By Eliza Maledevic
When you think of Miami Beach, you will already know that this is an area that can be a good market. Thus, when you are planning to invest in a Miami Beach condo, you will know that this investment can still be good even if you are not so sure with the other markets.
The actual location can already be a good sign especially because it is already a good location that is normally visited by many tourists. This means that there are many people who come in and out of the area and there can be a big market for the Miami Beach condo.
When you consider the market for condominiums, you will notice that there is a less demand for this kind of investment. But this is normally applicable to the areas that do not have much hold on the people. However, in Miami Beach, there are many people who would need a condo so there is still a big demand. There are many tourists that seek for relaxing places so this need would be an area to start with your business.
With the Miami Beach condo market, there is an increase in the number of people who wants to have a property within the area. This is applicable both in the commercial and residential aspects of the market. Thus, there are more chances for you to have a good business when you invest in the market. Even with a number of foreclosures in the area, this can still be used to make benefit of the market. With the foreclosures, there can be a bigger to find properties that have lower prices. You will also have them in ways that can be more beneficial since you can purchase them at low prices but sell them when the marketability of the property increases. Thus, with proper strategies and timing, you can still have the Miami Beach condo as a good investment to make.
There are already some improvements in the way that the market in Miami behaves. You can think of the decline as a challenge but there are actually many people who can still make use of the trend in this market to make it work for you. If you are ready to acquire one, think of the ways that you can handle all the financial needs. Carefully studying the market would be critical so that you can make this Miami Beach condo as a profitable investment to take. Think of this as a long term deal so you will not have to risk the money that you have. You should ensure that you know what you are dealing with and the outcome can be more beneficial on your part.
Article Author Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
Showing posts with label Condo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Condo. Show all posts
Secrets To Buying Thailand Condominiums
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Scott Riefler
One question we are constantly asked is if you have to obtain permission from the government before purchasing property. To buy a condo or apartment in Thailand is very simple if you're a non-Thai. Most projects have a 51%-49% ownership rule. If the Building is over 51% Thai owned, a foreigner can purchase and own the condo or apartment freehold. If not, you must purchase the apartment as a 30 year lease. Check with the local land office before you purchase if you are unsure about the title deed.
Buying direct from the developer has several advantages: you will get to see a range of properties in Thailand that suit your requirements; you have the benefit of many years experience, as well as a English speaking office to support you in your home country; it may help eliminate any possible misunderstandings; and it helps takes away the stress associated with purchasing in Thailand or abroad.
Transactions and payments are simply made by wiring from you home bank account. It's always better to let the Thai banks convert your money in Thailand then to let you home bank to convert it to Baht before you wire. This tip along can save you thousands of dollars when you go to wire a large amount. Some developers can "lock in" a rate for you before you wire. Make sure you can communicate with your agent by MSN chat, Skype or text message in case you have any last minute questions while at the bank.
The Thai currency system is based on the decimal system. One That Baht is divided into 100 satangs. Coins range in value from ten baht to 25 satangs and six bank notes are in circulation: 10, 20, 50,100,500 and 1000. Always keep lots of small bills as it's a big jump between 100 baht and 500 or a 1000. Most street vendors and taxis can't make change for 1000 baht.
Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free. There is very high duty on importing a car. I believe with the hassle of dealing with Thai customs it's better to buy what you need inside of Thailand and leave most of your personal effects at home.
Find out monthly secrets to Buying in Thailand apartments and properties. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get free tips and tricks of the trade. Some tips alone can save you thousands of dollars on your purchase.
Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing.
Phuket real estate
Scott Riefler is the author of several e-books and online resources. I have put together a collection of landing pages and you can download for free. With them you change the copy to your own and upload them to your web site. If you would like them, please visit my Download link by going to my web site at: Free landing pages
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Riefler
One question we are constantly asked is if you have to obtain permission from the government before purchasing property. To buy a condo or apartment in Thailand is very simple if you're a non-Thai. Most projects have a 51%-49% ownership rule. If the Building is over 51% Thai owned, a foreigner can purchase and own the condo or apartment freehold. If not, you must purchase the apartment as a 30 year lease. Check with the local land office before you purchase if you are unsure about the title deed.
Buying direct from the developer has several advantages: you will get to see a range of properties in Thailand that suit your requirements; you have the benefit of many years experience, as well as a English speaking office to support you in your home country; it may help eliminate any possible misunderstandings; and it helps takes away the stress associated with purchasing in Thailand or abroad.
