Where do I begin looking for a condo?

  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 builders mistakes. Do yourself a favor, call me.  I&#

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.  The ease of coming and going, being able to access your c

  Location~Location~Location...the view you purchase is one of the MOST important factors when making a condo purchase.   The view out your windows is very important because it can either relax you or stress you out.  I want you to have a view that makes you feel good inside.   Some people want to face the front overlooking the parking lot.  It makes them feel like they're a part of something, it gives them something to do. They like the activity of people in the community coming and going.  It helps them not feel so lonely, which i understand. Now me on the other hand, I want a nice sunny unit, facing southeast or southwest. Preferably on the back of the building where it's more private.  Looking out on a the water or a nice landscaped garden, plot of green grass or view of tall mature trees where there's some wildlife to see periodically, wouldn't that be perfect ?   Guess who knows where each of these views can be found?  I sure do.  I know all the various views from

In the majority of the condominium neighborhoods your water, sewer, trash, elevator maintenance, cleaning interior hallways, heating/cooling of interior hallways, exterior building maintenance, landscaping, grass mowing, snow removal, reserve funds, management fees & a master insurance policy are all covered by the monthly condo fee.   There are many expenses that go into keeping a condo building in working condition.  Everyone in the complex pay for the maintenance items listed above, if it's not properly maintained on a daily basis then an assessement can be issued to keep the property from going into neglect therefore causing more problems. Some think the condo fee is a waste of money, some don't pay attention to where the money is being spent.  It's all accounted for one way or another.  Is some of the money wasted?  It can be, depends on your board of governors and who's running the show/voting on various items to fix or fluff items in the complex.  Anyone can

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? storage?  Do you want any amenities?  Like a swimming pool, fitness/exercise area, walking trails etc. 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? What floor would you like to be on? Every floor has positives and negatives.  I can tell you every good and bad trait for each floor, but not in this blog. The biggest question of them all...What is my budget?  What can i afford?  Bottom line, the bigger the condo the bigger the price.   After i meet you and talk with you for 5 mins, i can tell immediately which condo neighborhood you'll fit into perfectly.