Is a Condo Right for You?

From the Desk of Cory Spielberg:

cory.spielberg@upperendproperties.com

If you have ever lived in a condo or apartment (also known as a multi-family building) you have experienced the ever-prominent noise problem.

If well built, and most of the higher end condos are these days, there shouldn’t be any issues with noise.  However, in newer buildings it is often the case that many of the units are still being finished. Unfortunately, even with the best sound-proofing available, construction noise is unavoidable.

Check out this story about Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Poor DJ, couldn’t sleep because of the noise, so he now leases a $15k a month condo during the season!!!  Unlike Derek, most of us can’t afford to do this, so before agreeing to lease or purchase a condo, ensure that construction noise will only occur during the day.

I have lived in four different condo developments in Saint Louis and feel I can give a pretty good list of pros and cons of condo living:

Pros:

- Maintenance-free living

- Safety in numbers

- Doorman

- Valet parking is a nice perk, where available

- Ease of daily routine

- Lower upkeep because building capital improvements are shared

Cons:

- Neighbors can be nosey

- Resale can be difficult

- Noise in certain buildings

- Assessments are sometimes outrageous

- Condo fees