Transactions and payments are simply made by wiring from you home bank account. It's always better to let the Thai banks convert your money in Thailand then to let you home bank to convert it to Baht before you wire. This tip along can save you thousands of dollars when you go to wire a large amount. Some developers can "lock in" a rate for you before you wire. Make sure you can communicate with your agent by MSN chat, Skype or text message in case you have any last minute questions while at the bank.
The Thai currency system is based on the decimal system. One That Baht is divided into 100 satangs. Coins range in value from ten baht to 25 satangs and six bank notes are in circulation: 10, 20, 50,100,500 and 1000. Always keep lots of small bills as it's a big jump between 100 baht and 500 or a 1000. Most street vendors and taxis can't make change for 1000 baht.
Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free. There is very high duty on importing a car. I believe with the hassle of dealing with Thai customs it's better to buy what you need inside of Thailand and leave most of your personal effects at home.
Find out monthly secrets to Buying in Thailand apartments and properties. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get free tips and tricks of the trade. Some tips alone can save you thousands of dollars on your purchase.
Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing.
Phuket real estate
Scott Riefler is the author of several e-books and online resources. I have put together a collection of landing pages and you can download for free. With them you change the copy to your own and upload them to your web site. If you would like them, please visit my Download link by going to my web site at: Free landing pages
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Riefler
Buying a Condo Can be Tough
ป้ายกำกับ: California, Condo
By Paul Escobedo
Santa Ana is located in southern California more notably Orange County. This is a growing city, which is seeing a lot of new real estate developments. Of the many types of home properties coming up for sale, condominium units are on the rise and they are starting to become a very popular choice for many people. This is because condominium residences are given the benefit of owing property, but without the hassle of too much upkeep and property maintenance as seen in a single family or custom home.
Santa Ana Condo Builders offer the latest in condominium design and great pricing. These new condo developments are offering the best in facilities, conveniences, and are worth a buyer's investment efforts. Builders list out the features of their condo's in complete detail so that interested buyers can read what is readily available in a particular property and make an informed decision. They will also offers options and upgrades for those interested buyers.
Sometimes buyers can get confused on what to do about home upgrades and they send their upgrade specifications just at the last moment, making things very difficult for the builder. Here some tips to consider with respect to condo upgrade options:
• Look into each upgrade offered and choose only ones that you really require. You can find condo units at the lowest prices and be really surprised to find them just bare. This is because your costs are based on the upgrades you decide to take. So be sure to look for builders offering certain features as built in ones and not as upgrade.
• Often you can do some of the upgrades yourself. So look into which ones you are able to do that might save you some money.
• Find out if the builder has a time period for when you will need to have your specified upgrade options. Now if you ignore this point, you may find yourself in a disappointing situation, as other residents would have done everything necessary, while you would be left with no options but to do your upgrades after you move in.
• In case you are taking out a home mortgage, find out if your lender will finance your upgrade options completely. Some lenders may not do this and you may have to pay cash, so be prepared for this. You will need to look into this especially if you are thinking about do the upgrades yourself.
If you take these tips into consideration before you start looking for your new condo you will be surprised by how much time and essentially how much money you will save during the process. Many builders and banks will not tell you these things because they assume you already know or that these issues are not a concern of yours. Buying a condominium unit in Santa Ana is an attractive investment option, be it for the purpose of primary residence or for the purpose of renting. Be sure to buy your property from a reputable home/condo builder so that you can be certain that your home purchase is worth the money invested.
Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search California real estate, Santa Ana new homes and new homes California today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Escobedo
Santa Ana is located in southern California more notably Orange County. This is a growing city, which is seeing a lot of new real estate developments. Of the many types of home properties coming up for sale, condominium units are on the rise and they are starting to become a very popular choice for many people. This is because condominium residences are given the benefit of owing property, but without the hassle of too much upkeep and property maintenance as seen in a single family or custom home.
Santa Ana Condo Builders offer the latest in condominium design and great pricing. These new condo developments are offering the best in facilities, conveniences, and are worth a buyer's investment efforts. Builders list out the features of their condo's in complete detail so that interested buyers can read what is readily available in a particular property and make an informed decision. They will also offers options and upgrades for those interested buyers.
