I actually really like this condo...

[ScrimpAndSave]

MLS

I would have to find out what the HOA fees are though...

[jIM_Ohio]

Looks OK. This appears to be a new condo.

A few points- do not upgrade carpet if you include the carpet in the financing (because you can do so much better wearing out the new carpet, then spending $400 to replace it in 5 years). If you have choices for hardwood or ceramic tile take them over linolium (lasts longer and helps on resell).

If this is a new building, and there are no tenants yet, talk them down on the price (you have a lot of risk if you move into a condo which is empty). If there are tenants make sure you know how many units still need to be sold.

We bought our condo in 2000. They were not done with the whole complex until 2004. We moved out in 2005. A co-worker lived there and he tried to sell in 2003 and did not make a profit because he was competing with new condos where buyer could choose options vs his where all options were already chosen.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Impressive. I like it. But I'm not picky, as long as it's not a dump I'd be happy.

[gamecock43]

I like the ones you posted before with the stone front.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I really don't like carpet at all. I would have it all done in hardwoods...I think it comes with ceramic tile floors so that is great..i don't want less than that.

Of course, the condo pictured is staged beautifully, isn't it? I love that...

[DebbieL]

I like it too. I don't know if they'll allow the hardwoods. You have to ask permission from the strata council (at least where I live) to do anything like that. They don't make condos that size anymore where I live. Newer ones seem to be $300k-1million+, and they can be as small as about 400sf. I'm sure the million dollar ones are maybe as big as the one you're looking at.

I will have to be patient. The housing bubble is finally starting to burst here, but I expect the way down is going to take a few years. For now, I will live vicariously through you and your house search, lol.

[Gruntina]

One thought to think about for condos or town homes, try to aim for the one where the windows are facing in the right direction for the sunlight to shine in. A home with more bright sunshine really impacts the feelings of a home and creating a positive atmosphere and energy.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Grunita,

Great point!

Debbie,

I think that since they are new construction, I might be able to request these upgrades. They say that all of the floors are carpet, tile or hardwoods...no linoliym or vinyl...thank God. So maybe I would have a little room there to request something different. Who knows.

[Goldy1]

I live in a house. I would like a condo on a lake when I get old one day.

[jIM_Ohio]

Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSave

Grunita,

Great point!

Debbie,

I think that since they are new construction, I might be able to request these upgrades. They say that all of the floors are carpet, tile or hardwoods...no linoliym or vinyl...thank God. So maybe I would have a little room there to request something different. Who knows.

New construction is fun. You could pick the style of door knobs, the color of the cabinets, color of counter tops, color of tile and similar.

Look for
bath tub tile color
bathroom floor color
bathroom/vanity drawer (handles and color)
kitchen counter top
kitchen appliance colors
kitchen sink faucet style
kitchen floor type and color
kitchen drawer color and handles
entry way floor type and color
condo floor type and color

This is not even a complete list. If you built a house this list gets multiplied X3 in complexity IMO.

[minnie1928]

I like it!

The only comment I have is related to Jim's carpet comment. If you want to upgrade anything carpet related, upgrade the pad. It makes a big difference and I think it helps the carpet last longer, or feel better so you don't feel the need to replace it as soon.

Also, now that I think of it....we upgraded our carpet from plush to Berber and the cost was so pathetically minimal. I was shocked that more people didn't do it in our neighborhood. Same thing with upgrading the Master Bath to all ceramic tile (shower, floor, tub surround). Some things were priced so low to upgrade that it was foolish not to do it. But then other things were outrageously priced and we could do it after settlement for much less.

I think the moral of the story is know what you want and roughly how much it would cost you to do it, outside of the builder's pricing. That way you can tell if you're getting ripped off.

[jIM_Ohio]

Biggest issue with carpeting is that you might upgrade for what appears to be $100 or $200, maybe $500. But that cost is the projected over 15 or 30 years... and the carpet MIGHT last 5 or 10 years.

I agree the cost to "increase" looks cheap. Make sure you factor in 30 years of payments and realize most carpet does not last 30 years.

Of course S&S wants hardwood, which is better than carpet- so good for you (you can always replace area rugs easily whenever).

[ScrimpAndSave]

I guess the only thing is is the fact that is just appears to be an apartment. But - it would just me for me so I don't think that matters. I also have to see what the HOA fees are and if there is a garage. It's nice that there are two bedrooms and two baths...it actually came down in price $10,000.

[jIM_Ohio]

if you need more space, the townhomes you showed before might better suit you (that is why I went with 3 story townhome over a 1 floor condo).