Before buying a condo, don’t just skim...

Before buying a condo, don’t just skim over the CC&R;’s.

CC&R;’s is the nickname given the document whose official title is the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. This is the condo’s constitution.

They’re not all alike.

Generally, they’re written by the developer’s attorney, and so serve the developer’s best interest.

In practice, you usually can’t negotiate any changes. But if one or more of the CC&R;’s provisions doesn’t satisfy your needs, it may be that the condo is not for you, regardless of the price.

Among the provisions to look for are:

--How the condo is managed.

--How assessments and fees are set.

--Restrictions on the type and number of pets.

--Restrictions on parking and storage of recreational vehicles and boats.

--Foreclosure in case of nonpayment of assessments imposed by the homeowners association.

The CC&R;’s might also indicate that the developer has the right to annex other properties to the project or that he has the right not to complete or add units or other features.

Less common, but possible, are restrictions on an owner’s right to sell or lease his unit.

Generally, you’d be wise to get an expert to go over the CC&R;’s and explain how their provisions are going to affect you. Don’t be embarrassed by asking someone else. Even lawyers get advice from other lawyers.

And, anyway, if the condo’s other residents won’t let you keep your pet alligator, they’re probably not your kind of folks.