Condo as the right home for you

editor | Condo 101 Tips | Friday, 10 December 2010

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You are now sure that a condo unit is what you want to buy. You just need to find a unit that will suit your budget and lifestyle.

You must already have an idea on what kind of condo unit you want.

Determine your budget and size for the condo? Do you want just a studio? 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom with a loft?

Keep that in mind when budgeting your monthly salary that there are additional expenses attached to condo living like association dues.

Choose a location that is accessible for you. It can be in the heart of the city and near commercial establishments. Also, check out the neighborhood. Do they have tight security?

What kind of neighbors will you be having? Do they allow pets?

Having all these in mind then, you can be sure that a Condo unit is the right home for you.

The Top 10 Organizers of Apartment Space (Part 2 of 2)

Rene | Condo 101 Tips,Space Saving Tips | Wednesday, 10 November 2010

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the continuation of The Top 10 Organizers of Apartment Space (Part 1 of 2)

6. Stackable Plastic Drawers – look for drawers that can be customized. If you would only have space for a couple of drawers per room or corner, you wouldn’t have to worry of where to place that huge chest of drawers. Plastic drawers are cheap and can be stacked according to the kind of space that can accommodate it.
7. Hooks – hooks are very helpful especially when placed in the strategic places of your house. Use hooks for your coats, hats, umbrellas and bags. You can also use hooks for your keys, mobile phone, and ID card.
8. Shoe organizer – shoe racks are bulky and won’t even hold all of your countless pairs, while cabinets don’t have proper ventilation and would be more useful holding other stuff. Opt for the hanging shoe organizer, one that can go over your door or wall.
9. TV Shelf – the television is an essential home appliance and even houses with the smallest spaces give room for one. use the opportunity to buy a shelved TV rack, one that can hold not only your TV but as well a books, DVDs, magazines and the like.
10. Bed frame with drawers – this works like that of under-the-bed storage and it won’t collect too much dust.

The Top 10 Organizers of Apartment Space (Part 1 of 2)

Rene | Condo 101 Tips | Sunday, 10 October 2010

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1.      Wall shelves – great for maximizing vertical space. Use your wall space from the floor to the ceiling.
2.      Door storage – there is a variety to choose from: whether shelves or racks, don’t hesitate to hook space savers at the back of your doors.
3.      Trunks – Trunks are big and they’re spacious inside: perfect for storing linen or old books and toys. You don’t have to worry about the space it occupies for it can double as a coffee table or as a mini bench.
4.      Ottomans – are very much like trunks, only the other way around. They’re initially made for seating or as foot rests but they do have space inside that can hold stuff as well.
5.     Under-the-Bed storage – go for the clear plastic ones that are especially made to be put beneath the bed. Store bed sheets, seasonal clothing and apparel and even tools that you don’t use often.


Tips to Consider before purchasing a Condo Unit

Rene | Condo 101 News,Condo 101 Tips | Friday, 10 September 2010

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Before You Buy A Condo : Think!

Storage Space: a very precious and important thing to consider when it comes to condo living. Condo Living comes hand in hand with living “Light” so you may have to throw away unneccessary things to conserve space.

Noise: Noise Control, with lots of people cramped up in one building complex, The Building Complex has a set of rules to abide by. You may have to think twice before cranking up that radio and listen to your favorite tune.

Parking Space: For every Condo Unit purchase make sure that you have a parking space that is assigned to you, even better if you chose a parking space which near the elevator or door and or close to your unit.

Pets: Think twice, because some Condos don’t allow pets, much more the exotic ones. Ask the Building Management for pets which are allowed in the building complex.

Advantages of Buying a Condo

editor | Condo 101 Tips | Tuesday, 10 August 2010

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Buying a home is a major decision. What home to buy is a much bigger decision.

First time buyers often tend to look at condo units first, possibly because it is much cheaper than houses. Condo units are more affordable.

You do not need to bother maintenance on condos as there are association fees paid monthly.

Usually condos are located near commercial establishments.

Most condo units have amenities like swimming pools or tennis courts.

A condo is a good buy for busy people as they do not have bother about house maintenance.

Overall, you have to think carefully on what home you want to buy. Visualize yourself living in that place for a couple of years and choose a home that will suit your lifestyle and way of living.

The Advantage of Condo Living

Rene | Condo 101 News,Condo 101 Tips | Saturday, 10 July 2010

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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.

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 wouldn’t have to leave the very building.

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.

Keeping the harmony in your neighborhood

editor | Condo 101 Tips | Thursday, 10 June 2010

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It is important to be in harmony with your neighbors as they are the nearest people you can go to if there might be troubles. So, to keep that peace in your place, please take note of the following:

Throw all your garbage appropriately. That’s what garbage bins are for.

Minimize the noise especially when you are having a party. There are also other people in the building. Be considerate.

Take only your own mails. If they are not for you, please just leave them in the mail room.

Do not leave your children running down the hallway. It will annoy your neighbors.

Learn to understand that there are people living beside and under you. The sound of your heels on the flooring might bother them. Also, moving furniture’s or vacuuming the condo can be done during the day and not at dawn or at wee hours of the night.

Parking Issues

Rene | Condo 101 Tips | Tuesday, 25 May 2010

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Buying a parking space is usually an extra expense at condominiums. Also, there are certain conditions which contribute to the price of the parking spot.

  1. The number of people staying in the area versus the available space for parking. This usually brings the price higher.
  2. The parking area itself. The spacing and the number of cars the parking lot can accommodate greatly affects the pricing for a parking slot.
  3. Security. The kind of security they have definitely contributes to the pricing. After all, you trust them to make sure that it stays where it is.

How to Buy a Condo

Rene | Condo 101 News,Condo 101 Tips | Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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1.    Ponder on the thoughts when preparing to buy a condo. Is it the right move? Will it fit my budget? Will it fit my Lifestyle?

2.    Check the advantages and disadvantages of an urban lifestyle. Check out various Condos and note their strengths and weaknesses and also take note of the price range.

3.    Get prequalified for a mortgage.

4.    Inspect the building complex of your desired condo location. See my article on how to inspect for a condo unit.

5.    Make an offer and close on the deal.

The Advantages of Condominiums

Rene | Condo 101 Tips | Thursday, 18 March 2010

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Condominiums cost much because of the advantage they have. Such as:

  1. They’re easy to maintain. You buy the space, you personalize it, and maintaining is something you don’t have to worry about.
  1. You could live very close to your work/ study area. Condo’s usually situate themselves strategically near business centers and schools. This is very convenient on those late evenings – going home is no longer a problem.
  1. Amenities. Not everyone can buy a house with a pool, nor an apartment at that. A condo provides you with the place to sleep in, and the amenities for your leisure time.