When you are thinking about downsizing, or moving into your first own apartment, remember that buying Pittsburgh condominiums is a lot like purchasing single-family homes. There are slight differences in the process, which we will discuss right now.
1. Know how long you want to live in the area where you want to buy a condo. Like with a house, you will have to stay put for a few years before the closing costs, moving expenses, and other bills you paid when closing the deal have been recuperated. Maybe you want to rent the apartment first before finalizing a sale. Rental-purchase programs are very popular in Pennsylvania.
2. Study the location of the various Pittsburgh condominiums. Are they near a bus route and not too far from downtown? How far are you from major highways, the airport and the closest shopping mall? How long is the commute to work or school? These are all important aspects that you will have to take into account. You will be dealing with them regularly. Just ask all those commuters spending an hour each way going back and forth to work every day how they feel at the end of the week.
3. The fees of the Pittsburgh condominiums you are considering should reflect services such as:
- Two standard parking spaces
- A secure entrance with intercom
- Exterior building and grounds maintenance
- Snow removal
- Painting, cleaning and maintenance of common interior spaces
- Stainless steel appliances
- Modern Kohler fixtures
- European-style cabinetry
- Quality AC system
- Convenient laundry hook-up
- Rooms with high ceilings and oversized windows
- Hardwood flooring
- CAT-5 wiring for computer networking
- TV cables throughout the apartment
4. Inspect the building and ask the guide as many questions as you deem necessary to make an informed decisions. Inquire about the wall insulation as it can be very annoying when you constantly hear the neighbors, or traffic noises. Ask for pamphlets, brochures and other written advertisements. You can read through the material at home when you are not distracted. Make sure that you also have a price list and pictures of the building, parking lot and the surrounding grounds.
5. Compare the prices owners of Pittsburgh condominiums are asking. Do not only check the cost of a purchase, but all of the amenities and services that are included in the sale. Add the monthly condo fees. Is financing provided for qualifying buyers? All of the monthly charges should fit nicely into your budget, now and in the future.