Sometimes buyers can get confused on what to do about home upgrades and they send their upgrade specifications just at the last moment, making things very difficult for the builder. Here some tips to consider with respect to condo upgrade options:
• Look into each upgrade offered and choose only ones that you really require. You can find condo units at the lowest prices and be really surprised to find them just bare. This is because your costs are based on the upgrades you decide to take. So be sure to look for builders offering certain features as built in ones and not as upgrade.
• Often you can do some of the upgrades yourself. So look into which ones you are able to do that might save you some money.
• Find out if the builder has a time period for when you will need to have your specified upgrade options. Now if you ignore this point, you may find yourself in a disappointing situation, as other residents would have done everything necessary, while you would be left with no options but to do your upgrades after you move in.
• In case you are taking out a home mortgage, find out if your lender will finance your upgrade options completely. Some lenders may not do this and you may have to pay cash, so be prepared for this. You will need to look into this especially if you are thinking about do the upgrades yourself.
If you take these tips into consideration before you start looking for your new condo you will be surprised by how much time and essentially how much money you will save during the process. Many builders and banks will not tell you these things because they assume you already know or that these issues are not a concern of yours. Buying a condominium unit in Santa Ana is an attractive investment option, be it for the purpose of primary residence or for the purpose of renting. Be sure to buy your property from a reputable home/condo builder so that you can be certain that your home purchase is worth the money invested.
Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search California real estate, Santa Ana new homes and new homes California today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Escobedo
Secrets To Buying Thailand Condominiums
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Scott Riefler
One question we are constantly asked is if you have to obtain permission from the government before purchasing property. To buy a condo or apartment in Thailand is very simple if you're a non-Thai. Most projects have a 51%-49% ownership rule. If the Building is over 51% Thai owned, a foreigner can purchase and own the condo or apartment freehold. If not, you must purchase the apartment as a 30 year lease. Check with the local land office before you purchase if you are unsure about the title deed.
Buying direct from the developer has several advantages: you will get to see a range of properties in Thailand that suit your requirements; you have the benefit of many years experience, as well as a English speaking office to support you in your home country; it may help eliminate any possible misunderstandings; and it helps takes away the stress associated with purchasing in Thailand or abroad.
Transactions and payments are simply made by wiring from you home bank account. It's always better to let the Thai banks convert your money in Thailand then to let you home bank to convert it to Baht before you wire. This tip along can save you thousands of dollars when you go to wire a large amount. Some developers can "lock in" a rate for you before you wire. Make sure you can communicate with your agent by MSN chat, Skype or text message in case you have any last minute questions while at the bank.
The Thai currency system is based on the decimal system. One That Baht is divided into 100 satangs. Coins range in value from ten baht to 25 satangs and six bank notes are in circulation: 10, 20, 50,100,500 and 1000. Always keep lots of small bills as it's a big jump between 100 baht and 500 or a 1000. Most street vendors and taxis can't make change for 1000 baht.
Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free. There is very high duty on importing a car. I believe with the hassle of dealing with Thai customs it's better to buy what you need inside of Thailand and leave most of your personal effects at home.
Find out monthly secrets to Buying in Thailand apartments and properties. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get free tips and tricks of the trade. Some tips alone can save you thousands of dollars on your purchase.
Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing http://www.patongharborview.com
To subscribe to my monthly newsletter, please go to: http://www.patongharborview.com/design01-green/land2.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Riefler
One question we are constantly asked is if you have to obtain permission from the government before purchasing property. To buy a condo or apartment in Thailand is very simple if you're a non-Thai. Most projects have a 51%-49% ownership rule. If the Building is over 51% Thai owned, a foreigner can purchase and own the condo or apartment freehold. If not, you must purchase the apartment as a 30 year lease. Check with the local land office before you purchase if you are unsure about the title deed.
Buying direct from the developer has several advantages: you will get to see a range of properties in Thailand that suit your requirements; you have the benefit of many years experience, as well as a English speaking office to support you in your home country; it may help eliminate any possible misunderstandings; and it helps takes away the stress associated with purchasing in Thailand or abroad.
Transactions and payments are simply made by wiring from you home bank account. It's always better to let the Thai banks convert your money in Thailand then to let you home bank to convert it to Baht before you wire. This tip along can save you thousands of dollars when you go to wire a large amount. Some developers can "lock in" a rate for you before you wire. Make sure you can communicate with your agent by MSN chat, Skype or text message in case you have any last minute questions while at the bank.
