Finding Your Condo, Loft or Townhome
At first glance, locating the right home for you from the seemingly endless options may seem like a monumental undertaking. In reality, identifying the right potential condos for your review is actually very manageable.
Based on your preferences and priorities, we will help you to get a sense of what’s available in different condominium buildings and locations in the Minneapolis areas – and what you can reasonably expect to get for your budget. For most people, there is a “balancing act” between what they want and what they can afford. Consequently, it’s necessary to make choices and trade offs to get the best possible home.
Put your thoughts into writing
Go ahead and fill out the home search wishlist form. Even if you think you know what you want, the act of going through this short form and rating the importance of different items will be thought provoking and help you to clarify what is really most important.
After completing your wish list, be sure to share this with your Agent for discussion and further clarification. Once you and your Agent are clear on what you’re looking for, your search process will go much smoother. It will be very helpful to know what items are absolutely necessary and which ones are less so. With the product knowledge and expertise of your Agent, you will spend more time reviewing good matches and less time looking at properties that are unacceptable.
Be sure to check out the Condo and Loft Directory section of this web site. In it, you will find detailed information on different Minneapolis condo buildings and developments, amenities and features.
Resources for finding your Minneapolis Condos
Your Agent will be your best resource in many respects. Whereas Agents use to be the source of most all real estate information, especially on active listings and history, that role has changed. Now, your Real Estate Agent can either serve as the primary source of information or more as an information provider, interpreter and consultant.
The Internet offers unlimited information. There is an endless supply of sites for everything under the sun related to real estate. Whether you are looking for information on financing or neighborhood info or web sites specifically for individual projects, you will probably find it. We have tried to build in some great features and functions on this site that will make it easier for you as opposed to searching for information on other sites.
Visit and observe – If you are thinking about living in a certain Minneapolis neighborhood or in a certain condo building, it’s a good idea to spend some time just visiting and observing, both the building and the neighborhood. Talk to tenants, visit some local shops or restaurants, observe the feel of the locals and the lifestyle. Finding an environment that is comfortable for you is an important factor for consideration.
How to shop for homes and gather information
First showing
On your first showing, you will want to observe and evaluate the big picture. For many people, there will be a strong first impression, good or bad, about whether this property will be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Some of the things to consider include:
- Is there enough room for now and in the future?
- Does the floor plan work well?
- Is the location desirable?
- Is it aesthetically pleasing?
- Are there any noise issues?
- What are the amenities and do they match up with your lifestyle?
- Will there be enough storage space?
- How much maintenance and decorating will be required?
- Will your furniture fit into the rooms?
Take notes and keep records
When looking at homes, one of the challenges is to remember the facts and details regarding the different properties. After looking at a number of properties, it’s easy to forget which property had the great balcony and which one had the decor that was so interesting. The best way to avoid this confusion is to bring a notebook – and possibly a camera. Just jot down notable observations, questions and details for later reference. Add this to the listing information and you will be able to have most of what you need for your review.
Second showing
After you have seen a number of properties, you will have some that will stand out as being viable options. After discussing the pros and cons, you may want to come back for a second visit to confirm your impressions, gather more info and clarify any questions.
The association bylaws and financial statement. A well run association that is financially strong will be important to your satisfaction in the long term.
A disclosure statement on the property. This will provide factual information about to a property, including repairs or existing problems.
Building management. Take the time to meet with property management and discuss your questions and concerns.
If the home is a great fit for you and you have done your due diligence to gather the necessary information, you may be ready to go the next step and make an offer.