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Brooklyn NY Condos - 10 Buying Tips

If you’re thinking about buying a condo in Brooklyn, NY, then here are some quick tips to help you make your condo buying experience easier.

#1 Know the Brooklyn neighborhoods.

There will be so many choices when it comes to Brooklyn NY condos. Brooklyn is home to a group of very diverse and distinct neighborhoods, so decide on what kind of neighborhood you prefer to live in. If you prefer the look of brownstones and want a family-friendly atmosphere, then Park Slope or Cobble Hill may appeal to you with the tree-lined streets and charming shops and restaurants. Or you might prefer the industrial neighborhoods of Brooklyn such as DUMBO and Red Hood. Want to live in the trendier part of Brooklyn? Williamsburg is quickly becoming a popular area for young artists, musicians, and other hipsters to flock to with trendy restaurants and nightlife. Deciding what kind of Brooklyn neighborhood you prefer to live in can narrow your search and make the task of searching though Brooklyn condos a little less daunting

#2 Talk to current or former owners.

No one can give you greater insight on what it’s really like to live in a condo than people who live or have lived in the building. They can tell you about their experiences and what they think the pros and cons of the condos are. You can also do a web search for reviews and ratings of different Brooklyn properties.

#3 Research the associations.

Get a copy of the condo association board meeting minutes. The records can give you great insight on the concerns and complaints of residents, and what kinds of projects are in the works.

#4 Find an experienced attorney.

You want an attorney who has had extensive experience in New York, or even better, Brooklyn real estate transactions. Your attorney should be willing to explain the process to you and help make the experience as smooth as possible. They should be attentive to your needs and work in a timely manner as you prepare to buy your new Brooklyn condo.

#5 Look for floor plans that maximize space.

Certain floor plans are more well-planned than others and in an urban environment such as Brooklyn, floor plans that maximize space give you more bang for your buck. In order to really visualize how a space can really work out for you, be sure to note all the measurements, including ceiling height and how the space can be used with your desired furniture. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet but in order to maximize space, look for ceiling heights of at least 12 to 14 feet throughout the entire unit. The extra height can serve as great vertical space for storage and make the room feel larger.

#6 Remember the views.

Consider bringing a camera along so you can remember the different views of the Brooklyn condos you visit. That way, you have a visual aid to help in your decision making. Units in Brooklyn offer some of the best views of the city and it would only make sense to seek out the units that provide the greatest views. Look for a condo that features private terraces so that you can enjoy the outdoors and unique Brooklyn views from the comfort of your own space.

#7 Compare the community amenities.

Some developments in Brooklyn are small while others feature almost any amenity you can think of. Consider what community features are important, such as a very large fitness center or pool. Note the hours and regulations of the amenities to make sure they would be practical with your lifestyle. A feature many Brooklyn residents can’t live without is the rooftop terrace. Look for developments with at least 2 public rooftop terraces. The more public terrace space to enjoy the city views, the better, especially if you see yourself entertaining guests.

#8 Pay attention to all the fine print.

Before you start the process of buying a unit, carefully read the restrictions, bylaws, master deed and declaration of covenants.

#9 Arrange a thorough inspection.

When you think you have found your new place in Brooklyn, a professional inspector should not only check out everything inside your unit, but also the overall condition of the building and common areas including elevators and underlying structure. Also, pay attention to how soundproof the condos are. This may be an important factor in your Brooklyn pad.

#10 Follow your intuition.

You might feel overwhelmed when visiting all the different complexes Brooklyn has to offer. If you have doubts or worries for any reason, listen to them. Only you know how you feel in a space and even though the unit may sound great to everyone else, you are the best person to judge which Brooklyn condo will be ideal for you.