buying a condo | Cincinnati Condo Connection - Part 2

River View Condo Renovation Opportunity

 

Rare opportunity to combine two condos with Southeastern exposure (best river view from building) at the Edgecliff Private Residences.  See listing information.

The building is located in Eden Park in Walnut Hills, a desirable neighborhood four minutes from downtown Cincinnati.  It’s a corner unit 2 bedroom and an adjacent studio just waiting for your personal touch.  Buy it in time for Labor Day Fireworks.

Edgecliff Private Residences #1108- 1 Bedroom, River & City Views $170,000

River view condo at the Meridian #701

Renovated condo Edgecliff in Eden Park/Walnut Hills

Check out this beautifully renovated condo with a 44 ft balcony and open floor plan. See the video.

Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Luxury Condo Market Update 6.30.18

The Three Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati for Condo Shopping

The Verona in Eden Park

 

As we move closer and closer to spring time here in Cincinnati, the real estate market is beginning to heat up for potential buyers and sellers alike.

In fact, according to Realtor.com, there are currently 3,667 homes on the market and 3,552 homes for rent, and the current average listing price for the city of Cincinnati is $165,000. Although great homes can be found all over the city, the following neighborhoods in Cincinnati are likely to be your best bet for finding a wonderful deal on a condo.

Over-The-Rhine

Of all the neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Over-The-Rhine is the one with the most condos on the market—and it also happens to be one of the hippest, most popular areas in the city. According to Realtor, the area has an average listing price of $324,950, although prices currently range from $200,000 to $600,000. Most condos for sale in Over-the-Rhine are walking distance from area attractions like Findlay Market and a wide variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife. In addition, many homes for sale in OTR have been remodeled or upgraded within the last ten years. You can check out our recent article, “OTR: Best Deal on a Condo,” to see one of many homes that we recommend if you are considering purchasing a condo in OTR.

Walnut Hills

Although a little more removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cincinnati, Walnut Hills is still a great place to buy a home. There are currently around 35 condos on the market in Walnut Hills, with prices ranging from $110,000 all the way up to $995,000, so there is something here for everyone. As far as perks and amenities go, there are many options available. For instance, this two bedroom, two bath condo, located at River Terrace, 2401 Ingleside 10A.  It features a stunning river view and has undergone a complete renovation. It’s listed at $285,000 and has valet parking.  This one won’t last long. The Edgecliff Private Residences  2200 Victory Pkwy, 809 is currently listed at $349,900, features an in-unit skyline view, while the building includes a guest suite with a kitchen and a 24 hour concierge.  Meanwhile, the $149,900, one bedroom, one bath unit at The Verona 2356 Park Avenue, 104 features in-unit wood floors and an address in a coveted historic building.

 

Eden Park in Walnut Hills

Hyde Park

Just a few minutes east of Walnut Hills is the Cincinnati neighborhood known as Hyde Park. Like OTR, Hyde Park is extremely walkable, a perfect location for those who enjoy being outside in their neighborhood. Although this area is also somewhat removed from downtown Cincinnati, it still offers plenty of easily accessible shops and restaurants and easy access to I-71. Currently, there are about 30 condominiums on the market in Hyde Park, ranging anywhere from $165,000 all the way up to 1.5 million. Given the high price range, it is no surprise that homes in Hyde Park boast a variety of amenities. This two bedroom, two bath home, located at Michigan Terrace3500 Michigan Avenue, 43, is listed for $799,000. The location alone is worth every penny. This property is located right on Hyde Park Square, amid the city’s most popular shopping and dining districts. The two bedroom two bath home at the Madison House2324 Madison Rd, 304, on the other hand, is listed for $148,500 and features a large balcony and wood flooring. The building provides valet parking service, a doorman, and a heated pool.

Hyde Park Square

If one of these listings caught your eye, and you are considering purchasing a home in one of these neighborhoods in Cincinnati, give us a call today at (513) 215 – 3996 today and let us help you find the perfect condo for you.

Condo Buyers Checklist: 3 Tips to Make Buying a Condo Less Stressful

Street in Cincinnati

People make the decision to purchase a home for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s all about the location. For others, it’s about pricing and amenities, but most of all, it’s about potential return-on-investment in the future. Regardless of what you are looking for, the home-buying process can be an arduous one. Here are a few tips that, if applied, will make your condo purchase less stressful.

