Guide to Condo Living

More Advantages of Owning a Condominium

editor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:39:31 +0000

One of the leading reasons why owning a condo attracts many people is because of the fact that it does not include individual land ownership. It is basically full ownership of the unit without the sole responsibility of owning the land. Also, the combined ownership makes facilities existent and free for all and such are the pool halls, gyms, club houses, and the like. Some condominiums also take the liberty of housing small business establishments such as a mini grocery, a bookstore, and eateries so as to give even more convenience so that the tenants wouldnâ€™t have to leave the very building.

The Advantage of Condo Living

Patrick — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:51 +0000

Nowadays, condominiums are rising everywhere. This is so because condo living is a great choice for people who are attracted to the idea of owning a property at a fairly inexpensive price and yet, well-situated in the city. Apart from being in a good location, condominiums have many facilities which unit owners can maximize. Another advantage is that tenants only maintain their own units and the care for the garden, hallways, and the lobby is assigned to a housekeeping staff.

Searching for the right one

Patrick — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:00:46 +0000

Consider your budget. Maintenance fees and other personal needs will be really heavy on the pocket if you stay in a condo.
Check the services and amenities. You should know what you’re paying for.
Always check for safety. Get to know the emergency exits and other safety precautions taken by the condominium.
Check on security. Familiarize yourself with the area where the condo is. Most likely, the more diverse the community is, the higher the price for security measures.
Look up the history of the place. It’s a good way to see if they have improved services.

Making Life Better for Everyone Else

Robert — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:20:23 +0000

You have great neighbors, a secure building, and an OK roommate. We’ve been tackling external issues, now let’s deal with you. Here are a couple of things you should do to make the lives of the people living around you better.

If you have children, please don’t let them run loose on common areas such as the lobby or the corridors. Gently remind them that that they can raise all the heck they want to once they’re all in the unit. Until then, they should be behaved.

Follow rules and regulations. If the laundry room rules say that you can only use one machine for a specific amount of time, please do follow it. The last thing other people in the building needs is someone who’s taken up all the washing machines for the last 2 hours.

We’ll be taking other ways to make life better for others in the next post.

Condo Consultants

Robert — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:27:27 +0000

Should you get a “Condominium Consultant”? If you can afford it, yes. A Condo Consultant is extremely familiar with management and management styles of condo projects in your area. They have working knowledge on condo documents, and experience in haggling with Developers, Realtors, Buyers and Sellers of condo units.
Buying a condo is more complex than it seems because not only are you buying a unit, you’re also buying an interest in real estate. This is where the Condo Consultants come in and make it all organized for you. The problem is, since there are very few of them around, they cost a lot. Usually, their pay start at around $350. Don’t worry, it’s better to spend early than regret buying the unit in the end.

Condos and Pets

Robert — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:40:08 +0000

People with pets sometimes would rent a sub-standard apartment or condo just to make sure that their beloved are with them. There was a time that pets were an absolute no-no in all condos, but times have changed. Most villa and townhouse condos allow pets more than the high-rise ones.

Most now allow small pets, with strong and strict rules. Here are some examples of rules regarding pets:

Pets are limited to 10 kgs., each
A maximum of two pets are allowed
Pets should be hand-leashed when in the common area
Pets needs to be hand-carried through the lobby, halls, and elevators

Condominium Dues

Avatar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:18:47 +0000

Dues in their many forms in shapes in a condo ownership may seem steep but considering the amount you’d have to pay for tearing down the old chimneys may sound reasonable. Besides, the convenience and additional amenities you may get when you purchased the unit does need upkeep and so does the grounds in and around the condo facility. The tennis courts, swimming pools, landscaping and other up-keep needs are shared among all unit owners and other issues such as complaints are also handled in the same manner. Meetings of unit owners and information leaflets keep residents informed of the goes in the building as well as reports regarding safety and coordination with law enforcement. In meetings, be sure to question all your doubts for there is a need to do so. Some condos let facilities such as function rooms out for rent to friends and affiliates of owners and the money they get from these rentals also get into the up-keep of the building. There is also a security issue with it being a necessity for most areas. Don’t be scared of dues for they are for your benefit as well as for the whole condo community.

Parties in Condos

Avatar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:20:10 +0000

There is nothing stopping you from holding them in condo units as long as they are not too noisy or too intrusive of the other tenants. There are a lot of incidents of such problems for noise is one of the most disruptive things that can wake even the deepest sleeper. Review your building guidelines regarding these matters and some buildings require a notification of other tenants of such events so they do not get alarmed by the presence of other people. Occupants get so attached, they almost get to know each and every unit owner by look so any unknown or questionable people are reported to security. Also, inform your guests of any parking issues for you wouldn’t want to have your party interrupted by security buzzing you telling you one of your guests has parked in another tenant’s space. Ask management regarding options so you could inform your guests beforehand and so you can avoid problems yourself.

Using LED Lights to Change the looks of your condo

Patrick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:40:58 +0000

Ever consider changing the looks of your condo through lighting but never got around to it? Well the influx of LED lighting technologies allows some very unique and creative ways of lighting condos bathing it in color for both function and form. Most condos need excessive lighting due to the darkened areas well away form the windows that normally sits onto one side of the unit. Flexible LED strips allows you to place lighting in areas where you wouldn’t have considered doing so in the past, redefining the meaning of ambiance as you change the mood with varying colors and light intensity that wasn’t possible with past lighting technologies.

To Grill or Not to Grill

Patrick — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:30:40 +0000

Most probably not, for condos is the enemy of the barbecue which just happens to be one of the most loved outdoor activities in the US. Most condo’s have a specified area where one can grill away such as in the member areas of the pool-side where you can swim and have a picnic with the family if they’d allow it. Some do allow some grilling from the patio but only with electric grilles due to the fire hazards involved with good old charcoal grilles. Most however totally prohibit such activities fearing complaints form smoke and other issues that may arise so just hop on down and get to the nearest barbecue joint, you won’t get any complaints there.