I was speaking with a friend today who asked me this question and it got me to thinking... As this is probably one of the top five questions asked of Real Estate Professionals, I have decided to put together a series of posts that will break down what every home buyer should know if they are considering the purchase of a condo or co-op.
As the two are often used in tandem, the differences are not always clear. I also believe that knowledge and information are power, so I will begin with the obvious, but not so widely known....
What is the Difference Between a Co-op and a Condo?
A Co-op: Buying into a cooperative cooperation, or co-op, is a securities exchange, not a real estate transaction. The buyer purchases shares in the corporation that owns the building. As a shareholder, he or she has the right to lease a designated apartment from the corporation. Each shareholder also has the right to vote for the Board of Directors, who in turn runs the building.
A Condo: Buying a condominium,
or condo, is a real estate transaction. The buyer purchases real property,
which comes with a deed, much like purchasing a house. Condo owners also vote
for the Board of Directors, which runs the building in basically the same way
as a co-op board, but with less sweeping authority.
Having an agent that is well versed in the nuances of Co-ops and Condos is a crucial first step. I'm available if you have any questions......
Next week we will cover: Deciding What's Best for You: a Co-op or a Condo
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