1. Evaluate your finances

This may seem obvious but the importance of preparing your finances when before a home purchase cannot be understated. Condos, in particular, come with some unique financial challenges, due to varying Homeowner Association rules. To help avoid confusion, both buyers and sellers should make sure to utilize the Condominium and Homeowner Association Checklist provided by the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors. You should also ensure that your own financial statements show a history of good credit and on-time payments. For a deeper dive into how to boost your credit rating, check out Credit Repair’s recent article on “How to Fix your Credit to buy a Home.” In addition, make sure that you have saved up enough to fund at least a 5% down payment (although 20% is typically preferable) on your home

2. Research, Research, Research

You can be prepared for many of the curveballs that the condo-buying process will likely throw your way by doing lots of research. The best advice we can offer is simply to start early. Even if you may not be looking to purchase a new home right away, the more time you have to familiarize yourself with the area the better off you will be. Look at price ranges, appreciation likelihood, availabilities, and amenities. Then, create a list of must-haves for your new home, and continue to proactively add and subtract from that list throughout the process

3. Get help from a professional

As a potential home-buyer, it is in your best interest to find help from a licensed real estate agent. Not only can they help you decide which home to buy, they can offer much-needed help and advice throughout the purchase process.

Here at Cincinnati Condo Connection, we understand the intricacies of purchasing a Cincinnati condo for-sale.  We have a proven track record of quality with both buyers and sellers and often know when new units will be available before they reach the market. Contact us to begin your search for a Cincinnati condo today!

Best Deal on a Condo in Over-the-Rhine

Trinity Flats OTR

There are many beautiful, affordable homes on the market in Cincinnati. With each neighborhood providing a unique culture and great amenities there is something for every potential home-buyer.

Over-the-Rhine, one of Cincinnati’s most popular and historic neighborhoods, is no exception. The area is home to some of the city’s best restaurants: The Mercer, Pleasantry, Sartre and French Crust, as well as, Washington and Ziegler Park. The recently installed streetcar connects Over-the-Rhine to both the city’s business district and riverfront neighborhoods. Most homes for sale in the area are recently upgraded condos with lofts that range from $200,000 all the way up to $550,000.

Homes for sale in Over-the-Rhine are known for being slightly more expensive than other Cincinnati neighborhoods. The current, average listing price is $324,950. However, given the area’s growth over the last 20 years, as well as proximity to dining, shopping and nightlife, a home or condo for sale in Over-the-Rhine is almost guaranteed to be a great investment. In fact, Zillow predicts that home values will grow at least 3.7 percent over the next year.

One such listing is the home at 1326 Vine Street B, in the Trinity Flats condo complex. Natural lighting fills this open concept, two bedroom, one bathroom condo with a built-in loft. Chic wood flooring, updated appliances and granite countertops, make this home perfect Cincinnati professional or young family. In addition, The Trinity Flats building offers a rooftop resident deck, and onsite shopping and dining. This home is also only a 10-minute walk from Findlay Market. Findlay Market is a trendy spot that that is known and beloved by locals as the best place in the city to buy locally sourced goods. Currently listed at $279,000, this property provides excellent value for the interested condo buyer.

Are you interested in purchasing a condo in Over-the-Rhine this year? Check out our listings page to view all of our available properties.

Three Tips for Flipping a Condo in Downtown Cincinnati

The American

With the ever-growing popularity of HGTV shows like Flip or Flop and Fixer Upper, home flipping as a source of income is becoming more and more popular. While for some, it can be a great and lucrative investment; home flipping is not for everyone. Interested in flipping a home or condo in downtown Cincinnati? Check out the following tips to help you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Understand the home flipping market and the costs involved

Presently, the home flipping market in the United States is a saturated one. Atom Data Solutions’ Q2 2017 U.S Home Flipping Report, showed a home flipping rate of 5.6% of all home sales during the quarter and a gross flipping profit of $67,516. Inventory is tight nationwide, which makes flipping anywhere a tough investment. Before buying a home, make sure that you have done your research on the area in which you are purchasing. Check multiple sources to see what comparable properties are renting or selling for, and gauge the level of necessary repairs around those numbers.

The importance of understanding the growth potential of the neighborhood in which you are purchasing cannot be understated. For instance, a condo for sale in Over-The-Rhine may be more expensive and need fewer repairs than one in Oakley. However, given the rate in which home prices in Over-The-Rhine have grown in the last 20 years, a condo flipping project in that area is likely to be the better investment.

2. Be Wary of Costly Repairs

Allow your research to inform which repairs you undertake on your newly acquired property. While research shows that an upgraded kitchen and bathroom are large selling points on most homes, they are also the most costly upgrades, given that typically they will require plumbing work. Although some costs will vary by market. According to HomeAdvisor, the average kitchen repair will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $50,000. While the average bathroom repair ranges from $2,500 up to $23,749.

