Before you start

1 Hire a Real Estate Agent they will help you with the buying process and best of all it costs you nothing, since the seller pays the commission.

2 Make sure you have a good lawyer or get your real estate agent to refer you one.

3 Seek financial qualification or a pre-approval, to determine how much mortgage you can afford.

4 Crunch the numbers with your financial backer; you’ll need extra money for closing costs, moving, land transfer tax and lawyers’ fees most estimates say about 1.5% of purchase price is a good estimate..

On the hunt

5 Be prepared to see a variety of styles: low-rise, high-rise, townhouse with or without amenities such as doormen or gym facilities.

6 Purchase the largest suite you can afford. Studios and one-bedrooms are more difficult to re-sell. Squre footage is what a potenial buyer will always want more of.

7 Visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day and evening. Does it suit you after the street lights come on?

8 Choose a handsome view. Not only will it make day-to-day life more appealing, but it helps with resale later.

9 Bear in mind that a southern exposure, although bright and sunny, may also be hot in the summer.

10 Avoid a layout that looks out over the garbage pick-up area or other unpleasent views.

11 Avoid a suite that overlooks the garage entrance and the coming and going of vehicle traffic.

12 Avoid a suite beside or across from the elevator.

13 A parking space is highly recommended. Even if you don’t drive, you can always rent it out.

14 A locker is also highly recommended. There is rarely if ever enough storage space in a condo.

Home suite home

15 Find out about visitor parking. How many spaces are available and from what times?

16 With a resale condo, examine the appliances and wear and tear on the suite closely if not satisfied hire a inspector.

17 Note the condition – and aroma – of the lobby and common areas such as hallways and stairwells.

18 Find out who the occupants of the building are: mostly owners or tenants? Owners are preferable.

19 Find out the monthly condo maintenance fees and what exactly they include (and don’t include).

20 What are the property taxes? Are they included in the maintenance fees?

21 Chat with other owners and ask about their experience in the building.

Make me an offer
22 Visit the suite at least twice, if you can, before making your offer.

23 Know what comparable suites in the building and in the area have sold for.

24 As for offer price, listen to and discuss with your agent.

25 When you are ready to make an offer, make it conditional on your lawyer reviewing the Condominium Documents and Status Certificate.

Now that you own your Condo here are some decorating ideas to implement before you move in;

The differences between your condo and a house is a condo generally has less square feet. So when decorating your condo try to think about how you can make the space appear larger. Lot\’s of condos have one large room rather than having two separate rooms for living, and family . The room tends to be small, even though they call it “large” . Try installing mirrors on the walls to make the room appear bigger. If you are able to hang a mirror opposite to a window, the mirror then will reflect the window and bring extra light into the room, resulting in a bigger, brighter feel. Hanging mirror over your fireplace can add the same effect as well. In smaller rooms limit your window coverings to light and sheer curtains or just hang blinds that can be raised to bring in the light. Paint your walls in a light, neutral shade and leave the ceiling white or a shade lighter to help make the room feel more open.

Adding Furniture:

Shop wisely when buying furniture for your condo. Look for smaller pieces so that the furniture wont take over the entire room. Glass tops on tables makes the room look larger. Shop for smart furniture that can be used for many functions. Ottomans or tables with drawers in them help to add hidden storage. You could hide your t.v. in an armoire to add a more formal look to your living room, which could also function as your dining room when entertaining.

Make it Yours:

Decorate in your own personal style to make your condo unique from all the rest. Try ceiling moldings, or wainscoting on your walls. You can put wainscoting a one third of the way up the wall, then to top it off add chair rails then paint just above that area. Handy with wood? Or know somebody who could help you build a built-in book shelve to create even more space and functionality.

Author Bio: Regina Condos, Regina Houses, Regina Beach Cabins, Cottages, All Regina Realty

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: Regina Condo, How to buy a Condominum