Thinking About a Condo?

Here's Why Financing Due Diligence Matters More Than Ever

Sep 22, 2026

Condo financing has changed, and if you're buying or selling a condo in today's market, waiting until you're under agreement to find out whether the building qualifies for financing can create real headaches — for everyone involved. A little upfront homework can save your deal.

Two Quick Checks Before You List or Offer

1. The Association's Current Budget (for buildings with 10+ units)

Ask for the association's current budget and check for a 10% reserve line item. This threshold is set to increase to 15% in January 2027, so it's worth confirming now. If a building doesn't have that reserve in place, it's best to address the issue before a seller accepts an offer or a buyer moves forward.

2. The Master Insurance Certificate

Request this document early and check the deductible. Under current guidelines, the master policy's per-unit deductible cannot exceed $50,000.

Your Pre-Listing / Pre-Offer Condo Checklist

Before listing a condo or writing an offer, it's smart to gather: legal project name, total number of units, current budget, condo questionnaire, and master insurance certificate.

For sellers, understanding a building's financing eligibility upfront helps set realistic expectations for what kinds of offers can be accepted. For buyers, it helps confirm financing can actually be secured before falling in love with a property.

Why This Matters

A strong buyer doesn't automatically make a condo financeable. The building itself has to qualify. That's why I like to loop in a lending partner early — before a listing goes live or an offer goes in — rather than discovering a financing snag mid-transaction.

If you're considering listing your condo or making an offer on one, let's talk early in the process. I work with trusted local lenders who can help vet a building's eligibility upfront, so there are no surprises later.