Tap to Read ➤

How to Buy a Condo

Yash Gode
Most people who wish to live in big cities want to buy a condo. A condominium is the closest you can get to a true big city experience.
Mostly, those who want a highly urban lifestyle choose the most beautifully planned and recognized cities in the world. You may deny that you dream of owning a home surrounded by lush greenery and parks, but today, such houses do not define the realty sector. It is an age of condominiums and today, everyone wants to know the right approach to purchasing one.
Formerly, most people used to buy condos to break loose on vacations, but more and more people are buying them to live in year-round. Take the further advice into consideration before taking the plunge and buying a condo.
In major cities of the east coast, condos are very popular. Looking for a condo is a similar to looking for a one-family home. Start by approaching a real estate agent, and know more about properties that you might not be able to find on your own.
In case you don't want to approach an agent, you can do it yourself on the Internet by searching real estate portals for condos in the categories you are interested in. In case you have a particular neighborhood or a complex in mind, there are many offers for sales on-site where you can learn more about some great deals.

Some Important Tips

✦ Carefully scrutinize the neighborhood and the developments in which you are looking to purchase a condo. Check the size of the property and see if it is nicely maintained.

✦ Find out about the reputation, and ask current residents how often repairs and maintenance are required, and how good the soundproofing is between the units.
✦ Check out if there are grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, etc., in close proximity. Also see how good the parking, storage, security, and other amenities are.

✦ Plan out a budget and your annual income, to determine if you can afford the price.
✦ One should closely inspect the rules of the Home Owner's Association (HOA) that govern the functioning of the condo development. There might be restrictions that may not adhere to your lifestyle. Pet lovers should check with the rules regarding pets in the society.
✦ Closely inspect every part of the condo, and ask a friend or a family member to provide a second opinion before you take a final decision.

Buying a Condo With Bad Credit

The most optimistic may advice you to improve your credit score immediately. But this might take anything from 6 months to one year, and depends on your present score at that point of time. You can avail a professional credit counseling service and improve credit score. Keep a track of your credit reports.
But, if you want to buy a condo with bad credit, get a lease with an option to buy. First find a homeowner who wants to sell one on lease, which may take a lot of convincing and persuading. It involves a financial arrangement for both the parties in this deal.
The seller gets funds at regular intervals, while the buyer does not need to spend a lump sum in one go. But for this as well, you need to improve your credit score, and prove and convince the homeowner of your creditworthiness, and that you have a steady source of income.
In case you've got no money down, you can go for a short-term loan from a friend, family member, or a person who trusts you enough to provide you with a loan. Once you improve your credit score, you will be eligible for a bank loan and you can repay off your creditor.

A Condo in NYC

If living in New York City, under the skyscrapers of Manhattan, has always been your dream, a condominium is the best choice. Going for a condo is a smart, terrific investment in NYC. The only thing that matters is if you can get a mortgage to buy one. The most important thing is to develop a strategy that would include your practical and personal needs.
Know what you can afford and clearly underline your assets by consulting a financial professional. Ensure that you qualify for a mortgage, and focus only on a small number of neighborhoods. Then you can find an experienced and knowledgeable New York real estate attorney, and take his consultations before you go for any contract.

A Condo in Florida

Buying condos in Florida is very different from buying them in NYC. Here, even today, most people buy and sell condos for vacations and holidaying in cities like Miami and Orlando.
South Florida is fast transforming into the most happening part of the state. Condo sales across Florida in 2009 had dipped and reached a bottom. But, from here on, the realty experts predict that sales are likely to surge, and it is the perfect time to acquire one if you want one in Florida.
Creditworthiness is one very important factor, and while going for a condo at any place, as a permanent residence or for a vacation, always follow your instincts.