3. Work with the right contractor and construction team

Do your homework to find the best, most reliable contractor for the job. Check references, look at past projects and thoroughly interview everyone you bring on your team. The right contractor can also be a great sounding board for cost – effective re-model ideas but, be careful not to overdo it. Choose a few, impactful repairs that will help you to improve the value of the home without paying an arm and a leg and, do your own repairs where you can. The best way to save money on a home improvement project is to do-it-yourself.

Although the house flipping market is a saturated one, it is possible to make a decent profit given the right tools. Here at Cincinnati Condo Connection, we have condos for sale in a variety of price ranges, some of which may be a great flipping investment. Contact us today to begin your own project!

Is it Better to Buy a Condo Pre-construction or as a Resale?

This is often a topic of concern.  I’ve heard many people state that condo values do not go up because condominiums are commodities.  It’s not that simple.  The same rules apply to single family homes.  LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.  Got that?

New Construction

The Value of New and Choice

I’ve found that a lot of people really value the newness of new construction.  They love choosing their finishes and living in a unit that no one else has lived in. You have the opportunity to pick the best view, floor plan and all of your finishes.

The Developer Needs You

Those first few buyers can often negotiate a bit more than later buyers.  The developers typically need to presell a certain percentage of units (70%) to get financing for the project.  While they are not inclined to reduce prices in a good market, they are often happy to give you some upgrades just to book the sales.  They know that the first few are the hardest to sell, once they have sold a good percentage of them other buyers will hop on the train and buy too.

Lock in Pricing

In an upward moving market, you are purchasing tomorrow at the market price today.  I’ll gladly pay you for a condo tomorrow.

Discounted HOA Assesments

If you aren’t there that long, this may be a good thing.  The developer wants to sell unit and is not worried about putting the funds away today for problems that may develop 20 years from now.  HOA payments will increase with time. They always do.  Expect them to increase at the rate of inflation.  It’s just good planning.

Tax Abatements

Many cities including Cincinnati offer generous tax abatements for new construction.  10 to 15 years at reduced prices.  Leed Certified is the best but any tax abatement can save you a lot of money over the years.

Construction Noise & Mess

New construction can go on for years.  Are you ready to live with the noise, dust and construction workers? Think about this if you are retired and home all day or if you work from home.

Who Controls the Building?

New construction is more complexity.  How long will it take and when will the homeowners get control from the developer. The goal is for the homeowners association to run the building, but all new buildings are run by the developer until certain milestones have been met by the developer.

New Construction has More Complexity

How long will it take and when will the homeowners get control from the developer. Will it sell out or will it maintain it’s pricing?  Will the developer have the financial wherewithal to complete the project?  Low inventory today means less to worry about but that wasn’t always the case.

Reasons to Buy a Resale Condo

Location and View

Often the best locations and views are the older buildings.  Most cities were developed a long time ago and people still want to be near downtown or to have views of water and minutes.  River view and ocean view condos were usually built long ago.  Park views are also sought after and the more established a park is the more expensive homes near it. There are always exceptions to this especially in newly revitalized cities.

Discount

Resales may have dated interiors or are being sold under a bit of distress.  People get old and move to assisted living and sometimes their families are left to sell the units and aren’t as emotional as the owner.  If you are willing to renovate, you can often get a very good deal and a good view.

The Community is Already Established

Once the building has been inhabited for a while, the community is established.  They have institutional knowledge, a  board and management with knowledge of the building.  It can take a while to establish boards and processes. In a resale you can tell if the building is a quiet building made up of retirees and professionals or a rowdy building with young professionals and students.  Some buildings are more social than others.  It’s helpful to know which type of community you are seeking.

Size matters

New construction for the most part tend to be smaller units with higher SF costs. The exception is the luxury market.  In Cincinnati, many of the new construction seem to be either 3,000 plus SF and over $1 million dollars or 1,000 SF and $300,000-400,000. Developers need to make money and are making smaller and smaller condos.  Micro condos and one bedroom condos are becoming more prevelant.

Better Quality Building

Older buildings are often built better.  Older condos were often made of better materials by better craftsman.  Some new buildings can be pretty but not so well made.  Take the time to learn about the developer. I’ve known more than one buyer who bought new construction only to find out that they can hear the neighbors walking above them.  Consider a newly developed older building for the best of both worlds.