Downsizing to a Condo? 6 Top Tips to Help!

Many of our clients who are considering downsizing to a condo just don’t know where to start. Indeed, the process can be overwhelming. Thankfully, with a little know-how and preparation, you can make the move a seamless one.

If you’re thinking of downsizing to a condo soon, we’ve got some advice to help you. We’ve assisted many clients in making this transition, and have learned so much along the way. Here are our six top tips!

1. Choose Your New Community Carefully

While it’s tempting to be swayed heavily by the aesthetics and amenities of the actual condo building, it’s crucial that you think about your neighbourhood first. This is the same advice we give anyone looking to purchase any kind of home.

Think carefully about which community you want to live in. Do you want to stay close to the area in which you raised your family? Or would you like to explore the convenience of downtown living? Do you want to be close to friends, your place or work, your church? South Etobicoke, for instance, is full of amazing neighbourhoods for you to choose from.

Perhaps you want to be in close proximity to places where you can enjoy your favourite pastimes. Maybe you’d like to live near a golf club or marina, or somewhere that’s an easy drive to the cottage. Etobicoke condos are no longer limited to the confines of large cities so you’ll be surprised what you can find in the surrounding areas.

2. Get Your Priorities Sorted

Once you’ve pinpointed your neighbourhood, now it’s time to think about what you want from your actual Etobicoke condo. Just as when you’re buying a house, you might not be able to get everything on your list, so make sure your priorities are in order. By sorting must-haves from nice-to-haves, you’ll be much better equipped to make a quick decision should the need arise.

Ask yourself what you really want from your new home. Would you rather a smaller boutique building or a high rise with spectacular views of the city or waterfront? How much space do you want? Older condos typically have larger spaces but may need to be renovated. You might have the opportunity to do this before you move in if you time the sale of your home after you take possession of your new condo.

Of course, a big perk of condo living is the amenities that come with the space. These include things like a pool, gym, tennis court, home theatre, or party room. While lots of amenities can sound amazing, think about which ones you’ll actually use. Also, bear in mind that buildings with more amenities sometimes have higher maintenance fees. You don’t want to be paying for things you’re not going to use.

3. Get a Feel for the Building

Every building has a different feel, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t be afraid to go and get a good sense of the condo you’re considering, before putting in an offer.

Visit the building at different times of day and go into the areas you think you’d use (if accessible). Ride the elevator and ask owners what they like about living there. Talk to the concierge to find out how approachable and helpful they are. After all, you’ll likely be interacting with them on a daily basis.

And it’s not just indoor spaces you’ll want to check out. Outside might be just as important to you. If there are green spaces, go sit and see if they are areas you’ll enjoy using. This will be your new backyard after all. If you’re a commuter, you might want to try out your route to work to see how long it will take and how busy it will be.

4. Start Purging Early

It might not look like you have a lot of stuff when you’re in a large home. But try cramming it all into a condo and you might find yourself with no space to move. When downsizing to a condo, many of our clients underestimate the work involved in purging their family home. It’s common to feel overwhelmed with the task and put it off until the last minute. Of course, this only adds to the stress of deciding which items to part with.

The answer? Start early and get help. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, it’s best to begin purging well in advance of wanting to put your home on the market. Many realtors will offer assistance in helping you get organized to purge.

Of course, you’ll want to bring the sentimental items, and you may find you have room for overflow if your new unit has a storage locker. When it comes to larger things like furniture, you’ll probably consider trading in some items for ones that fit well in your smaller space.

5. Work With an Experienced Realtor

Of course, finding the right condo is just as big of a deal as choosing a house. If it’s the first time you’ve moved to a condo, it will be unknown territory for you. Therefore, it’s even more important that you get Etobicoke real estate agent.

Choosing a realtor that has plenty of experience will ensure you get the best advice. They’ll be familiar with the various condo options so you get the one that’s right for you. They can also help you with the process of downsizing as they’ve been through it with many clients before.

6. Consider Renting First

Not everyone is prepared for the changes that condo living brings to their lifestyle. Plus, every building is so different to the next. For example, things as simple as noisy neighbours or strict rules and regulations can be enough to make you rethink your choice.

If you’re not 100% sure about your move, you might want to consider renting in Etobicoke before your buy. While this option isn’t for everyone, it can be an excellent way to make sure you’ve made the right choice. Not only can you decide if a building is right for you, you can also get a better feel for which units you would prefer to purchase.

Wrapping Up

Downsizing to a condo can be both exciting and liberating. However, it can also spell a stressful time if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, using the tips in this post, you’ll be well on your way to condo bliss.