Buying a condo in East Lincoln Park (apartments, condominium)

[Tughki]

Hi all,

I am a first time homebuyer and about to buy a 3-bedroom condominium in East Lincoln Park (we are actually into the attorney review period). However, I found out that the building is being managed by Lieberman Management Services which seems to have horrible online reviews. My quesion is two-fold: 1) has anyone here dealt with this management company or heard anything about them and 2) what would you recommend as far as finding out more information about them and how they run the building. Obviously, the owner is not likely to disclose any negative stuff about them.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Tughki

Hi all,

I am a first time homebuyer and about to buy a 3-bedroom condominium in East Lincoln Park (we are actually into the attorney review period). However, I found out that the building is being managed by Lieberman Management Services which seems to have horrible online reviews. My quesion is two-fold: 1) has anyone here dealt with this management company or heard anything about them and 2) what would you recommend as far as finding out more information about them and how they run the building. Obviously, the owner is not likely to disclose any negative stuff about them.

Thanks a lot in advance!

How big is the development? In condos, unlike apartment buildings, you actually have some degree of influence over how things are run. Often a management company will manage both apartments and condos, but the results can be quite different.

[soulful]

Originally Posted by Tughki

Hi all,

I am a first time homebuyer and about to buy a 3-bedroom condominium in East Lincoln Park (we are actually into the attorney review period). However, I found out that the building is being managed by Lieberman Management Services which seems to have horrible online reviews. My quesion is two-fold: 1) has anyone here dealt with this management company or heard anything about them and 2) what would you recommend as far as finding out more information about them and how they run the building. Obviously, the owner is not likely to disclose any negative stuff about them.

Thanks a lot in advance!

I wouldn't be overly worried about this (but i understand your concern) I know condo buildings that change their management company every time the contract comes up for renewal (and they could even change during the contract period if a particular co. is breaking any contract terms) The condo board has complete control over this matter and the mgmt. co. is likely to change many times while you live in this condo.

[snoylekim]

Yes, your first inkling will be how quickly they respond to your attorney or realtor for the 22-1 documentation, which is the disclosure they're required to provide under Illinois Condo laws .. you can then 'stealthily' give them a phone interview by calling them and asking for 'clarification' ..you'll get some sense of whether they're rude, scatterbrained, or professional ..
And you, as owner , do have some influence over the Condo management team; they have a contract w/ the association, and there's plenty of competition ..
Google the building address , and see if there are any hits here ( beyond the 10 million Zillow ads ..and, there's nothing wrong with asking a few people that live in the building as they're walking in or out on the weekend . Not everyone's favorite approach , but ..

[Tughki]

Thank you. The building has about 40 units. I am now waiting for the 22-1 documentation disclosure; according to the seller's attorney they should have it by the end of the week. It's a great tip to call them for clarification.

[Vlajos]

I rarely trust online reviews.