The Thai currency system is based on the decimal system. One That Baht is divided into 100 satangs. Coins range in value from ten baht to 25 satangs and six bank notes are in circulation: 10, 20, 50,100,500 and 1000. Always keep lots of small bills as it's a big jump between 100 baht and 500 or a 1000. Most street vendors and taxis can't make change for 1000 baht.
Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free. There is very high duty on importing a car. I believe with the hassle of dealing with Thai customs it's better to buy what you need inside of Thailand and leave most of your personal effects at home.
Find out monthly secrets to Buying in Thailand apartments and properties. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get free tips and tricks of the trade. Some tips alone can save you thousands of dollars on your purchase.
Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing http://www.patongharborview.com
To subscribe to my monthly newsletter, please go to: http://www.patongharborview.com/design01-green/land2.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Riefler
Condo And Apartment Vocabulary - Learn To Speak In Real Estate Terms
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Jay Banks
Sometimes, all the terms and definitions related to lofts, apartments, or condominiums can make you confused. In this short guide, we'll go through a list of the most common words used in real estate to describe different aspects related to condos in Vancouver.
Alcove studio: This refers to a studio apartment that has an alcove. In most cases, it's used for a dining or extra place for sleeping. Alcoves with windows that are large enough to make up for an extra bedroom can be referred as "junior bedrooms".
Alcove: An adjoining area to the living room that can be modified to create a bedroom or a dining space.
Annual Budget: This is a budget for general maintenance fees, repairs and administrative costs and is prepared by the condominium board every year.
Annual Meeting (AGM): By law, it's required to hold an annual meeting to discuss things related to the condominium and to present financial statements.
Common Elements: Refers to various parts of the condo that the homeowners own together as joing owners. Good examples for common elements are the roof, hallways, recreational parts of the building and the garages.
Common Property: These are parts of land or buildings which are not owned individually. The Strata Act specifies the related responsibilities and details of how these are handled.
Disclosure: In every case, the developer has to provide all the necessary documents to the buyer. This includes a purchase agreement, bylaws (can be proposed bylaws as well), a management and recreational agreement, parcel lease (where applicable), mortgages that might affect the title and a plan of the condominiu.
Final Closing: This is the date when the condo is registered officially and when you obtain the title to the property.
Furnished Units: These are apartments, which are already equipped with furniture and amenities for everyday living. It is not uncommon to find these in downtown luxurious condos where the developer is trying to add something extra to attract buyers.
Loft area: Most of the times found in older repurposed industrial buildings with high ceilings. It's typically an additional area accessible by a smaller staircase to provide an extra sleping or living area.
Occupancy Date: The date when you must take occupany of your propety, as specified in the contract.
Registration: Refers to the process process by which the condo's declaration and description are officially approved by the requisite governmental organs.
Studio: Describes a two-room apartment where the kitchen is considered one of them.
Unit: The space contained within the set of specified boundaries in your home.
Zoning Regulations: Guidelines set by municipal governments that regulate the ways how property can or can not be used. They can be strict and should not be overlooked.
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Richmond BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
Sometimes, all the terms and definitions related to lofts, apartments, or condominiums can make you confused. In this short guide, we'll go through a list of the most common words used in real estate to describe different aspects related to condos in Vancouver.
Alcove studio: This refers to a studio apartment that has an alcove. In most cases, it's used for a dining or extra place for sleeping. Alcoves with windows that are large enough to make up for an extra bedroom can be referred as "junior bedrooms".
Alcove: An adjoining area to the living room that can be modified to create a bedroom or a dining space.
Annual Budget: This is a budget for general maintenance fees, repairs and administrative costs and is prepared by the condominium board every year.
Annual Meeting (AGM): By law, it's required to hold an annual meeting to discuss things related to the condominium and to present financial statements.
Common Elements: Refers to various parts of the condo that the homeowners own together as joing owners. Good examples for common elements are the roof, hallways, recreational parts of the building and the garages.
Common Property: These are parts of land or buildings which are not owned individually. The Strata Act specifies the related responsibilities and details of how these are handled.
Disclosure: In every case, the developer has to provide all the necessary documents to the buyer. This includes a purchase agreement, bylaws (can be proposed bylaws as well), a management and recreational agreement, parcel lease (where applicable), mortgages that might affect the title and a plan of the condominiu.
Final Closing: This is the date when the condo is registered officially and when you obtain the title to the property.
Furnished Units: These are apartments, which are already equipped with furniture and amenities for everyday living. It is not uncommon to find these in downtown luxurious condos where the developer is trying to add something extra to attract buyers.
