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For first time buyers, Seattle condos are a good start in the real estate market, especially for those who can't afford a traditional single family home. Many people actually prefer Seattle condos, too, because they offer a very convenient lifestyle. Condos in Seattle offer more amenities than a single family home could ever offer, and they are much more affordable. There is a great selection of Seattle new condos to choose from, so buyers can also afford to be picky.

First time condo buyers should remember, however, that they will only own the space within the walls and that's it. Some Seattle condos come in the form of a townhouse, which is a bit different. In this case the owner possesses the condo as well as the lot. With Seattle condos the owners can't add a room, paint the exterior or do anything with the landscaping. Condo owners are free to paint the interior or make other interior design changes, and they have the convenience of professional landscapers to keep up the grounds.

When people buy Seattle condos they are also agreeing to join the homeowners' association. By paying fees to the association, all of the owners jointly own the lot and all the grounds, and pay for the maintenance. The monthly fees on Seattle condos may seem high at first, but owning a home will have similar costs over a similar period of time. In this case the condo owners doesn't have to do the work themselves, either.  

Buying Seattle condos should be a positive experience with no regrets, so buyers should be as thorough as possible. When purchasing Seattle new condos, buyers should find out how many units are sold and closed. It's best not to be one of the first buyers; it's better to have 60 percent of the condos sold before closing the purchase. If the new condos don't sell or the developer goes bankrupt, buyers may end up owning much less. Make sure a warranty is provided for one year on everything in the Seattle new condos. It is important to know exactly what the developer will warrant when buying a unit in a new complex

Whether the condo is new, old or converted, buyers should be sure to ask owners in the complex what they like and dislike about both the unit and the complex. Questions about how good the sound proofing is are crucial. Buyers should also deeply consider the location of specific Seattle condos within the complex. End units and upper units generally sell for more when sound comes into play. Condos that are next to an access street, parking facility or swimming pool may be adversely affected by these features, especially when it comes to noise

Buyers may also want to stay away from predominantly rental condo complexes, which are those with more renters occupying the units than actual owners. These Seattle condos are often poorly maintained, since the owners don't actually live there they usually vote against improvements and increases in maintenance fees. Many lenders will not make loans if the percentage of renters in a condo complex is high compared with owner-occupants.

Seattle condos are a great way for first time buyers to get into the market, but those who are new to the real estate world have to be careful. Jumping into a new investment with so much money involved can be risky for those who don't know what they're doing. Luckily, there is a lot of information about Seattle condos online and through local realtors, so first time buyers have a lot of resources to help them through the process.