There
is no doubt that lofts and condominiums are a huge part of the
Chicago
IL real estate scene. Even though condo sales dipped slightly
in 2006, that sales decline was still two percent less than the
national average. Furthermore, the median price of condos increased
in Chicago in 2006.
The fees, restrictions and other aspects of the condo homeowner's
association can also make or break your home's resale value, as
can the management. You should also talk to current tenants and
ask them the pros and cons of living in that particular condo.
These environments tend to be highly social, so the prospective
buyer should also consider whether that frequency of contact with
social neighbors will be welcome or obnoxious.
Good condo deals are becoming increasingly easier to find in
the Chicago real estate
market because after all, one man's glut is another man's steal.
Condos will soon find themselves once again the rising stars of
Chicago real estate. The current glut may simply be viewed as
an opportunity to get a great deal on a piece of real estate that
you can sell in three to five years at profit.
There are some things to consider first, however. Parking access
and geographical location will affect the condo's resale value,
as will the quality of soundproofing. It is important to test
how soundproof the walls are before buying. This is one of the
most prevalent condo downfalls. Ask your neighbors on all sides
- including ceiling and floor - to turn their televisions or radios
to a volume in the normal-to-loud range.
Some may worry about a possible glut in the market, and that
is certainly a valid concern. But for the worker bees, condos
are ideal because there is no time-consuming yard maintenance
and very little home maintenance required. Pools and other amenities,
plus a doorman and security, are all definite perks. The Chicago
Loop or the north side could be ideal - public transportation
affords a minimal commute to work. Frequent business travelers
may find the condo a convenient crash pad. This is particularly
true if the business traveler finds a deal that is not outrageously
expensive and won't cut too far into their wallet.
Overall, the Chicago real estate market offers a variety of
residential choices. As far as condos go, some may be charming
"vintage" ones, albeit probably requiring more upkeep and maintenance.
There are high-rises and flats. Each building and condo community
has its own personality, so a little careful research will help
you decide which is right for you.
Team IllinoisRealEstate.com
Brian Nygard
RE/MAX Grand
Direct: (312) 217-8002
Timely Email: brian@illinoisrealestate.com
Scott Epstein
RE/MAX Grand
Direct: (312) 622-6313
Timely Email: scott@illinoisrealestate.com