Loft area: Most of the times found in older repurposed industrial buildings with high ceilings. It's typically an additional area accessible by a smaller staircase to provide an extra sleping or living area.
Occupancy Date: The date when you must take occupany of your propety, as specified in the contract.
Registration: Refers to the process process by which the condo's declaration and description are officially approved by the requisite governmental organs.
Studio: Describes a two-room apartment where the kitchen is considered one of them.
Unit: The space contained within the set of specified boundaries in your home.
Zoning Regulations: Guidelines set by municipal governments that regulate the ways how property can or can not be used. They can be strict and should not be overlooked.
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Richmond BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
5 Tips for Buyers to Determine the Quality of a Condo
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Jeff Hammerberg
Even if you aren't technically trained, there are easy ways to judge the quality of condo construction. Book an appointment to view the property and bring along a flashlight, a "night light", and a golf ball. Then follow these five simple tips:
#1 Test the Major Appliances and Heating/AC Units
When you arrive at the condo, begin by testing the heating and air conditioning systems. Turn on the oven and the heat. If you're viewing the property in winter, you may prefer to turn off the heat and crank up the air conditioning. As you tour the condo, these systems will have time to boot-up and prove their worth, and if they aren't functioning properly you'll be able to detect it within 10 or 15 minutes. Make sure that heat or air conditioning is delivered to every part of the condo, and that the oven heats up in a timely manner. Just be sure to turn everything off or back to the original settings before you leave.
#2 Check the Plumbing and Electrical Systems
As you walk from room to room, check the plumbing by briefly turning on the various taps and watching to see if the water pressure is sufficient and if drainage is fast. Slow drains may just need cleaning to remove clogs, but lack of pressure in any building - or sluggishness in a brand new condo - may mean that the plumbing system is inadequate.
Turn on lights in every room, and use the "night light" you brought to test the wall outlets. If you plug it in and it doesn't light up, the outlet is probably dead. Any outlet near water - such as in the kitchen and bathrooms - should be the special kind that interrupts the flow of electricity in the event of a power surge. If the condo does not have them it needs upgrading. Three-prong outlets are important for rooms where you will operate computers and small appliances, so survey the condo to determine if those are present in sufficient numbers.
#3 Check the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Examine the ceilings and walls, using your flashlight, and look for spots where there may have been leaks or patch repairs. Study the areas around door and window frames and in the corners of the room for splits, cracks, or gaps. If the walls appear bowed or the lines where the walls and floor or walls and ceiling meet seem off-kilter, that may be a sign of warping or sloppy framing. Put the golf ball you brought in the middle of a bare floor. If it rolls to the other side of the room, the floor is tilted. Test the doors to see if they automatically open or close all by themselves, which is another confirmation that the construction is askew. If, on the other hand, your golf ball or door stays where you left it, the room is probably level and balanced.
#4 Read the Property Offering, Disclosures, or Minutes of the Condo Association Meetings
Read the descriptions in the property offering for new condos, or the minutes of association meetings for existing properties. The amenities itemized in the offering should match what you see in the condo, and this includes the brands of appliances as well as the quality of any features such as flooring or counter tops.
If the condo is an older one, then study the minutes of the condo association meetings and look for mentions of repairs or service calls to the property. Repeated repairs may be a red flag, or it could simply indicate a responsive and responsible association, but you will need to investigate further to find out for yourself.
Study any official disclosures, and beware of buying a condo that has had previous problems with flooding, fire, environmental hazards, or other catastrophic scenarios.
#5 Do Some Fact Checking of Your Own
To find out what kind of quality you are getting for your money, make a few phone calls. If the builder touts a particular brand of insulated windows or hardwood flooring planks, for example, call the local distributors and find out how much they sell those particular items for, and then tally up how much you're paying versus how much the builder is delivering. You might discover that so-called top-of-the-line products used in the construction of the condo are actually cheap and inferior. Or you could be pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting excellent materials for a discounted price because your builder has more buying power than you do and negotiated a good deal for your benefit.
Before buying any home, you should always hire a licensed and qualified inspector to provide you with a full professional report on the condition of the property. But the above tips will save you time while you do your preliminary shopping to narrow down your condo selection.
