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Are You Looking for Condos for Sale in Mississauga?
By Jayne B
Community Connections
 

Condos for Sale in Mississauga: Tips for Buying

 

Combing through listings of condos for sale in Mississauga, Ontario shows the wide variety of options available. Low-rises, high-rises, modern style, loft style, spacious or compact; there are plenty of possibilities. However, no one should jump into the condo market before doing some solid research regarding what is involved in condo living.  Having the right real estate agent to guide you through the process is vital.

 

There are many woeful tales about condo purchases that have gone wrong: leaky roofs, paper-thin walls, corrupt boards, noisy neighbours. The list goes on and on. However, the right condominium building can be a rewarding place to live. Condos offer an affordable way to get into the market. They can be located close to restaurants, theatres, and transit. They also offer owners a lifestyle with less responsibility: no gardening or snow shovelling.  Finding the right unit that suits your taste and size requirement can be challenging enough, but there is much more to consider in the process.  

 

Unit Checklist

  • Does the unit come with parking and/or a storage locker?
  • Where is it located within the building; is it right beside the garbage chute or elevator?
  • How much sun does it get throughout the day? Too much or not enough?
  • How sound proof is it?
  • What kind of view does it offer?

 

Building Checklist

  • Location is important. Often condo listings have a walking score that rates the location on how close it is to restaurants, transit and parks.
  • Check out the amenities: gym, concierge, pool, patios and party rooms. Make sure you are able to personally view them, to help you decide if you will actually use them or will just be paying for them.
  • How much are the condo fees? Confirm which utilities are included.

 

It’s important to have a REALTOR® with condo sales experience. They should be able to walk you through the building’s status certificate. According to the Real Estate Council of Ontario, the status certificate outlines the condominium’s by-laws and rules, financial records, rental status, parking details and more. Pay particular attention to how much money the condo budget has in reserve, for both expected and unexpected repairs.

 

If you want more information about the rights and responsibilities of being a condo owner, an excellent place to look is the Consumer Protection Ontario website. 

 

 

How to Find a Good REALTOR®

 

Start by asking friends and colleagues for recommendations. Word of mouth is an excellent way to get referrals, especially if someone you know has recently purchased a home. A good real estate agent should listen to your questions and concerns, yet be honest and open with their advice. Have a list of questions for any potential REALTOR®. Ask what kind of experience they’ve had with buying and selling condos. Make sure they are familiar with the area you are interested in.

 

Don’t always think bigger is better. Some of the smaller, boutique, family-run firms can offer more personalized service. When looking for condos for sale in Mississauga, the boutique brokerage, JN Asensio, is an excellent option. Condo living can be so rewarding, but it’s wise to be cautious before signing on the dotted line.