10 Things You Should Know Before Buying an Apartment

After spending some time renting your condo in the Caribbean, you will find that you should stop wasting money on rent month after month and start buying a house or condo. If you're buying your first home ever, this article will give you a checklist of things to check before you buy. I made this list because I want to buy an apartment for myself in the future and I want to know what I need to know before buying, avoid unpleasant surprises and of course invest carefully in my future.

• Decide on the area where you want to buy an apartment. This may mean spending some time in the field, or at least doing some research at home.

• Research the market before you buy to ensure you are getting value for money. Speak to independent appraisers and real estate agents such as CARIBEEXPERT and INMOBILIARIA BAYAHIBE and check recent sales in the area. Don't take the advice of various seeming brokers or intermediaries. This is especially important if you buy the plans. You want to know that the value of the finished home will at least reflect what you paid for.

• Visit as many places as you can and look for properties that match your criteria so you have a good idea of what your money can buy.

Let's say you've found an apartment...

• Check if the property you are interested in is close to the facilities you want e.g. B. Shops, public transport, parks, hospitals, schools, work, gym, etc. – A valuable tip if you want to earn some time.

• If you decide to live in an apartment, consider whether the building is close to clubs, cafes, or other live music venues. How much is the through traffic - will it be noisy at rush hour? Does the noise affect your lifestyle? It's a good idea to arrange a viewing of the building in the evening or during peak hours before agreeing to purchase. – Now I have an apartment near a non-stop bar and from time to time people get drunk at night and make a lot of noise.

• How old is the building? You should consider the age of the building. Are facilities likely to need repair or replacement? It is highly recommended that an architect or engineer's report be obtained on the building prior to making a purchasing decision. Caribeexpert provides you with a professional free of charge

• What security measures are there, for example, can anyone enter the building? Are there surveillance cameras?

• Does it have a balcony so you can enjoy the view or the afternoon sun? Or are you blocked by other buildings or facing the wrong direction for the sun?

• What are the maintenance fees? Many people don't think about this aspect when they buy a new home. They generally cover local tax, property tax, assessment tax, water charges, general electricity charges, elevator charges, and hired support fees such as garbage cleaners and security. Find out what the maintenance fee is, what's included and what's included in the fee now. For example, parking fees can be separate.

• If you have a car, this must be an important question. Is parking provided and do you have to pay extra for it? Ask the seller of the apartment whether his parking space will be made available to you. If your previous owner did not have a vehicle, speak to the company secretary and ask for parking.

Now I’m sure that some of my readers might have some valuable tips to share on this topic. Feel free to post a comment with a tip or an advice, and the most useful tips will be published with your name & website in this article.

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