Much needed transparency within condo associations is on the way! This week Miami-Dade County commissioners passed an ordinance requiring condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations to file financial and governing documents into an online library. Buyers will have access to this information before submitting their offers. The portal is expected to be up and running early next year.
In this article
How do buyers currently get these documents?
What are the forms that will be available?
How does this affect condo lending in Miami?
When will the portal be available?
How do buyers currently get these documents?
Condo buyers in Florida have received condo docs for the condo building of interest from the condo seller or have to reach out to the association, which is a job in itself. But there's no easy way to access this information before making offers.
Some Miami real estate agents are proactive and retrieve the documents before listing the property. Still, even so, buyers had to inquire about the documents.
What are the forms that will be available?
The forms that will be required by condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations are:
Documents and amendments (declaration, articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, and regulations)
Contact information for the association's property manager, board of directors, and emergency contact
Most recent financial statements where current or approved special assessments must be specifically outlined
Most recently adopted annual budget
How does this affect condo lending in Miami?
Lending money to condo buyers in Miami is more complicated than in other cities in the country. The portal will benefit lenders since they need to review condo documents, check for special assessments, and need accurate property management contact information.
The new ordinance may help lenders speed up the condo lending process.
When will this portal be available?
Condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations will need to file these forms by Feb. 1 of each year. Associations have until February 2023 to meet the first deadline. The portal will be available after the February 2023 deadline.
It is unclear how the county will enforce this ordinance.
Conclusion
As a real estate agent working on a platform to provide transparency throughout the transaction, this is a significant win for condo buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and even the associations themselves.