Avoid these 10 mistakes when buying a condo

You’ve been thinking about settling down and buying a condo for a while now, and you finally think you’re ready. It’s time to tour some digs!

But hold up — you need a game plan. Condo hunting is about more than popping into a few open houses and picking the one you like best. In fact, there’s a science to it: A smart search means you’ll save time, money, and your sanity during the rest of your condo-buying process.

So before you hit the trail, make sure you’re aware of some classic mistakes to avoid. We promise — it’ll mean happy hunting from here on out.

 

1. Not arming yourself with a mortgage pre-approval

Nothing screams “I’m not really serious” like going to look at condos without being pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s because a seller is unlikely to entertain an offer without a pre-approval. And in certain areas, that means you can kiss your chance at a promising property goodbye — there are plenty of other buyers with pre-approvals in hand.

In addition to improving your odds of making a winning offer, a pre-approval also lets you know exactly how much mortgage you qualify for, so that you won’t waste time looking at properties you can’t afford.

 

2. Condo hunting without a REALTOR®

In this very tight market, the best way to find a house is to have a jump on the competition.

A REALTOR® will be the first to know when new listings come up in the area where you’re looking. A buyer’s agent can also help you avoid costly negotiating mistakes when it comes time to make an offer.

 

3. Not knowing what you want

It’s important to make a wish list before you start shopping, because looking at extremely different types of properties will slow down the process.

“I had a client who was interested in one-of-a-kind loft spaces as well as typical cookie-cutter vintage condos, and because they were so different, he wasn’t able to sort out his priorities and make a decision,” one agent recalls.

It’s fine to consider many types of properties at first to get a sense of your options, but try to narrow them down before you fill your weekends with home tours.

 

4. Waiting too long to see a condo

In this tight market, if your REALTOR® calls you about a new listing, do whatever you can to see it right away.

Waiting even a day can make the difference between getting the condo or not.

 

5. Inviting outspoken (and uneducated) advisers

Is Mom going to live in the house? What about your best friend? Yeah, didn’t think so. So, even though it can be wise to get an unbiased second opinion, beware the desire to get too many opinions.

Often these folks are offering observations based on their own living situation. In other words, they think a huge bathroom is heaven, but you’re the one who has to clean it!

 

6. Speeding through a showing

To get a real sense of a condo, you must explore it in detail, and a showing is the ideal time.

That includes opening closets and pantry cabinets to ensure you have checked out every nook and cranny.

Even though you’ll eventually have an inspection, use the showing to note red flags: Look beyond the fancy sheers hanging on the windows to make sure the windows themselves are hanging straight; flip light switches to check their upkeep; and inspect the floors and ceilings to make sure they’re up to par.

 

7. Becoming distracted by sparkly new features

Does the condo look amazing at first glance? Sometimes you have to look a little closer. Investor flips frequently look perfect, but the devil is in the details — and sometimes the details leave a lot to be desired.

A condo flip can be a great buy because everything is new, but only if you choose a condo where the renovation was done well.

As you’re condo hunting, look carefully for signs that indicate a rush job (e.g., gaps between new flooring and the walls; paint spatters on light switches, outlets, and windows). He also says to note the brands and materials used.

The appliances, faucets, lights, and other fixtures often look great just because they are new, but sometimes they are lower-quality options that won’t stand the test of time.

 

8. Expecting perfection

If you’re hoping to find the perfect condo in the perfect neighbourhood with the laundry room you want and the best schools, at a price you can afford, you can dream on.

Two out of three isn’t bad when referring to your priority list. It’s rare to get everything you want in any area of life, and home shopping is no different.

Focus on what’s most important to you.

 

9. Falling in love with the decor — not the home

So, you’re dazzled as soon as you walk in the door. But is it the condo that’s winning you over? Or the decor? It’s a home stager’s job to make you swoon, and unless you can tap the stager directly for tips, you’re probably not going to be able to replicate the look once you move in.

Make sure you are envisioning yourself in the condo and falling in love with the condo itself, not the way it’s staged. Look past the decor to the layout.

 

10. Ignoring the neighbourhood

When you tour a condo, make sure you save some time to tour the neighbourhood as well. Are the neighbour kids playing Metallica covers in the garage? Do cars speed down the street where your kids will play? The last thing you want is to be in a beautiful condo in a nightmare neighbourhood.

Once you’ve checked for any red flags, take some time to get the overall vibe of the community and make sure it’s right for you. Notice whether the neighbourhood is quiet or bustling; whether it attracts families or singles; and whether neighbours congregate on their porches or keep to themselves. Also, check for local shops, restaurants, or parks if amenities are important to you, as well as access to freeways and public transportation.

By using these simple tips, you’ll guarantee happiness in your new condo for years to come.

— Realtor.com