Where do I begin looking for a condo?

Most condominium communities in Harford County include a wide range of services and expenses within the monthly condo fee. In many neighborhoods, these fees typically cover water, sewer, trash removal, elevator maintenance, cleaning of interior hallways, heating and cooling of common areas, exterior building maintenance, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, reserve funds, professional management fees, and a master insurance policy. There are many costs involved in keeping a condominium building operating smoothly and properly maintained. Every owner in the community contributes through the monthly fee to help cover these shared expenses. When routine maintenance is delayed or reserve funds are insufficient, the association may need to issue a special assessment to prevent the property from falling into disrepair and creating larger, more expensive problems down the road. Some people view condo fees as an unnecessary expense, while others may not fully understand where the money goes....

It's not an easy task.  You need to ask yourself, how much furniture you truly need to bring with you?  Remember, this is the time to start downsizing, purging, eliminating etc.   What kind of sq footage do you have now?  How many bedroom sets do you need?   Do you want to climb steps or do you need/want an elevator?  Do you need a garage like Macphail Woods offers? https://youtu.be/Jh7xkMoAmlE?si=ZwWaX3_epAmRj9Kd storage?  Do you want any amenities?  Like a swimming pool, fitness/exercise area, walking trails etc. Green Haven in Bel Air offers all these amenities.  https://youtu.be/qD5w7RlQEY0?si=wDS0aEQ4AndDtsnD What kind of view do you want to have?  Would it bother you to look out onto a parking lot or would you prefer a wooded view/water view? Water's Edge in Belcamp MD offers gorgeous water views.  https://youtu.be/-dweGfVRFEs?si=1m_Bqru7WPq1ojgy What floor would you like to be on? Every floor has positives and nega...

  I was born with real estate in my blood.   My grandfather built homes and kept many of them for rental income.   As a young boy, I learned from my grandparents what makes a good/bad investment.   Over my 30 years in real estate I’ve learned to invest in my own rental properties.   The favorite part of my job is “helping people”.   I especially enjoy helping seniors.   I have a lot of patience when it comes to my older clients.   I like to see them achieve their goals and aspirations no matter what they are.   They have a great deal of trust in me.   They count on me to assist them in making the right decisions for them.   I’m very appreciative to all my past clients for trusting me with the biggest investment in their life “Real Estate”.   Please continue to call on me for all your real estate needs.   It’s what I love doing!

  This is a good question to ask.  It's doubtful your realtor will know(unless it's me helping you) anything about the buildings.  Stop and talk to the neighors who live there.   Ask them what repairs have been completed on the buildings?   Have there been any major leaks? Structural problems? How old are the roofs? Do their windows leak? When was the last assessment and what was it for? Has the pool had any major repairs or updates? These questions could potentially keep you from getting into a bad situation.  I try and stay abreast of any issues that cost people money. An assessment could go on for years.  One condo neighborhood assessed its owners 1 million dollars over 5 years.  It ended up being 1 thousand dollars a year per own for 5 years.  It was because the builder 20 years earlier didn't constuct the buildings the proper way.  A lot of corners were cut...years later, it fell on the current owners to pay for the builde...

My 51st transaction in Green Haven since its inception.  I must be doing something right!

  Every floor has advantages and disadvantages.  The floor you end up choosing will come down to personal preference.  As I go through and describe some of the positive benefits and disadvantages-negatives of each floor, bear in mind I'm writing about 1-4 story condo/apartment style condo buildings in Harford & Northern Baltimore County.  1st flr -Most first floors offer level walk-in entry.  Easy access to unit, no waiting for an elevator.  Great for walking pet, carrying in groceries, carrying out trash etc.  When remodeling, it's a breeze for contractors to get in and out easily. Negative could be car head lights shining in windows during evening hours.  Many A/C units are located on ground outside windows.  The biggest negative I hear is  from single women, they are concerned with security/break-ins.    I like the first floor because when you have company visit they can spread out on the patio and into the yard.  T...