I noticed a disturbing trend in Kirkland this week. 3 condo projects are doing extensive work on their siding. When ever a condo building goes through a siding replacement, it can be devastating for homeowners. The typical protocol is to use a combination of reserves and a special assessment. The latter can give a homeowner nightmares. Just this past year, I've worked with … [Read more...]
3 Tips If You Are Buying A Condo In 2012
Buying a condo is a daunting experience. At times fun, but often, frustrating, stressful and time consuming. To help you get started, I thought I would provide a few tips that will make your buying experience a successful one. NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST- One of the biggest mistakes that condo buyers make is choosing the unit before they choose the neighborhood. It is easy to get … [Read more...]
5 Tips For Buying Condos In A Down Market
In my opinion, buying a condo in a depressed market is an opportunity of a lifetime. Follow these 5 simple tips to ensure you make the best decision when buying your future condo: NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST Everyone has heard it before; Location, location, location. It is important. In fact, choosing the best neighborhood for your lifestyle now, and what it might look like in … [Read more...]
5 Steps To Leasing Your Condo
Renting your condo? Try these 5 steps to ensure you stand out when being compared to other units: Set The Right Rents Rents will vary depending on location, the building type and available inventory. The key is to "never" try to set your rents too high. You should try to rent your condo at similar rates to other condos of the same product type. A rental analysis is … [Read more...]
Is The Rental Rate Too High? Make An Offer.
Ever wonder if a landlord would reduce the rent if you made an offer? Let me answer that question for you; YES. Keep in mind that lease rates for a condo, home or townhouse are typically not set in stone. Depending on the situation, owners will often negotiate on price and will sometimes consider a free months rent or reduced deposits. Bottom line is; if you have found a … [Read more...]