Buying a Condo in Sunny Isles Beach From Out of State

By Olga Zaurova, Sunny Isles Beach real estate agent with Big International Realty

You can do much of your condo search from out of state. I help buyers narrow down buildings, tour units remotely, and coordinate the final walkthrough. Before you make an offer, look closely at both the unit and the association that runs the building. Two condos with similar asking prices can have very different monthly costs, rental rules, and upcoming repairs.

Start with the way you’ll use the condo

Tell me whether it will be your primary home, a vacation place, or a property you plan to rent out. If rentals matter, ask for the building’s current written rules, including minimum lease length, how often owners can rent, and any approval process. I can also help you compare Sunny Isles Beach with Aventura or Hallandale Beach if you’re flexible on location.

Ask for a live video walkthrough

Listing photos can show the ocean view without showing what you’ll see from the sofa or hear on the balcony. During a live tour, ask to see the view from inside the unit, open and close the balcony door, and pause so you can hear the surroundings. Ask to see the parking space, elevators, and route to the beach or amenities that matter to you. I can walk through the property with you on video when access is available.

Review the building’s costs and records

Ask for the current association budget, what the monthly dues cover, and details on any approved or proposed special assessments. Recent board minutes can also help you identify repair projects or issues to ask about. Request any available milestone inspection report and structural integrity reserve study that apply to the building. The inspection looks at structural condition, while the reserve study addresses future funding needs for certain building components. See Florida DBPR’s guide to condo inspections and reserve studies for details.

If you’re financing, ask your lender early what it needs to review about the condo project. Confirm any document review dates and contract deadlines with your closing attorney or agent.

Plan the final walkthrough and closing before you travel

I can coordinate a video walkthrough if you can’t be there in person. We can check the unit’s condition, any repairs the seller agreed to, and what’s supposed to stay with the condo. If you plan to sign from out of state, ask your closing agent and lender how they’ll handle the signing and what you’ll need to have ready.