Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Decorating & Selling Your Condo

If you are planning to sell your condo and are dreading getting it ready for the market - relax! It couldn't be easier than it is now! More than ever before, the vogue in interior decorating is favoring simplicity.

Every room can be painted white or cream or beige with silver gray or dark beige detailing. The use of this color scheme will let your prospective buyer know that your place has been decorated very recently.

This type of decor is perfect for a condo, as it automatically adds spaciousness to a fairly compact area. In order to prolong the spacious feel, do not change the color of the paintwork from the dining area to the living area or hallway. Paint all open areas in the same tone, unless you have a narrow wall that you wish to use as an accent.

Only change the color, if you want to, when you reach a room that is totally separate, e.g., the bathroom or bedrooms. If you do change it, you should still opt for the neutral white, cream or gray natural shades as color is strictly passe at the moment.

Experts recommend that any pictures you put on the walls should be in frames that actually match the paintwork, which is a new concept. In order not to break up the uninterrupted flow of the paint color, it is suggested that drapes or blinds are also in the same color.

The type of drapes that lend themselves best to this new look are the gossamer sheer voiles; with blinds at the same window you can keep the sheers open and be assured of complete privacy.

A paint job is not very expensive, but it can make a very large difference to the appearance of your condo. What of your floors? Are they carpet or are they wooden or tile flooring? Is the color of them one of the shades that will tone with the gray or beige detailing?

If you have a bright floor and you feel that to change the floor is too extravagant and labor intensive, think of buying a large rug. Think of this before you pick the color scheme because it is usually easier to buy a rug in cream than in gray. A large off white area rug will go a long way toward the simple look that you are aiming for.

However, if your floor will tone with the decor, resist the urge to throw a small area rug under the coffee table. An uninterrupted expanse of floor space will increase the feeling of roominess.

One of the acknowledged problems of condo living is the lack of storage space. First time condo buyers who want to move a three bedroomed house into your one bedroomed condo will be checking to see if your place looks spacious. You do not want to emphasize the perceived lack of storage by having a load of your own clutter lying about.

If you have not already rented one, then I thoroughly recommend that you rent a storage unit now. It will also help you to move. Use it wisely and pack all your best ornaments and china up in boxes and cart them off to storage.(The more ornaments you pack away the better - think 'clear spaces'!) Pack up all your out-of-season clothes and shoes and all your sports gear that is unseasonal and cart that load off to the storage.

Already your condo is looking very spacious! How about all the photos, baby's first pair of shoes and the kids' grade 3 painting of Grandma? What else can you do without until you unpack it in your new home?

If you have a balcony and you keep a few things stored on it - think of moving them into storage. However, if you have summer rattan furniture packed away then get it out now and arrange it on your balcony. Try to keep the furniture to each side, so that you can still look out the screen doors and see the view.

Buy some tall palms if you have none, and put one each side of the patio doors on the balcony. It looks very effective if you stand the same size plants inside your patio doors as well, in exactly the same position.

If you have a narrow wall, and can afford a wall to wall mirror, it really does enlarge your room! It also reflects extra sunlight, so choose a wall that catches the sun, if you can. If you do decide to go with this idea, do not place a large piece of furniture right in front of it.

Sometimes a narrow wall encloses the front entrance, in which case a small console is adequate space to drop your keys and bag. It is functional to keep the front entrance as roomy as possible as you may often be welcoming four people at one time, especially when selling.

If you are moving into a different condo, here are some tips for you to consider: buy two-seater love seats as no-one ever sits in the middle of a three seater anyway; buy an old sea chest to convert into a coffee table (loads of storage inside!); buy a car locker to attach to the wall of your parking spot for lots of extra safe storage.
Visit Andy Asbury and his qualified team of Minneapolis condos agents at MinneapolisLoftsAndCondos.com. Contact them if you are looking for a home in one of the many Uptown Minneapolis real estate neighborhoods.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Asbury

What Every Condo Tenant Should Know

Anyone thinking about going into condominium property management must be aware of the real estate laws in the state, county and city in which the property lies. Most people who work in the field have a four year degree in a related field or a real estate license issues by the state in which they practice.

