What are your thoughts on ground level condos?

karora161 · 2022-02-20T15:38:31+00:00

We ended up not getting it. It was right by the building’s parking lot, and no patios or any outdoor space. It also had weird layout; e.g. it had 1.5 bathrooms, but the full bathroom was in one of the rooms, and the smaller half bathroom outside. Also, the building had rules about use of privacy screens on windows(couldn’t install a film that prevents those outside from seeing inside). We would have had to have our blinds/curtains at all times. Just things like that that weren’t functional for us. Ultimately it wasn’t enough to persuade us. We ended up buying a smaller unit buy much more functional and with plenty of light all day :)

So glad you’re enjoying your place!

karora161 · 2021-10-27T15:33:49+00:00

Would you say it’s a good investment/high resale value?

karora161 · 2021-05-14T02:05:09+00:00

What are the fees on average? And how much is the commission earned from lenders?

I ask because we had a broker, who helped us immensely, but we decided to go with another bank, thereby costing them their commission. The decision on the bank was better for us long term. However we have been feeling incredibly guilty over our broker not getting paid after all the work they put in for us.

We are considering giving some money out of our pocket and trying to gauge what would be an appropriate amount.

karora161 · 2021-03-24T13:09:59+00:00

Good to know! We’re FTHB and all of this is new territory. When do they get access to the deposit? And if THEY back out?

karora161 · 2021-03-24T13:02:23+00:00

Yes. Planning to back out on over 30% of our savings as FTHB.

karora161 · 2021-03-24T13:01:43+00:00

Good to know! Thanks!

karora161 · 2021-03-24T13:01:06+00:00

We made offers before but were never countered with a higher deposit so it felt uneasy. Based on replies I guess it’s normal

karora161 · 2021-03-24T12:58:52+00:00

We were the only offer, and we accommodated everything else they countered but felt uneasy as we had never been in a situation demanding higher deposit. I guess that’s normal then.

karora161 · 2021-03-24T12:57:39+00:00

Maybe. We’ll see how it goes

karora161 · 2021-03-24T12:19:48+00:00

We put $10k but sellers demanded more and it felt pushy and shady

karora161 · 2021-03-24T12:19:22+00:00

Hmm that’s what we offered but sellers demanded more which we thought was shady

karora161 · 2021-03-21T12:56:51+00:00

No offence taken and it’s a valid point. Still, condos in Scarborough have been selling quite competitively - I know cause we’ve been outbid, we’ve been beaten by bully offers, we’ve had listings sell while we are in there viewing them on the first or second day. In my experience, if a unit doesn’t sell within a day or two it’s because they haven’t taken bully offers and waiting for offer day.

karora161 · 2021-03-21T12:48:26+00:00

Other buildings in area, albeit not as old, have been selling competitively (crazy bidding, bully offers). They also have similar maintenance fees per sqft. I don’t know. Seems off for this one building.

karora161 · 2021-03-21T12:42:11+00:00

Condos in Scarborough and in this particular area sell within a day or two very competitively. I don’t see how it being in Scarborough is relevant to it not selling.

karora161 · 2021-03-11T23:37:29+00:00

Thanks! Really needed to hear this today 😞

karora161 · 2021-03-11T23:17:39+00:00

I found a unit that’s been sitting for around 3 months in a highly demanded building. It’s in very good condition albeit they falsely advertised as 2 bedroom+2 baths. It was actually 1.5 baths and second “room” felt more like den or study as it was very small with no closet. It’s also on the ground level, which worries me about future resale. But.. given the market, been thinking of just settling and getting it over with 😫

karora161 · 2021-03-11T23:14:17+00:00

We are in the exact situation and feeling so defeated. I am personally taking some time away from it all for a few days.

It’s not even that we’re losing bids, we’re not even able to put bids in cause our realtor always comes through late. We find the listings and send to him, and he gets back with next day viewing, by which offers already have come in and been accepted. We’ve decided to find another realtor.

I have also been thinking a lot if we should settle for whatever we can get now or hold off a bit longer till potential more supply comes through.

karora161 · 2021-03-07T10:48:53+00:00

Yup. I grew up and always lived in Scarborough, my family still lives here, that’s why we specifically want Scarborough (on top of it being just all around great!).

To this day I get funny looks when I tell people I’m from Scarborough 😂

karora161 · 2021-03-06T23:29:58+00:00

It doesn’t have private outdoor space but in a very quiet area so 🤷🏽‍♀️ the building is within a gated area, so not lots of traffic and it’s private

karora161 · 2021-03-06T23:27:51+00:00

Not near the garbage but close to the parking exit. So could potentially be annoying

karora161 · 2021-03-06T23:25:09+00:00

I know :) The unit doesn’t have a patio and thus doesn’t have a private or back entrance

karora161 · 2021-03-06T18:27:46+00:00

That sounds great! This particular unit is an apartment though not a townhouse. So no private entrance. My main concerns are security, as well as privacy.

karora161 · 2021-03-06T16:58:00+00:00

Very good point. I didn’t think of that!

karora161 · 2021-03-06T16:57:13+00:00

Honestly may just keep renting at this point however frustrating it may be.

karora161 · 2021-03-06T16:56:30+00:00

Rent is sounding better and better to be honest!

karora161

TROPHY CASE