Condo HOA Questions to Ask Before You Buy (Free Playbook)

The association is half of what you buy when you buy a condo. Our free Condo HOA Playbook explains how Pittsburgh-area condo and HOA associations work, what fees cover, how to read a budget and resale certificate, the red flags to watch for and the questions to ask before you write an offer.

Get the free The Condo HOA Playbook

How Pittsburgh condo associations work: fees, budgets, reserves, the Pennsylvania resale certificate, red flags and the questions to ask. Enter your name and email and the PDF is ready right away.

What’s Inside

Condo vs. planned-community (HOA) ownership in Pennsylvania
Typical Pittsburgh condo fees by building type
How to read a budget and judge reserves
The Pennsylvania document package and resale certificate
Red flags and good signs
The most common local management companies
A full due-diligence checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask a condo association before buying?

Ask what the fee covers and how it has changed, how much is in reserves and when the last reserve study was done, whether any special assessments are planned, whether there is pending litigation, the master insurance deductible, the owner-occupancy rate, and the pet, leasing and parking rules.

What is a resale certificate in Pennsylvania?

It’s a statement from the association, required for condo resales under the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act, showing the current fee and unpaid amounts, approved capital expenditures, reserves, the budget, judgments and suits, insurance and known violations.

How much are HOA fees for Pittsburgh condos?

In the last 12 months, median reported fees ran about $175 a month for townhome-style communities, $300 for ranch and patio condos, $560 for mid-rises and about $900 for high-rises.

What is a condo special assessment?

A one-time charge to owners for a major project, such as a roof or facade, when reserves aren’t enough. Pennsylvania resale certificates must disclose capital expenditures the board has approved.

Who manages condo associations in Pittsburgh?

In the communities we track, RJ Community Management and ACRI Community Realty manage the most, followed by Community Management Advisors, Custom Community Management and Cranberry Community Management. Many smaller associations are self-managed. See our Condo HOA Directory.