10 Things to Ignore while Searching for a Used Condo

BY: Melissa & Denise Stewart

Buyers always have a "Must Have" list when searching to buy a condo. Why not, you are about to possibly make the biggest investment of your life, so why shouldn't you be picky...

Depending on the age of the condos you are looking at, you may have to give a little from your list of Must Haves, especially if you are looking for a deal. If you are buying new construction, and money is no object, make a long list of Must Haves, and make sure the Seller sees it early in the process. But if you are searching for a used condo, try not to be narrow minded and you may end up finding a better deal. Some of the features might be a little outdated and even unattractive, but it is the big picture that is more important. The list below is based on relative cost to overall value in the homes that you will be looking at.

1. Flooring: The type and color of flooring seems to change about every 10 years. In the 70's carpet was very popular, even in living and dining rooms. The bottom line is that if you buy a condo you should expect that the prior owner did not have your taste, and budget new flooring in your future. If you happen to find a condo that has flooring you like, consider this a bonus. Remember also, that flooring can always be a negotiating factor if the seller is motivated to sell...

2. Paint Colors: When searching for a condo, DO NOT  pay attention to the paint on the walls. You should assume that you will have to repaint the entire interior of the condo after you purchase the unit. Even condos that look great while you are searching will look a lot different with no furniture and after the moving company nicks up the walls when moving the seller out of the condo. You will also have the opportunity to choose new colors that actually match your furniture. So, as part of the buying process, make sure you budget in painting the condo. 

3. Popcorn Ceilings: If the condo you are looking at is more than 10 years old, chances are the unit has popcorn ceilings. You may not have even notices when you see the unit the first time, because you were so busy looking at the great views from the balcony and living room window. The bottom line is that most people choose to eliminate the popcorn ceilings when they first are moving in because it is a lot easier to get rid of the popcorn while the unit is empty before you move in. Again, while you are getting estimates to repaint your condo, you should also consider removing the popcorn on the ceilings. This is not a large expense and should not be a deal-breaker, because you can always live with popcorn ceilings in your home. 

4. Kitchen Appliances: Unless you are buying a new condo, you should assume that the appliances in the kitchen may need to be replaced in the near future. Most manufacturers will estimate that their appliances will last up to 15 years, so if your seller is telling you that they replaced the appliances 5 years ago, you can assume that you still will have some useful life in the appliances. Appliances are like flooring in that the colors and styles change every so often, and you may also want to change the appliances just because of your personal taste. The bottom line is that appliances are like paint, and you should consider yourself lucky if the appliances in the condo you are buying do not need to be replaced.

5. Wallpaper: If you are looking at condos that are more than 20 years old, chances are that some of the rooms may have wallpaper. This is not a big deal in the overall scheme of things, and you should budget in the cost of removal into your painting budget.  Do not think that you can get away with simply painting over the ugly wallpaper, because that generally will not work. If your painted recommends to you that they can paint over it for you, find another painter.

6. Bathrooms: This is a touchy area... If the bathroom needs a total makeover, this can get a little expensive. However, if a new sink and cabinet with cleaning the existing grout and adding a new mirror will make a difference, then you should consider this as an option.  

7. Hardware: This is an are that you will pay attention to, but you should NOT consider to be significant in your decision. Most condos that you will be looking at will look a lot different  (to you) if you add your personal touches in the kitchen, baths, doors and other areas of the home. Others may not notice the hardware on your front door, and may not notice the changes you make to your kitchen cabinets, but you will notice, and this is why hardware in the condos you are looking at should not be a big deal..

8. Lighting: If you are searching for condos that are over 20 years old, just get used to there not being a lot of lighting, especially in bedrooms and living rooms. That is why lamps were invented. Some rooms may have to be remodeled if you insist on having the lighting that you desire..

9. Ceiling fans: Again, a lot of older condos simply are not wired for ceiling fans, and prior owners may have installed ceiling fans with a variety of ugly hanging chains or molding running up a wall and across the ceiling. This molding and chains can all go away if you choose to do some rewiring and do not mind creating some decorative ceiling work. The bottom line is that you need to know going into some of the older condos, that they were not wired for ceiling fans (and lighting), so do not expect too much.

10. Air Conditioner & Water Heater: Some buyers have a real problem with the air conditioner and water heater in a condo being more that 10 years old. Sometimes these units will have actually only been in use a limited time because the prior owners were part time residents. When considering the age of the air conditioner and water heater remember that you are buying a used condo, and even if the seem to be in perfect condition, things can go wrong. Assuming that you are going to have the condo inspected, ask the inspector how much longer of a useful life does the AC and water heater have. Remember that if these items are in real poor condition, they can become a negotiating tool with your seller.

It is real easy for you as a buyer to have problems with several of the items listed above. You should also consider that when you have the condo inspected, you will be receiving a professional opinion about the functional items in the condo. As far as the aesthetic aspects, you need to consider that if you are  buying a used condo, unless you get very lucky it is doubtful that you will find the "Perfect" condo at the price you are willing to pay. This is why you need to be a little flexible...

If you have any questions about condos in South Florida, please call Denise Stewart at 954 881 9148 or email denise@condo.net