Finding a condo can be a thrilling experience. Between viewings and researching, searching for the perfect place is an experience that we all go through at some point in our lives. If you are just starting out in the search for the perfect condo, consider the tips below in order to make the condo hunting experience as fun and pain-free as possible.
Consider the Size of Your Family
To choose the best condo for your family or your future family, you must think about how big the condo needs to be. Even if you are alone now or just a couple, think about two, three, or five years into the future. Do you plan on having children? Do you plan on having visitors like in-laws often? If you do, you need to search for condos with the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms for your current and future needs.
If you are a couple, you should find a condo with at least two bathrooms, one for you and one for guests. If you are a growing family, take into account how many bedrooms you will want for any children that may come along.
The size of the living area is also important to consider if you plan on having family members stay with you. Make sure there is ample space for family dinners, holiday celebrations, and any other social events that you plan to host.
Find the Perfect Location
Depending on what you want out of your condo, whether it is your primary residence or a vacation home, you will want a location that best suits your needs. If you are a city person, you will likely want to be in the heart of it all. To get an idea of what kinds of locations are available, check out local property websites for Condo listings in the areas that you are interested in. If you can’t decide on just one location, make a small list of spots that you enjoy and start doing viewings.
It is also important to take walks around the neighborhoods in which you are interested so that you can get a feel for the vibes of the area. A neighborhood may look one way online but have a completely different feeling in person. Make sure to take the time to scope each area out before making a decision.
Amenities
Once you have found a great location, research the condo building to see what kind of amenities are offered. Pools, gyms, and parking are all amenities that many people have on their list of requirements. As you begin your hunt for a condo, make a list of amenities that you must have and some that you can live without, but are a bonus if they are included.
Which Floor Do You Prefer?
When thinking about getting a condo, the floor you choose to live on is something that many people forget to consider. This is especially important if the building has an elevator or not. Coupled with the location, the floor you choose to live on may affect your view.
If you choose the first floor, you will have the easiest access to the outside and the easiest time bringing in things like groceries. If you have a pet, taking them outside to go to the bathroom is much easier when you don’t have to climb up and down the stairs several times a day. Some first-floor condos may also have doggie doors if they are pet-friendly. The drawbacks of choosing the first floor are that you may be more at risk of pests like ants making their way into your condo and if you are concerned about safety, many people prefer a higher floor in order to prevent anyone from easily breaking in.
People often choose any floor above the first floor if there is a view that they wish to have. Condos near the beach or in a big city often have several floors to allow buyers and renters to have the best views possible the higher you go. If you are looking for a perfect view, a top-floor condo might be the one for you. The drawbacks are that you may have to climb a lot of stairs if there is no elevator and moving in and out may be a pain because you will have to carry all of your furniture up and down.
As the search for a condo begins, remember these tips and begin to think about your ideal condo. These steps do not need to be followed in order, but should all be considered when thinking about your needs for the perfect condo.
