Condos & Townhouses in Kalamazoo
Questions to consider when buying a condominium
Greenleaf Realty is the Kalamazoo area’s Condominium Experts; servicing all associations and ready to help you in your evaluation. Buying a condominium requires more information than when buying the typical detached single family home. If you are considering purchasing a condominium for the first time, you may find the following questions helpful:
- How many units are in this community and are there plans for additional units in the future? If additional units are planned, it may be difficult for you to sell your condominium if you must compete with new units that may offer special financing packages or other incentives provided by the developer.
- What is the density of this community? You will want to know how many units are built per acre. High density can cause parking problems or a lack of privacy caused by too many people living in a small area.
- What percentage of units have been sold by the developer? You want to know if it appears that this community will be successfully sold out. Some developers have resorted to renting unsold units if they can’t find buyers. A significant percentage of renters could adversely affect your investment.
- How well have the common walls be soundproofed? Your ability to enjoy the quiet comfort of your condominium will depend upon the quality of soundproofing of walls and perhaps floors and ceilings. Ask for an explanation of the method used by this developer.
- Who are the people managing this community? A community may be managed by the developer, an association of owners who hire various trades, or a professional condominium management firm. It may not be a bad idea to ask existing owners about the quality of the management team in place.
ADVICE: The above questions are just a few of the important factors to consider when buying a condominium. Because of the uniqueness of each condominium community, it is advisable to buy through a Realtor who can help you get the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Thomas Ervin is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist.
Condominium Buyers
- Kalamazoo Condominium Map
- Area Condominium Association Database (30+ developments)
- Condo Buying and Selling Seminars
- Explanations of specific property restrictions and maintenance responsibilities
- House vs. Condo buying-decision comparisons
Greenleaf Realty is the Kalamazoo area’s Condominium Experts; servicing all associations and ready to help you in your evaluation.
Condominium Sellers
- Kalamazoo Condominium Map
- Area Condominium Association Database (30+ developments)
- Condo Buying and Selling Seminars
- Explanations of specific property restrictions and maintenance responsibilities
- House vs. Condo buying-decision comparisons
Greenleaf Realty is the Kalamazoo area’s Condominium Experts; servicing all associations and ready to help you in your evaluation.