Boston Condos for Sale
40 questions to ask when touring a Boston downtown condo for sale.
This is an extensive list, and not every question applies to every situation. For example, if your goal is to purchase a Boston downtown condo, questions relating a townhouse don’t apply. However, this list of questions to ask when touring a Boston condo for sale should give you a guide to start in making well-informed decisions when buying downtown Boston condo
- How long have the sellers lived there?
- How long has the condominium been on the market?
- How much are the monthly Boston condo fees? What do they cover?
- Is there any planned assessment?
- What are the property taxes?
- Are there any upcoming increases in condo association fees?
- What are the average utility costs?
- Have there been any major repairs to the condo? If so, do you know if they provided a warranty? Was there a Boston building permit issued?
- Is there any legal disputes with the condo association?
- Are there any shared communal spaces – i.e. roof deck, common laundry?
- Are there any public rights of way passing through – or near – the property?
- How old are the major appliances and systems?
- What fixtures are included in the sale?
- What is the sales history of this condo?
- Is the condo association self managed or professionally managed?
- Is there any evidence of water problems? Can you see damp drywall, basement floors, or open leaks? Can you smell mildew? Or is there a smell of fresh paint that might be intended to cover up a water issue?
- Are the walls structurally sound? Look for cracks and look for evidence of cracks covered over by wallpaper that doesn’t look right or paint applied over filler.
- Is the chimney in good condition? How old is the lining?
- Are the windows sound? Are window repairs owner or condo association responsibility?
- Do the ground floor windows have working latches to lock the windows?
- Is the attic insulated? If so, when was the insulation installed?
- Is there any soundproofing in the condo? Dees a percentage of floor needed to be covered by carpet.
- Are there working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms?
- Is there adequate internet reception? How’s the broadband service in the area?
- What type of system is used to heat and cool the condominium?
- Ask to see the circuit box – does the wiring look up to date?
- How is the condition of electrical outlets and switches? (You can bring something to plug into try outlets.)
- Do all of the lights work? If not, why not?
- Does the property have any lead pipes? Do you see any issues with pipes in need of repair?
- What kind of drainage system does the property have? Is it on the city sewer, or is there a septic tank?
- Is there any asbestos in the property, or has there ever been an asbestos survey completed?
- What kind of roof does the property have? When was it last replaced, and what is its current condition?
- Do you see any gutter leaks? Are the gutters cleaned out, or do they need work?
- Are there any trees growing within 15 feet of the property? Can you discern if roots are likely to be a problem?
- Which way direction does the condo face, does it receive sunlight throughout the day?
- How many condos in the building? How many are owner occupied?
- Are you allowed to rent the condo?
- Does the condo association allow short-term rentals? If so, what’s the minimum length of time?
- Does the condominium association allow pets?
- What’s the lowest price you think we could offer for this house and still close the transaction?
You can ask these questions when buying a house – and others as applicable – to understand your likely overall costs to own this home. When you understand all of your costs, you’ll confidently be able to make an offer you can afford.
Boston Condos for Sale
