Are you

comfortable with joint financial responsibility? Single-family homeowners

needn't consult their neighbors about financial decisions with respect

to their own property. Condominium owners, on the other hand, must come

to an agreement (by consensus or voting) on a variety of maintenance and

repair matters. Should an older roof, unreliable security gate or ancient

water heater be replaced this year or next year? Should a special assessment

be collected for an emergency repair or extra service? How much money

should be spent on landscaping? How often should the garbage be collected?

If you relish the opportunity to make responsible decisions along with

others, condo living could be a good choice for you.

Are you

prepared to volunteer your time for association business? True, some

condominium owners never volunteer. However, your lack of participation

will be noticed by your neighbors, particularly in a smaller building.

Being part of the community means you should take your turn at serving

on the board of directors, joining a special committee, getting estimates

for repairs or taking responsibility for other tasks that benefit the

group as a whole. If you're willing to pitch in, you'll earn the gratitude

and respect of your fellow owners.

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