Not Real Estate, Financial, or Legal Advice
The content on this website, in The Condo Trap book, and across all related materials (blog posts, calculators, tools, glossary entries, and social media) is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes real estate advice, financial advice, investment advice, insurance advice, tax advice, or legal advice.
No Professional Relationship
J.A. Watte is an author and researcher — not a licensed real estate agent or broker, financial advisor, registered investment advisor (RIA), certified financial planner (CFP), insurance professional, attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA), or licensed appraiser. No professional-client relationship is formed by visiting this website, reading the book, or using any tools provided here.
Property Investability Score Calculator
The Property Investability Score calculator on this site is a simplified educational tool only. It is not a substitute for a professional property evaluation, appraisal, or investment analysis. The score is based on generalized inputs and assumptions — it does not account for all variables that affect condo ownership costs, investment viability, or property value, including but not limited to: specific building conditions, local ordinances, pending litigation, reserve fund adequacy, or your personal financial circumstances. Do not use this calculator as the sole basis for any real estate or financial decision.
Do Your Own Research
All cost models, state rankings, calculators, and data analyses presented on this site and in the book are based on publicly available institutional data from sources including NAHB, Census Bureau, BLS, FHFA, National Association of Realtors, Community Associations Institute, NAIC, and the Insurance Information Institute. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, you should independently verify all data before making decisions.
Real estate markets, insurance rates, HOA fees, special assessment exposure, energy mandate requirements, tax laws, and interest rates vary by location and change over time. The data in the book and on this site reflects conditions at the time of research and publication. Your results will differ based on your specific circumstances.
Consult Qualified Professionals
Before making any real estate, financial, insurance, tax, or legal decision, consult with appropriately licensed professionals, including but not limited to:
- A real estate attorney for contract review, HOA document analysis, and legal questions
- A licensed home inspector for property condition assessments
- A licensed insurance agent or broker for condo insurance, HO-6 coverage, and flood insurance decisions
- A certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent for tax planning and implications of ownership
- A certified financial planner (CFP) or registered investment advisor for investment decisions
- A licensed real estate agent or broker for property transactions and market analysis
Energy Mandates & Special Assessments
Information about energy mandates (such as Local Law 97, BERDO, and state-level building performance standards) and special assessments is provided for general educational purposes only. Regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult your local building authority, municipal code enforcement, and your HOA or condo board for specific obligations, timelines, compliance requirements, and potential costs that apply to your property.
No Guarantees
Past performance of real estate markets, condo valuations, HOA fees, insurance rates, or any other data presented does not guarantee future results. Cost projections and comparisons are based on historical data and stated assumptions — they are not predictions. Actual costs will vary based on location, timing, market conditions, individual building characteristics, HOA management decisions, regulatory changes, and factors outside anyone's control.
Affiliate Links & Amazon
This site contains links to Amazon.com for book purchases. When you click these links and make a purchase, the author may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence the data, analysis, or recommendations presented in the book or on this site.
Third-Party Content
References to other books, authors, organizations, data sources, and companies are for educational comparison purposes only. These references constitute fair use commentary and do not imply endorsement, affiliation, or sponsorship by those parties.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, J.A. Watte, The Condo Trap, and thecondotrap.com shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of this website, the book, or any tools or calculators provided. You use all information at your own risk.
Contact
If you have questions about this disclaimer, visit jwatte.com or use the contact form on this site.
Last updated: April 6, 2026