Condos come in all different shapes and sizes, and they are located in practically every city in America. It can be difficult to understand how to buy a condo, and how to choose where to live. Fortunately, you can get started by following these tips below to help you choose where to buy your next condo.
Look at Affordability
It’s important to find condos that are in your budget and that won’t control your entire budget. A good rule to follow is the 28% rule, which states that only around 28% of your income should go toward your mortgage. This 28% should also include HOA fees for your condo.
Fortunately, there are many major cities that have fun activites and that are incredibly affordable, allowing you to meet the 28% requirement. Recently, St. Louis, MO was listed as the fourth-most affordable city in America, so looking for condos for sale St Louis has to offer can be a great place to start.
This is just one example of an affordable city. If you live in another major city, consider looking at the prices of different neighborhoods in your area, which can vary significantly from one area to the next.
Consider the Nearby Entertainment
It’s important to consider the entertainment around your area. Realistically, you will want to find an area that has nearby cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightlife to help you relax while at home. Living nearby fun areas also help encourage you to invest money into your city, instead of commuting or traveling to another area for fun.
Some of the funnest cities in the United States include St. Louis, Missouri, San Diego, California, and Houston, Texas just to name a few. If you’re not a person that enjoys the nightlife or club scene, it’s still a good idea to find a condo in an area that has the entertainment and amenities you like.
For instance, if you love to go hiking and go for runs, consider buying a condo in an area with lots of trails around, or with an indoor gym.
Consider Job Prospects
It’s important to consider the job prospects of the city you’re planning to move to. If you’re an entrepreneur or work from home, consider if moving will pose a threat to your businesses, and think of ways that can help. For instance, you might need to hire an assistant to run your business for you in another city while you are away.
It’s also a good idea to buy a condo when you already have a job lined up. Most mortgage lenders will not allow you to purchase a property without a steady source of income. It’s best to decide what city you want to live in, gain a steady source of income from a job there or from your business, and then start the process of buying a condo.
Explore Schools and Parks
People with children should also explore the different schools in a city. To do so, there are many sites such as GreatSchools.org, where you can check reviews from other parents, check to see if the school in your condo’s area would be a great match for your child, and look at nearby competing schools.
Remember that most schools will consider the area you live in when enrolling your child. Therefore, the selection of schools is limited to the immediate area surrounding your condo. Take the time to research different schools before making your purchase.
Using these tips can help you find a condo in your price range that you can enjoy calling your new home!