Condo Shopping? Key Questions to Ask Before Buying

"Go talk to her," said Bob Pichut. "Ask her about the building." I was looking at condos and Pichut, a real estate agent with more than 30 years in the business, was urging me to talk to a tenant.

Most people looking at homes look at listings, recent selling prices and rely on their agent to inform their decisions. While this is smart, they're not getting all the information they need to make an informed choice. Without all the details, unwary buyers can find they've bought into a building with noisy, smelly neighbours and shoddy construction.

That's why Pichut is a big fan of talking to people in the building. "When looking at condo units, always approach any residents you encounter while walking about the premises," says Pichut. "They will give very honest opinions because they have nothing to hide." And along with condo owners and tenants, try to talk to the concierge or the super. They will be founts of information about the building. When I asked about their buildings, I was told about the demographics, which floor was the party floor and any rumours and complaints. Their information did play a role in the purchase of my condo.

So, what should you be asking? Click through our gallery for some key questions to put to the manager, and anyone else you run into while touring the building.