There is no doubt that choosing to live in a condo offers many attractive lifestyle perks. Condos are able to cater to a wide variety of needs and desires. Whatever it is that you are looking for, there is going to be something out there that is a fit for you. And with that there are also going to be a lot of options out there. This is why it’s crucial to ask questions before booking a showing. 

Asking questions before you book a showing is going to save you time and energy. It’s also going to act as a great filter and streamline the process for you. 

There are questions to ask yourself before seeing a place and also questions to ask your realtor that are going to help determine if this condo offers what you’re looking for and is a potential match.  

Questions to ask yourself:

Do I like the neighbourhood?

It can really all come down to location, location, location. The neighbourhood you choose to live in is going to have a huge impact on the overall satisfaction of your lifestyle. This is not only going to be a place you live but also the community you are a part of. Does the neighbourhood offer the kind of amenities you’re looking for? Does it feel safe? Can you picture yourself living in the neighbourhood? 

Is this unit right for me?

Based off of the listing and description, does the unit have what you’re looking for? Is it the right size? Are you happy with the number of bedrooms? Get clear on what the unit has to offer in terms of square footage, dimensions, layout etc., and go from there. Right off the bat if you feel like things are missing that are a ‘must’ on your list, it may not be worth your time to go to a showing.

What does nearby transit look like?

If you don’t have your own car and will be relying on public transpiration as your main method of travel, it is crucial to get clear on what that will look like for you. Will public transit be assessable to you? Will you have multiple transit options or have to rely on one form of transportation? 

Questions to ask your realtor:

What are the amenities?

One of the main pulls to condo living are the amenities and the lifestyle they can provide. Remember, not all condos are created equal, and this includes amenities. Be sure to ask your realtor what amenities are included to see if they line up with what you are looking for.

How old is the building?

Getting an idea for the age of the building is going to provide you with a lot of insight. This will give you an idea on the general maintenance of the building as well as how it is being taken care. If it is an older building, a great follow up question is when it was last updated/renovated. Again, this will give great indication of how well the building is maintained and cared for. 

What are the condo fees and taxes?

One thing to consider when moving into a condo are the monthly condo fees. Condo fees vary from place to place, and it is wise to know what they are ahead of time to know if it something that works within your budget. 

Is there outdoor space?

If having outdoor space is important to you, it is best to make sure a condo offers this before booking a showing. And if they do, what kind of outdoor space is it? Is it a private balcony that comes with the unit? Is it a shared outdoor space? Are there outdoor amenities, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, kitchen area etc.…? Get clear on what kind of outdoor space you may want and check in with your realtor if it’s offered. 

What are the rules about pets?

This question may seem like a no brainer if you already are a pet owner but is also something to consider if there is a potential for a pet in your future. Condos will differ in their pet policies so if you’re checking multiple places, know that they all may be different. For example, some places only allow certain pets, others have a weight limit, and some places will have a hard no on pets altogether.  

What are the rules about renting? 

Are you interested in potentially renting your condo out? Similar to pet policies, all condos come with their own rules about owners renting out their units. Whether you’re thinking of renting out short-term or long-term, you’ll want to make sure this is an option for you. If being able to rent out your unit is important to you, check in with your realtor beforehand to determine if it’s an option.  

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, by asking these kinds of questions before you even book a showing you’re going to save yourself time and energy. These questions are going to act as a great filter and gate keeper. It’s going to streamline the process, weed out any potential options that don’t meet your needs, and allow you to use your energy on seeing condos that align with what you’re looking for. If you’re considering viewing a condo and you’ve asked these questions and all the boxes are checked, then you know it’s time to book that showing!