1. Where do I park?
Seems simple enough, right? The parking deck… duh! No, what exact space or spaces will you be parking in? Is the space easily accessible? Will the space adequately accommodate your vehicle? Is your vehicle too tall for the parking deck? Buyers should view their parking space(s) before making an offer. As a general rule, your parking space cannot be changed, so you should check it out before moving forward.
2. Where do I walk the dog?
Some buildings have designated dog walk areas, while others do not. Some buildings do not allow pets in the lobby area. Learn where the designated pet walking area is and ensure that you understand the rules and the route you will take to walk Fido on a daily basis. Many buildings have breed restrictions, weight limits, and limitations on the total number of pets you may have. Make sure man’s best friend is free to join in you in your new home!
3. How do I move in?
The unit is gorgeous! Floor to Ceiling Glass and a view to die for! Turnkey at its finest. All the finishes you wanted and more! Where do I sign? Let’s buy this dream home! Wait, how do we get our stuff up here? Make sure you understand the move-in process, the location of the loading dock, and the freight elevator usage hours and reservation procedures. Have some large furniture pieces? You may want to make sure they will actually fit in the freight elevator. Knowing these things will be sure to make your move in process run more smoothly.
4. I just call the local utility providers and set up utilities, and I can contract with whichever cable/internet provider I want, right?
Moving in to a condominium building is not always the same as moving into a free standing home. Oftentimes your utilities will not be paid directly to the local utility provider, and you will be billed by a 3rd party entity that reads your sub-meter and bills you monthly. The association management team may be involved in ensuring that your utility account is set up upon closing. Ask whether you need to call to set up utilities before you waste your precious time doing so. Also, many condo buildings have bulk service agreements for internet (and sometimes TV). Sometimes you may only be able to obtain service through the bulk provider. Definitely make sure you inquire about your options.
5. We can immediately jack hammer the floors and knock down all the walls, right?
A buyer with a vision for their new home! I like the enthusiasm! However, it’s important that you understand the process for conducting renovations in your new home. Some of those walls are likely load bearing. Knocking down all of them may be unrealistic. There is nearly always an application and approval process for modifications within the unit. These things take a little time. Don’t assume you can start a renovation project immediately upon closing. Take a breath. Enjoy the space. Modify your vision. Submit the appropriate paperwork and get started once approved.