San Francisco buyer guide · 5 minute guide

Buying a condo: look beyond the unit

A condominium purchase connects your home to a building, an association, and shared financial decisions. Know what you are joining.

Published September 7, 2026 · Gullicksen Group

Confirm what you are actually buying

Have the title and association documents identify the unit and any parking, storage, decks, or other areas you expect to use. Ask whether an area is separately owned, assigned, shared, or subject to exclusive-use rights. Do not assume a staging arrangement or listing photo establishes an ownership right. A tenancy-in-common interest is a different ownership structure and needs its own legal and lending review.

Questions to bring to the conversation

How are parking and storage rights documented?
Who maintains windows, decks, roofs, and common areas?
Does the ownership structure match the financing I intend to use?

Read the finances alongside the building condition

Review the association’s current budget, financial statements, reserve study, and available meeting minutes. Reserves help plan for major repairs and replacement of common components. Ask how identified work will be funded and whether an assessment is proposed or approved. Low monthly dues alone do not establish that a building is inexpensive to own.

Questions to bring to the conversation

Which major projects are anticipated, and how will they be funded?
How recent is the reserve study?
Are there special assessments or recurring shortfalls to understand?

Check the rules against your everyday life

Read the governing documents and current rules before assuming you can make a change. Ask about remodeling approvals, flooring, pets, leasing, move-in arrangements, and use of shared spaces. Tim can help organize the questions; the association, manager, or attorney should clarify uncertain requirements in writing.

Questions to bring to the conversation

Would my intended renovation need approval?
Are there restrictions relevant to my intended use?
What fees or procedures apply when moving in?

Bring insurance and financing into the conversation early

Give the building information to your lender and insurance professional. Ask which coverage belongs to the association and which coverage you need personally, including deductibles and any important gaps. Confirm that the lender has reviewed the project requirements, not just your personal finances. When answers are incomplete, identify who can resolve them before you make the next commitment.

Questions to bring to the conversation

What does the master insurance policy cover and exclude?
Has the lender completed its project review?
Which unresolved building issues could affect my decision?

Your next-step checklist

Confirm unit, parking, and storage rights.
Review budget, reserves, meeting minutes, and planned work.
Understand assessments and maintenance responsibilities.
Check rules against your plans for living in the home.
Confirm insurance and lender project requirements.

Read further

Public reference material for the topics above:

This is general educational guidance, not a review of a particular property or contract. Tim can help you organize your questions; use qualified inspectors, your lender, an insurance professional, and an attorney for advice within their specialties.