You will want to have convenient transportation routes. Whether it is a bus, subway, rapid transit, freeway, ferry, or other mode of transportation, the quality of transportation will have a bearing on your lifestyle and future potential resale.
Appearance
Look at the appearance of the property you are interested in. Would it be attractive to someone else on resale? Is it well-maintained, or does it need repair? What do the other buildings look like in the neighbourhood? Are they new, renovated, or attractive to look at? Or are they poorly maintained with paint peeling, grass uncut, windows broken, or garbage visible?
Services in the Community
Different services available in the community will attract different types of tenants or purchasers, depending on their needs -for example, shopping, churches, community and recreational facilities, playgrounds or parks, and schools.
Unattractive Features
Look for factors that will have a negative impact on a decision to purchase – for example, unpleasant odours coming from an industrial plant, poor lighting because of too many trees, lack of street lighting that impairs safety, inadequate municipal services that shows itself evidence such as impaired roads, open drainage ditches, etc.
Convenient Proximity
If you are buying a condo as an investment, it is prudent to purchase within a radius of your principal residence that is within a four hour drive. This is just a general guideline, of course. The point is that you want to be able to conveniently monitor and/or maintain your property.
Reasons for Sale
One of the important factors to determine is why the property is for sale. Perhaps the vendor knows something you don’t, which will have a bearing on your further interest. On the other hand, it may be due to a desire to move up to a larger home or downsize to a smaller home or condo; plans to separate or divorce and move out; loss of employment; job relocation; or due to serious illness or incapacitation.