It is essential to know the law when it comes to condominiums in the state in which you are in if you are to work in condominium property management. The laws of the state must be adhered to or the association can face a lawsuit.

A condominium declaration form is that which formally decrees the existence of the condominium association. In most states, all condominiums must have an association that is set up by the builder. This early association takes on the task of condominium property management until the condominium owners can get together and elect their officials.

The condominium declaration is recorded as a matter of record against the property. It is important for anyone in condominium property management to be familiar with this document. This will state how many units are involved in the association as well as the size of the building. A legal description, which is the legal address of the building, is also attached to this form.

In addition to the declaration, teams must be familiar with bylaws of the association. These are also recorded on the property after the declaration. They state the bylaws of the association as decided by those within the association. These can be amended from time to time. They will usually state any rules that the condominium association has for those who live within the association. Some common rules may restrict changing the exterior appearance of the building or unit, number or type of pet allowed in the unit, number of vehicles each tenant may park in the parking lot, etc. Anyone in condominium property management must be familiar with these laws, especially when it comes to someone selling their property to another.

Most condominium bylaws allow the right of first refusal for the association if anyone puts their unit up for sale. Condominium property management personnel must be familiar with the right of first refusal and be aware just what rights are afforded to the association. In most cases, the board has the right to purchase any unit within the association over and above any buyer, provided that they pay the same price as a willing buyer. If they do not act, the condominium property management team will be asked to provided a release of right of first refusal to the prospective buyer. Anyone who is working in condominium property management must know the difference between the right of first refusal and approval rights of buyers. In some cases, the association has the right to interview any prospective buyers.

Condominium property management can be a lucrative field in which to study. If you are interested in real estate, you should take courses in real estate law and learn as much as you can about the condominium laws in your state. Most companies that hire individuals for condominium property management will look for people with experience over education, as they will want someone who is willing to jump right in and take over the management of a particular association.
The original article is located at What Every Condo Tenant Should Know Also feel free to visit our Self Storage Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kamyar_Shah

Are Condominiums A Wise Investment Choice

Everyday, thousands of people make the decision to purchase a home. It is a wonderful part of the American dream. There are many types of homes, traditional, townhouses, and of course, condos.

People are tired of paying rent just to pay someone else's mortgage when they could be paying one of their own.

Purchasing a condominium as your first home is a good real estate investment. You can make as many changes to the interior of it as you want, and possibly even bring the value of it up. However, once you have lived in your condominium for a while, you may think twice about selling it. There is a certain appeal to living in a condo.

Living in a condominium community is a wonderful experience. You form bonds of friendship with your neighbors making it difficult to leave.

Living in a condo has many different advantages.

• No outdoor maintenance

• No repairs of any kind

• No mowing the lawn

• No shoveling snow

• Access to all the facilities it has to offer

• Off street parking

When you live in this type of residence, the association fees that you pay each month, in addition to your mortgage, covers all of the maintenance and repairs that are needed. This means that if your roof needs repair or your furnace breaks down, you do not have to pay to have it repaired. When you research the cost of replacing a roof alone, you will find that the association fees that are paid are nowhere near the cost of the roof repair. It all works out in the best interest of the property owner.

For people who like to barbeque, condos offer backyards just as a conventional home, for your friends and family to get together.

If you are purchasing the condominium as a Real Estate investment, the location is critical. There are many different locations that can increase your profit if you choose to rent. Areas such as West Virginia will yield you a very high profit.

Real Estate property in West Virginia is an excellent investment because of the diversity of the state. There are many different ethnic cultures in West Virginia and there is something for everyone. Indoor and outdoor activities as well as amusement parks and hiking trails are just some of the activities that can be found.

Renting your property on either a weekly or monthly basis will yield you a very good profit.

Condo life is not for everyone. However the majority of people who have had the experience continue to live in them.

Finding the perfect spot is not difficult if you have a good real estate agent. He or she will know good areas to look for your ideal property. Once you have specified what you want, the rest is just a matter of visiting different communities until you have found the right one.

Fitness centers, pools, parks, and recreational rooms are just a few of the amenities that condominiums have to offer.
Peter Geisheker is the CEO of The Geisheker Group marketing company.

Peter develops and implements strategic marketing programs for businesses including real estate developers and West Virginia real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Geisheker