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Updated almost 5 years ago,
Can I sell a condo with a roof leak and broke HOA?
Thanks for any advice!
I noticed a small leak in the ceiling of my condo on January 26th. Contacted the property manager because bylaws state damage from a common element (the roof in this case) makes the HOA responsible for repair. Loooong story short, my HOA:
- Can't afford to make the repair
- Are getting bids to fix the roof
- Haven't fixed it or done anything about it yet (it's now March 11th)
- Will probably ask for a special assessment in the near future and/or raise our dues
They have no real timeline for the repair and "thank me for my patience." They've shown they don't care and aren't transparent about the issue and have blown me off and avoided giving me a clear answer for any of my questions. This is the first time I've ever asked them to repair anything.
So I'm thinking of renting an apartment nearby and trying to sell the place. Lots of questions.
The leak has since dried up and I suspect has moved on. Of course I will disclose the material fact if I sell.
I'm concerned my place won't "pass" an inspection even if the leak doesn't come back because there are streaks on the outside of my unit with evidence of the leaking roof.
The HOA says they're going to repair it, and just got a new property management company - so I believe they will. They are just dragging butt on it.
Will anyone want to buy my place? I will of course make a concession and/or offer to repair the ceiling if it's damaged at any point during the sale or shortly after, even though it's a temporary fix until the roof is fixed.
Will a bank give a conventional loan on the place? The HOA's financials have been rocky but are improving. When the bank orders their own inspection, I'm concerned this could be a dealbreaker.
Finally, with the stock market and coronavirus and all, is now even a good time to sell?
Place is worth about $220K. My mortgage is paid down to $142K. I will take $200K at the low end, would love to get at least $210K. Anything more and I'd be over the moon.
I'm sick of the board, neighbors, location, etc etc and ready for a single family home in a more quiet place. Basically, I outgrew this unit. It's been a lovely home for me for the past five years and I have no doubt someone else will love it, especially once the roof is taken care of.
Do I have a shot of selling it before the roof repair and in this current market? If not, what are my options to offload this place? Do I have a distressed property?
Thank you for ANY advice and insight.
Photos below.