Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
High-rise living brings amenities, views, and rules. If you own a condo in Uptown or Victory Park, your estate plan must fit building policies, HOA bylaws, and lender expectations. A little preparation prevents probate delays, HOA fines, and unhappy neighbors—while preserving value when it is time to sell or transfer.
Gather The Building Paperwork First
Collect the declaration, bylaws, rules and regulations, resale certificates, and any current special-assessment notices. Save parking and storage licenses, move-in/move-out procedures, and elevator reservation rules. Place insurance declarations and flood coverage (if applicable) in the same folder. Your executor or trustee needs these documents to prove authority and follow building protocols from day one.
Choose A Transfer Structure That Works In Practice
A revocable living trust lets your successor trustee manage the condo immediately—pay assessments, approve tenants, and coordinate moves—without waiting for court orders. If you rely on a will, be sure it requests independent administration and waives bond, which speeds Dallas County probate. Confirm that your lender allows transfers to a trust; most do, but paperwork matters in a high-rise with strict management.
Anticipate HOA Policies On Leasing And Sales
Some buildings cap rentals or require board approval of tenants. Others ban short-term stays altogether. If your plan includes renting the condo after you pass, put those restrictions in the playbook and pre-approve a property manager who knows the building. For a sale, your fiduciary must coordinate elevator reservations, insurance certificates, and building orientation for the buyer—details that can derail closings if you do not prepare.
Keep Insurance And Maintenance Current
Condo associations insure the structure, but you need HO-6 coverage for interiors, improvements, and liability. Update coverage when you remodel kitchens or baths; under-insurance causes disputes after water leaks or fires. Create a maintenance log: HVAC service dates, appliance warranties, and vendor contacts. A tidy log gives buyers confidence and helps your trustee handle emergencies.
Address Parking, Storage, And Amenities
List parking spaces and storage lockers by number and attach the license agreements. If amenities require access fobs tied to a resident profile, leave instructions for transferring or disabling them. Clarity prevents unauthorized use and protects the association’s security protocols during probate.
Plan For Assessments And Capital Projects
High-rises often run capital projects—window replacements, facade work, amenity upgrades—that trigger assessments. Keep a reserve in your trust to cover six to twelve months of dues and expected assessments so your fiduciary does not scramble. If a project is underway at death, include instructions about voting preferences and payment options for the board.
Communicate With Management Early
Once your successor takes over, they should meet the general manager or concierge, present authority documents, and confirm the building’s probate/transfer checklist. Friendly coordination earns grace on deadlines and elevator access, which reduces stress on move days and during showings.
Choose Beneficiaries And Exit Paths
If you want a family member to keep the condo, verify they can afford HOA dues and city taxes. Otherwise, authorize a sale with a minimum net price and realistic time frame. Uptown and Victory Park buyers expect professional staging and spotless common-area coordination; set aside funds to present the home properly.
Make your condo plan match the way high-rises actually work. For a building-savvy estate strategy that satisfies HOAs and keeps probate timelines tight, reach out to McCulloch & Miller, PLLC at (713) 936-9073 and get a plan designed for Uptown and Victory Park living.