During the 1990s, Jeff Hammerberg worked in residential real estate, and observed first hand the "quiet homophobia" that pervaded the industry and silently but effectively hampered the lives of LGBT consumers nationwide by placing barriers between them and home ownership. By 1997, with little more than foresight, a strategy, and zealous fortitude, Hammerberg broke away from the traditional real estate community to create the first virtual real estate marketplace for LGBT clients.
Beginning with homelounge.com, an Internet company dedicated to assisting home buyers and sellers in the USA, Hammerberg gradually added services and sites, while adhering to a strict personal commitment to donate proceeds from his businesses directly into the LGBT community.
Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, contact the professionals at http://www.GayMortgageLoans.com and http://www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll-free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The entire network is comprised of experts dedicated to the GLBT community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Hammerberg
Even if you aren't technically trained, there are easy ways to judge the quality of condo construction. Book an appointment to view the property and bring along a flashlight, a "night light", and a golf ball. Then follow these five simple tips:
#1 Test the Major Appliances and Heating/AC Units
When you arrive at the condo, begin by testing the heating and air conditioning systems. Turn on the oven and the heat. If you're viewing the property in winter, you may prefer to turn off the heat and crank up the air conditioning. As you tour the condo, these systems will have time to boot-up and prove their worth, and if they aren't functioning properly you'll be able to detect it within 10 or 15 minutes. Make sure that heat or air conditioning is delivered to every part of the condo, and that the oven heats up in a timely manner. Just be sure to turn everything off or back to the original settings before you leave.
#2 Check the Plumbing and Electrical Systems
As you walk from room to room, check the plumbing by briefly turning on the various taps and watching to see if the water pressure is sufficient and if drainage is fast. Slow drains may just need cleaning to remove clogs, but lack of pressure in any building - or sluggishness in a brand new condo - may mean that the plumbing system is inadequate.
Turn on lights in every room, and use the "night light" you brought to test the wall outlets. If you plug it in and it doesn't light up, the outlet is probably dead. Any outlet near water - such as in the kitchen and bathrooms - should be the special kind that interrupts the flow of electricity in the event of a power surge. If the condo does not have them it needs upgrading. Three-prong outlets are important for rooms where you will operate computers and small appliances, so survey the condo to determine if those are present in sufficient numbers.
#3 Check the Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Examine the ceilings and walls, using your flashlight, and look for spots where there may have been leaks or patch repairs. Study the areas around door and window frames and in the corners of the room for splits, cracks, or gaps. If the walls appear bowed or the lines where the walls and floor or walls and ceiling meet seem off-kilter, that may be a sign of warping or sloppy framing. Put the golf ball you brought in the middle of a bare floor. If it rolls to the other side of the room, the floor is tilted. Test the doors to see if they automatically open or close all by themselves, which is another confirmation that the construction is askew. If, on the other hand, your golf ball or door stays where you left it, the room is probably level and balanced.
#4 Read the Property Offering, Disclosures, or Minutes of the Condo Association Meetings
Read the descriptions in the property offering for new condos, or the minutes of association meetings for existing properties. The amenities itemized in the offering should match what you see in the condo, and this includes the brands of appliances as well as the quality of any features such as flooring or counter tops.
If the condo is an older one, then study the minutes of the condo association meetings and look for mentions of repairs or service calls to the property. Repeated repairs may be a red flag, or it could simply indicate a responsive and responsible association, but you will need to investigate further to find out for yourself.
Study any official disclosures, and beware of buying a condo that has had previous problems with flooding, fire, environmental hazards, or other catastrophic scenarios.
#5 Do Some Fact Checking of Your Own
To find out what kind of quality you are getting for your money, make a few phone calls. If the builder touts a particular brand of insulated windows or hardwood flooring planks, for example, call the local distributors and find out how much they sell those particular items for, and then tally up how much you're paying versus how much the builder is delivering. You might discover that so-called top-of-the-line products used in the construction of the condo are actually cheap and inferior. Or you could be pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting excellent materials for a discounted price because your builder has more buying power than you do and negotiated a good deal for your benefit.
Before buying any home, you should always hire a licensed and qualified inspector to provide you with a full professional report on the condition of the property. But the above tips will save you time while you do your preliminary shopping to narrow down your condo selection.
During the 1990s, Jeff Hammerberg worked in residential real estate, and observed first hand the "quiet homophobia" that pervaded the industry and silently but effectively hampered the lives of LGBT consumers nationwide by placing barriers between them and home ownership. By 1997, with little more than foresight, a strategy, and zealous fortitude, Hammerberg broke away from the traditional real estate community to create the first virtual real estate marketplace for LGBT clients.
