When buying a Boston condo for sale, every investor wants to have a good deal. And in order to get the best deal, you should consider these three key factors; condition, location, and price. However, finding a Boston downtown property and determining if it’s worth your investment won’t be as easy as it may seem.
Here are some things you should know when investing in a real estate property:
1. COUNTY APPRAISAL VALUE AND PURCHASE PRICE
Assessing the property’s county appraisal value versus the purchase price can help you determine your profit margin. You can easily visit the county’s appraisal website and search for the property’s address to look for the value assessment. If the Boston condo for sale selling price is significantly lower than the asking price, it means that you can have a higher margin of profit, as the fair market value will be 10%–20% over the county’s appraisal value.
You may also check out online directories for more information about real estate investment in downtown Boston.
2. CONDITION AND PRESENTATION
The Boston condo condition and how it’s been presented in the market can significantly impact its value. For example, a Boston condo that needs work, may have some upside. This gives you the opportunity to negotiate discounts, as the property’s listing agent may not have much to work with. However, this can also mean that the property may have hidden issues.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN ASSESSING A BOSTON CONDO FOR SALE:
- Mold and mildew – You should inspect the property for mold and mildew. These pose health risks to occupants, and treatments can be expensive depending on the severity.
- Plumbing problems – Check real estate’s plumbing and drainage system. You can simply do this by turning on every faucet and flushing toilets.
- Exterior cracks – In most cases, a simple exterior crack can signify deeper foundation problems. Inspect
3. LOCATION
Here are some important factors concerning the location of the Boston condo for sale
- Zoning laws – These laws are implemented to specify the types of businesses or dwellings that can reside in a specific area. Zoning laws vary from city to city and can significantly affect the value of a real estate property.
For instance, a zoning change from residential to commercial could significantly increase the property’s value, and a zoning change from commercial to residential could lower the real estate’s value considerably.
- Property taxes – should always be considered when investing in real estate, as high taxes can mean lower profits.. Keep in mind that Boston Beacon Hill has higher property taxes than rural areas. Ask your local tax assessor about the property taxes of areas you’re interested in.
Always remember that a seemingly OK Boston condo in the perfect neighborhood can sometimes have incredibly high property taxes, which can make it a bad choice for a real estate investment.
- Neighborhood – The property’s neighborhood is as important as the property itself. Real estate properties that are located in areas with low crime rates, well-manicured lawns, and near well-ranked schools have better value appreciation.
- Insurance costs – Insurance costs are another important factor to know when buying real estate properties. You should know the average insurance premiums of the properties in the area and compare the insurance costs of each property. Be aware of properties with high insurance premiums, as they may be vulnerable to natural disasters such as:
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Investing in Boston condos for sale can be profitable as long as you choose the right property to invest in. Always do your research and make sure to weigh out all the factors that can affect the profitability of your investment whenever making a purchasing decision. Use this article to help you find the best property to invest your money in.
For more information please call me at 617–595-3712.
