Guide on Finding the Perfect Urban Condo

It’s official: Urban living is back en vogue!
While the last few decades bore witness to the explosion of suburbia and the mass exodus of trendy young people away from urban centers, several factors in the last few years have begun to draw the next generation of trendsetters back to their cities’ centers — and in a hurry.
For starters, high gas prices appear to be here to stay. While the gallons often outran the dollars at the pump in the 1980s and 1990s, nowadays it is rare to fill up for under $3 per gallon.
But the draw of upscale urban living goes way beyond saving gas money on long commutes. People are finally rediscovering all the amenities of living in an urban center that just don’t exist in the suburbs, such as walkability, endless nightlife options, camaraderie and neighborliness.
There has never been a more exciting time to buy a condo. This is the place to be in the metro for upscale urban living.
Here is a quick guide on finding the best high rise condos and picking out the one that is best for you.
1. Tour the area extensively.
Endeavor to spend a weekend in the area, and take in everything it has to offer. After you’ve spent a little time there, you will have a better idea of where you’ll be spending most of your time when you live there. Living options are bountiful in the urban areas. Having even a cursory familiarity with the area and its amenities will help you cull the list and start focusing more closely on your best prospects.
2. Do market research.
As previously noted, there are a plethora of high rise condos available across a wide gamut of price points. Once you figure out how much you want to spend, you can start investigating specific condos that fall within that range. By doing so, you can figure out where you’re going to get your best value.
You want to look at the obvious things like how much square footage you’ll get for your money with each condo, but there are other, less quantifiable metrics you should look at as well. For example, what is the pool like? Are there private tennis or racquetball courts? Is there a fitness center, and is it substantial enough to preclude the need for a regular gym membership?
Finally, HOA dues are a huge consideration. Two condos could have the same price point, but if one’s HOA is $150 per month more expensive than the other’s, you won’t actually end up paying an equal price.
Clearly, all this information can be difficult to analyze and digest on your own, which leads to this final tip.
3. Work with a qualified real estate agent.
In a hot, fast-paced real estate market, you don’t want to try to go at a condo purchase on your own. You need the most experienced agent on your side if you want the best deal and the most seamless transaction possible. Having the right agent can mean the difference between missing out on your dream home and getting in it at the best price possible.

Urban condo living is an increasing need in major areas. Many people want to live in the city to enjoy the fine dining, night life and arts scene. If you’re looking for a place to rent, buy or lease, We Know Urban Realty specializes exclusively in urban properties and know the ins and outs. Give them a call today! http://www.weknowurban.com/

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