
CONDO BUYER CHECKLIST
Before you commit,
check the full picture.
Use this as a quick reminder of the major areas to review before removing conditions on a condo purchase.
UNIT CONDITION REVIEWED
CONDO FEES UNDERSTOOD
RESERVE FUND REVIEWED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REVIEWED
BYLAWS & RULES REVIEWED
BOARD MINUTES REVIEWED
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS CHECKED
MAJOR FUTURE PROJECTS CONSIDERED
PARKING & STORAGE CONFIRMED
INSURANCE RESPONSIBILITIES UNDERSTOOD
Every condo is different. The documents, property type and circumstances of the purchase may require additional review.
CONDO BUYER RESOURCES
Useful before
your next move.
Use these resources to explore Calgary condos, understand the numbers and prepare for the next step in your purchase.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Ready to find
the right condo?
Whether you’re comparing buildings or ready to book showings, I’ll help you look beyond the unit and understand the full purchase.
Moe Jarrah
Cell: (403) 630-5327
moejarrah@gmail.com
INFO & SERVICES
CENTURY 21 BRAVO REALTY
3009 23 St NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7A4
Office: (403) 250-2882
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