BIRD TALK

My husband and I are anticipating finally becoming snowbirds this fall. We want to go to Florida, shop around and buy in a 55+ community. I’ve heard that these communities want background checks. I’ve always been a pre-planner. What I want to know is whether we get the background checks here, and how long do they stay valid. Wondering when we go about getting them, or do they have to come from the U.S.? Sorry, this might seem a silly question to some. We have a lot to learn. I just don’t want to go down empty-handed in the fall and find out that we can’t buy property because we don’t have this check, if needed.

Diane Erb
London, ON

Ed.: It’s not a big deal and it is nothing to be alarmed about. Typically, the homeowners’ association will give you an application form to complete that will ask you to confirm that you do not have any criminal convictions, have not declared bankruptcy and have the means to pay your monthly community fees. They will ask you for your driver’s licence number and social insurance number and will require your consent for them to conduct a background check on you and your spouse. There will be a nominal fee, usually around $100.00, that you will have to pay for the search to be conducted. It’s a good thing! This way, you know that you’re moving into a decent neighbourhood and your new neighbours will know that you’re a good egg, too.