Beginning with homelounge.com, an Internet company dedicated to assisting home buyers and sellers in the USA, Hammerberg gradually added services and sites, while adhering to a strict personal commitment to donate proceeds from his businesses directly into the LGBT community.
Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, contact the professionals at http://www.GayMortgageLoans.com and http://www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll-free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The entire network is comprised of experts dedicated to the GLBT community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Hammerberg
Vancouver Lofts And Condos - Buying Guide
ป้ายกำกับ: Condo
By Jay Banks
Condominiums are the most sought after properties in downtown areas of any city. Vancouver is no exception - the region is enclosed by water, mountains and it is close to the United States border. These factors have driven the land prices high enough to put the ownership of other types of living properties out of question for most people. Moreover, living downtown is very attractive due to easy transportation, the atmosphere of this city and the proximity of all the amenities.
Living in a condominium is good for those who want to focus on other things and don't want to worry about exterior repairs. It can also offer other significant advantages such as a fitness center, swimming pools and stores located inside the same building. On the other hand, you will be giving off some privacy as you only own the property inside and you will need to share the common areas, along with the respective maintenance fees.
There are two main types of condominiums in Vancouver: lofts and apartments.
Loft style apartments in Vancouver are not amongst the easiest to find. With the exception of Gastown and Yaletown there are not many warehouses and historical buildings that could be turned to lofts, although there is an emerging trend of new buildings being developed that feature high ceilings and floor plans that resemble these.
As far as apartments go, concrete condos are amongst the most popular ones in Vancouver. If we could generalise, highrise condominiums are built from this material in the downtown area. Frame construction is common in the residential areas where you can find a mix between traditional condos and single family housing. In most cases, there is a plenty of parking space underground as well.
It's very common that there's a monthly maintenance fee to cover the costs of keeping the common areas clean. The good news is that due to little snow or salt damage these charges are significantly lower than they would be in Toronto for the same type of accomodation, in comparison.
There is a specific law which applies for condominiums in British Columbia. The Strata Property Act came in effect more than 7 years ago and specifies the responsibilities of developers, unit owners, elected property managers or a management company.
The Strata Property Act addresses issues that developed from building inappropriately for the wet West Coast Marine climate in the last decade of the past century. The government offered financial programs for rehabilitation and almost every building in Vancouver and Richmond has benefited from it, making everything even better than new!
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Vancouver BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
Condominiums are the most sought after properties in downtown areas of any city. Vancouver is no exception - the region is enclosed by water, mountains and it is close to the United States border. These factors have driven the land prices high enough to put the ownership of other types of living properties out of question for most people. Moreover, living downtown is very attractive due to easy transportation, the atmosphere of this city and the proximity of all the amenities.
Living in a condominium is good for those who want to focus on other things and don't want to worry about exterior repairs. It can also offer other significant advantages such as a fitness center, swimming pools and stores located inside the same building. On the other hand, you will be giving off some privacy as you only own the property inside and you will need to share the common areas, along with the respective maintenance fees.
There are two main types of condominiums in Vancouver: lofts and apartments.
Loft style apartments in Vancouver are not amongst the easiest to find. With the exception of Gastown and Yaletown there are not many warehouses and historical buildings that could be turned to lofts, although there is an emerging trend of new buildings being developed that feature high ceilings and floor plans that resemble these.
As far as apartments go, concrete condos are amongst the most popular ones in Vancouver. If we could generalise, highrise condominiums are built from this material in the downtown area. Frame construction is common in the residential areas where you can find a mix between traditional condos and single family housing. In most cases, there is a plenty of parking space underground as well.
It's very common that there's a monthly maintenance fee to cover the costs of keeping the common areas clean. The good news is that due to little snow or salt damage these charges are significantly lower than they would be in Toronto for the same type of accomodation, in comparison.
There is a specific law which applies for condominiums in British Columbia. The Strata Property Act came in effect more than 7 years ago and specifies the responsibilities of developers, unit owners, elected property managers or a management company.
The Strata Property Act addresses issues that developed from building inappropriately for the wet West Coast Marine climate in the last decade of the past century. The government offered financial programs for rehabilitation and almost every building in Vancouver and Richmond has benefited from it, making everything even better than new!
Jay Banks has been an accomplished realtor in Vancouver BC since 1991. For more information and other great articles, visit his website http://www.jaybanks.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Banks
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