Boston condos for sale

Boston condos for sale 2021 – FAQ

Who lives in Boston Seaport District condos?

Everyone! Families and pet owners, community-minded people and those that want privacy. Really, most of the stereotypes you hear about Boston condo living are untrue — there are condo communities that will be a good match for just about anyone, but it’s a good idea to take a close look at the Homeowners’ Association rules before you buy.

Presently, there are two distinct demographics who are especially excited about Boston Seaport condos right now. One is millennials — twenty and thirty-somethings just out of college or starting their careers. For them, Boston Seaport condos are close to the amenities they are seeking, and they know they won’t have to spend extra time or money on maintenance because it’s all covered (usually) by the condo fees. The second group is baby boomers and retirees, and they love Boston Seaport condos for pretty much the same reasons that millennials do. Another advantage is that Boston’s downtown condos often have fitness facilities and community groups so that residents can stay healthy and social as they age.

Are there downtown Boston condos available in my price range?

Boston downtown condos come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, in most if not all Boston downtown neighborhoods. In addition, Boston condos have a reputation as being an affordable choice, but if luxury high-rise condos and prime locations are your top priorities, there are options in the in upper price ranges as well. In fact, while finding a detached home in downtown Boston, the Seaport District, or Boston Midtown may be nearly impossible, new high-rise condo buildings in these neighborhoods are filling the gap with jaw-dropping units overlooking the city.

Inventory for condos is great right now, too, making it more likely for home shoppers will find a unit in their ideal budget and neighborhood.

Are Downtown Boston condo rules and restrictions tolerable?

The answer, of course, is different for everyone. Some people like it when rules are clearly defined and everyone abides by them, while others prefer a little unpredictability. How well you know yourself and your habits is the best way to decide whether a condo could be right for you.

Your best source of information is the condo Homeowners’ Association or HOA. They keep a list of Rules and Restrictions, outlining everything from how outdoor spaces should appear to quiet hours.

Just like people, condos and condo associations are diverse in how they function. When you find a unit that interests you, try to talk to some of the neighbors.

Aren’t condo fees a burden?

All homeownership comes with costs. In fact, for a first-time homeowner, these costs can often lead to derailment when limited budgets come up against unforeseen home repairs on top of the regular mortgage and homeowners’ insurance payments.

The best safeguard against getting in over your head financially is to be able to plan ahead. Condos make it easy: Fees are relatively consistent (if there’s an increase it takes some time to go into effect), and they typically cover all exterior projects like new roofs, pest control, and driveways.

Should I rent an apartment or buy a condo?

Are you going to stay in the downtown Boston condo for more than three or four years? In that case, yes, buying a condo may make a lot of sense. In Boston, rental availability is tight and rents are high, while mortgage rates are still low. Buyers often find that they pay less on their mortgage than they would to rent, and with the same advantage of buying any other home: It’s an investment, not a throw-your-money-away situation.

What qualifications should I be looking for in a real estate agent?

Glad you asked. Because condos can have a lot more complicated rules attached to them than detached single-family homes, having a real estate agent who has worked with condos before is a must. Ideally, the agent you choose should have experience on both the buyers’ and sellers’ end of the sale more than a handful of times.

Is a Boston condo as good as a home for investment purposes?

As a general rule, condo values in downtown Boston rarely go down. However, about ten years ago, we saw a huge housing market “adjustment” that lowered the value of some Boston condos for sale..

How do I look for a Boston condo?

The best way to start your condo search is simply by contacting our buyer’s agent.

That said, most people prefer to browse listings online themselves, so we’ve made it easy — and the data on our real estate search tool is better than the Boston condo competitors.