When you look for a condo in the Jersey City/Hoboken area, just what do you expect? Are you going to stay there a long time, or will you be reselling within a few years? Will you be entertaining a lot or living quietly? The type of condo you buy will depend on the answers to these and other questions.
Let’s consider what you should look for if you think you may be reselling in the not-too-distant future. When you go into the common areas of the building, what’s your perception? Is it clean and tidy? Some things can only be assessed by their absence, such as odors, litter, dust, and cobwebs. A wonderful home in a tacky building could be called an oxymoron.
Check on the availability of parking. See if there are ample spaces available. Even if you don’t own a vehicle, parking can be important for resale purposes. You can always rent your spot to someone else if you don’t plan to use it.
Is the place you are considering convenient to things like parks, grocery stores and other shopping facilities? Is there a gym on the premises or nearby? Of course, in Hoboken, almost everything is within walking distance, but in some of the larger cities, this can be a factor for selling a condo.
How much space should you expect? Even in a luxury condo complex such as Harborside Lofts in Hoboken, the sizes range from 700 to 2,700 square feet. It’s easier to resell units of at least 1,000 square feet. If you want a smaller unit, see if there are storage lockers available on the premises.
When you examine a condo that isn’t brand new, check carefully the condition of the place. See if the appliances are outdated or faulty. Look at the floors, carpets, and plumbing fixtures for signs of excessive wear. Perhaps new appliances (or carpets, flooring, etc.) can be negotiated into the price of the condo, or the price can be lowered if you think you’ll need to replace anything.
What are you looking for in a condo?
Edward