Buyers Rarely Know Rules of Condo Game

Robert J. Bruss advises a condo owner concerned about rising dues and lack of maintenance to attend board meetings and volunteer for committees (Real Estate Q&A;, Sept. 19).

Bruss wrongly assumes that buyers in common-interest developments, or CIDs, understand they are buying into a closely held nonprofit real estate holding corporation (the homeowners association), and that they understand their obligations as members of the association.

Most CID home buyers have little or no expectation at the time of purchase that they must “get involved,” as Bruss counsels.

While the CID concept is predicated on volunteer-run self-government, home builders and real estate agents typically do not fully inform consumers of their obligations as members of homeowners associations.

Builders and agents could do much to help alleviate the problems of homeowners association management by explaining these obligations fully and clearly well before the prospective home buyer has made an offer.

FREDERICK L. PILOT

President

Common Interest

Consumer Project

Sacramento