This condo may be it

Luvsmyfam · ‎11-26-2019

OK Q buddies,tell me what you think.I found a condo and going to see it soon.It is in my price range,location is good,hoa not to bad.Im down right scared to let loose of a 50,00 down payment.Ive been in my townhome for 12 yrs It has steps which can be a pain sometime.(not to mention a puke of a scumlord)In the winter,I have a horrible hill getting out of my driveway.Scumlord only allows a plow to clear drive when there is 4 in or more.Looking at the pictures,it is DARLING.Even a gas stove,and laundry in the unit.Im used to a 2 br 2 bath.This has e br and 1 bath.Also a 1 car garage.Another concern of mine,is my grandson lives with me now so he can go to college(I live across the street)This would end,bc it is clear across town.

Terrywu · ‎05-09-2010

Good luck with whatever you choose. Give it some serious thought.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

As I understand it you have to decide if having your grandson living you is more important than moving. Tough decision. Will it be hard for him to attend the college if you move or just an inconvenience for him? Maybe keep looking and something will turn up in your area. In any event go see it. In person it might not be so attractive. Good Luck

FancyPhillyshopper · ‎05-02-2017

I do not know where you live, or what you consider reasonable in price.

However, based on your comments, it seems you are somewhat unhappy with your current living situation. I suppose you must like something about it since you lived there for twelve years. Think about the positives, and then compare those with your potential move.

I am guessing you must rent your townhome rather than have it as a purchase--will that be the same for the condo? If you own, how complicated will the purchase/sale be, and do both units have good resale value?

I would recommend that you not make a decision based on a grandson temporily living with you.

You need to weigh the pros and cons--

Will you be fine with a smaller living situation?

Is the price affordable?

Will the price be stable for a few years?

Is the location convenient for you, and is the neighborhood safe?

Have you talked to any current residents about whether they are pleased with their condo organization?

As a child I lived at the bottom of a hill, so I made sure that I would never be in that situation as an adult.

As a home owner, I am responsible for all my own shoveling, house repairs, taxes, utilities, etc., etc. I would want to know everything included in the condo fee!

Remember to put yourself first, it is okay to be picky, get an inspection, and ask a lot of questions! Photos are nice, but the reality is what matters.

Best wishes!

PickyPicky3 · ‎10-22-2018

When you purchase a condo, you need to learn about the physical condition of the individual unit and the financial condition of the association. Some associations are managing on a shoestring. Others have plenty of money in the bank. Sometimes the board won't give you this information. You need to know.

Don't use the realtor that has listed the unit. Get your own. You need to be shown recent comp sale prices.

I doubt you will ever find supplied plowing service that plows under 4". The cost would be prohibitive.

You need to visit the condo neighborhood on weekdays and weekends and day and night. There can be big differences.

Your grandson will be done with college in the blink of an eye. This decision is 100% about your needs and desires.

Good luck!

Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

@Luvsmyfam wrote:
OK Q buddies,tell me what you think.I found a condo and going to see it soon.It is in my price range,location is good,hoa not to bad.Im down right scared to let loose of a 50,00 down payment.Ive been in my townhome for 12 yrs It has steps which can be a pain sometime.(not to mention a puke of a scumlord)In the winter,I have a horrible hill getting out of my driveway.Scumlord only allows a plow to clear drive when there is 4 in or more.Looking at the pictures,it is DARLING.Even a gas stove,and laundry in the unit.Im used to a 2 br 2 bath.This has e br and 1 bath.Also a 1 car garage.Another concern of mine,is my grandson lives with me now so he can go to college(I live across the street)This would end,bc it is clear across town.

@Luvsmyfam @Why not just keep looking? something could come up.

You can also see another real estate agent that might find you something. Buyers are not obligated to stick with just one agent.

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

It sounds promising! Will you be renting or buying? Will your grandson be able to find other accommodations?

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Agree with others that you need to SEE the condo. Trust me, there can be a big difference between the pix and reality!

Also agree that your decision should not be based on your grandson's needs. He will be out of college soon enough. Put your needs and priorities first.

Good luck!

Luvsmyfam · ‎11-26-2019

@ValuSkr I would be buying

CJC · ‎03-11-2010

We are living in a free standing condo. This is our 6th HOA neighborhood. There are many things to consider because you will gain some things and lose some things. Above all, have your real estate agent show you proof that the HOA is fully funded. With inflation, many are not. Fully funded means there is enough money in the reserves to cover the big ticket items like new roof, replacement sprinkler system (here in South), exterior painting, road repaving if it's on a non-county road, street lighting, landscaping (will your shrubs and trees be trimmed or just a fast grass cut). If not fully funded and condo is older than 15 years these costly repairs can be a huge assessment to the condo residents. Check out your neighbors and ask how many units are rentals because high percentage of rentals decreases value. Are there mostly older people living there or young families with kids? Is it convenient to the places you will need to get to as you age? Check crime in area. Family nearby to help you out? Good luck!