Ready for a North or West Vancouver Condominium?

Lately, I have been chatting to a number of folk who have sold or are ready to sell the family house and move to the next step - apartment or townhouse. Never lived in a strata? What do you need to know? Here are a few things to think about. No specific order - here goes. How old is the complex? Not always the younger the better! - condition i.e. maintenance is paramount. If I live in one what is my responsibility and what do the "management folk" look after? How much does that cost per month? What is included in this monthly fee? Heat/hot water/ electricity/property tax/cable T.V.? Is the "manager" competent/do we manage it ourselves? Who gives instructions to the manager? Do I get involved? What big expenses are due for the complex? Roofs/re-siding/painting/refencing/ new boilers/elevators and on and on! Is the monthly fee enough? Has a good reserve fund been built up? Will I find that half my neighbours are tenants? What if the neighbour has noisy dogs/children? These are just a few of the considerations - brainstorming would double or quadruple the list. ...and what of the "soft" questions, like - am I ready to live in a "communal" environment? Can I get on with/see eye to eye with 68 new "partners? Whew - quite a lot to consider! Speak to an experienced Realtor; preferably one who has lived in strata as well as a detached home and one who regularly deals with the tricky issues regarding buying and selling this type of home. Call/e-mail me, I'd be happy to help. 604-988-7368 or alanskinner@shaw.ca