Article Courtesy of CBS
Channel 4 Miami
By
Joe Gorchow
Published August 18, 2023
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HOLLYWOOD - Carriage Hills residents in Hollywood are facing special assessments
that will cost them tens of thousands of dollars. It's a story many across South
Florida can relate to.
More residents have reached out since we first covered the
story last week. They say they recently bought homes in the
community and were blindsided by the fees.
"This can't be happening to me because I was so happy to be
here," new resident Carol Suzal shared.
Suzal, her daughter, and the fluffy pooch moved into
Carriage Hills in March. Days after moving in, Suzal says a
neighbor shared something shocking.
"She asked me if I knew about what was coming and spoke
about an assessment," said Suzal. I said I know nothing
about what you're talking about."
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Last month, the association levied a special assessment on seven buildings,
including Suzal's. She owes nearly $19,000, raising her mortgage payments
from $1,500 to $3,400 a month.
"I am not sleeping at all," said Suzal.
Suzal is one of three residents who told CBS News Miami they had no idea
about the "pending" special assessment when they purchased their home. All
buying within the last five months.
"It's extremely important to know what you're buying," added realtor Andy
Mandel.
The South Florida realtor stressed knowing your rights when purchasing a
condo is essential.
"The realtor's job is to get this for you," said Mandel. "Have all the, the
whole financial picture of what the association is paying for what they're
not, you know, what's included in your fees, what's coming down the pike as
far as, you know, assessments and what work may need to get done to the
building in the future."
He points to a "Condominium Rider" approved by the Florida Bar, part of the
contract signed between a buyer and seller.
In it, it states: "Seller represents that seller is not aware of any special
or other assessment that has been levied by the association or that has been
an item on the agenda, or reported in the minutes of the association within
twelve months prior to effective date."
"Would you buy in the middle of a civil war in a location where you plan on
living," said Attorney Alessandra Stivelman. "You really have to do your due
diligence."
When it comes to who is responsible for paying a pending special assessment,
Stivelman says it depends.
"Depends on the language, how they answered the forms, what was known, what
was actually in the minutes," shared Stivelman. "Was it clear that it was
upcoming, or could it have been done in two years? What kind of
communications had been had with the Association, formally or informally?
And how much did the seller really understand? Was it an intentional
misrepresentation, or was it unintentional?"
Stivelman mentions prospective condo buyers are also entitled to see
documents about the safety of the building and all association and condo
rules before signing on the dotted line.
"I would have expected someone telling me this was going on, and I would
have never bought something in these conditions now," said Suzal.
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