Comments on: The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment: What Smart Investors Need to Know—Explained Simply http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/ Press Releases, News & Information from Atlantic Publishing Company Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:55:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU By: Patricia A. Martinelli http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-448 Patricia A. Martinelli Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:48:25 +0000 http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-448 Despite all the fluctuations in the real estate market these days, buying a place of their own is still high on the list of priorities for many people. However, an increasing number of buyers are examining the advantages of shared housing space, as opposed to purchasing a house. Whether you’re thinking about investing in a condo, townhouse or apartment for yourself or as an investment, first pick up a copy of Susan Smith Alvis’ useful guide. Alvis offers potential homeowners a better understanding of the difference between the different types of properties, and examines the benefits and drawbacks of shared housing. While some might prefer the greater degree of privacy provided by a single-family home, the alternative offers advantages such as low maintenance and a sense of community. But, Alvis notes, real estate professionals always say, “Location, location, location,” for a good reason. Whether you’re buying a condo, townhouse or apartment as a place to live or as a rental property, bear in mind that it is important to ask questions such as: Why is the property for sale? How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the place have? Is it close to schools, work, and shopping? In addition to explaining important documents such as disclosure, and insurance forms, Alvis closes her book with an extensive glossary of property-related terms that are clearly defined. She also includes a financial table that will allow potential homeowners to calculate their monthly payments. So, before you buy, first invest in a copy of Alvis’ valuable guide. She’ll help you get the best value for your money. Rating = 4 stars (recommended) Despite all the fluctuations in the real estate market these days, buying a place of their own is still high on the list of priorities for many people. However, an increasing number of buyers are examining the advantages of shared housing space, as opposed to purchasing a house. Whether you’re thinking about investing in a condo, townhouse or apartment for yourself or as an investment, first pick up a copy of Susan Smith Alvis’ useful guide.

Alvis offers potential homeowners a better understanding of the difference between the different types of properties, and examines the benefits and drawbacks of shared housing. While some might prefer the greater degree of privacy provided by a single-family home, the alternative offers advantages such as low maintenance and a sense of community. But, Alvis notes, real estate professionals always say, “Location, location, location,” for a good reason. Whether you’re buying a condo, townhouse or apartment as a place to live or as a rental property, bear in mind that it is important to ask questions such as: Why is the property for sale? How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the place have? Is it close to schools, work, and shopping?

In addition to explaining important documents such as disclosure, and insurance forms, Alvis closes her book with an extensive glossary of property-related terms that are clearly defined. She also includes a financial table that will allow potential homeowners to calculate their monthly payments. So, before you buy, first invest in a copy of Alvis’ valuable guide. She’ll help you get the best value for your money.

Rating = 4 stars (recommended)

]]> By: Elisa Garcia http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-419 Elisa Garcia Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:34:26 +0000 http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-419 Realtor turned author Susan Smith Alvis knows how to generate a profit-- and in her latest title, "The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment", she provides a no-holds-barred, handy reference aimed at maximizing your multi-family property investment dollars. Here, Alvis draws upon her considerable knowledge and "insider's" perspective to lay bare the complexities -- from shopping to closing-- of these unique transactions utilizing a deceptively simple, straightforward tone and format; while her expertise is apparent throughout each chapter, the book's major strength lies in its easy readability and common-sense advice. Another plus -- though it is primarily oriented toward the first-time investor, the author has devoted substantial material to the buyer intent on occupying a shared housing unit full-time. No consumer is excluded, and, indeed, it is a fair assertion that even the seasoned landlord will glean new and relevant information from this guide. Clearly, the work is tailored to the conscientious buyer. As such, Alvis: defines -- in a logical, step-by-step fashion -- the differences between these specialty properties; illustrates: the necessary considerations based upon the buyer's goals; uncovers: the challenges specific to these structures via varied scenarios; and, more importantly, educates. And, in addition to her own hard-earned insights, this veteran real estate professional includes solid counsel and oft-unknown purchase tips from colleagues representing a cross-section of national markets. These tips -- all gems and presented in a fun, "classified case study" quote context -- outline realistic scenarios designed to navigate the prospective condo, townhouse, or apartment owner through unforeseen wrinkles and avoid potential pitfalls so as to culminate in a successful sale, regardless of occupancy or investment intent. Ultimately, "The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment" is an invaluable reference for the homeowner or investor considering a shared housing unit(s) acquisition. Realtor turned author Susan Smith Alvis knows how to generate a profit– and in her latest title, “The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment”, she provides a no-holds-barred, handy reference aimed at maximizing your multi-family property investment dollars. Here, Alvis draws upon her considerable knowledge and “insider’s” perspective to lay bare the complexities — from shopping to closing– of these unique transactions utilizing a deceptively simple, straightforward tone and format; while her expertise is apparent throughout each chapter, the book’s major strength lies in its easy readability and common-sense advice. Another plus — though it is primarily oriented toward the first-time investor, the author has devoted substantial material to the buyer intent on occupying a shared housing unit full-time. No consumer is excluded, and, indeed, it is a fair assertion that even the seasoned landlord will glean new and relevant information from this guide.

Clearly, the work is tailored to the conscientious buyer. As such, Alvis: defines — in a logical, step-by-step fashion — the differences between these specialty properties; illustrates: the necessary considerations based upon the buyer’s goals; uncovers: the challenges specific to these structures via varied scenarios; and, more importantly, educates. And, in addition to her own hard-earned insights, this veteran real estate professional includes solid counsel and oft-unknown purchase tips from colleagues representing a cross-section of national markets. These tips — all gems and presented in a fun, “classified case study” quote context — outline realistic scenarios designed to navigate the prospective condo, townhouse, or apartment owner through unforeseen wrinkles and avoid potential pitfalls so as to culminate in a successful sale, regardless of occupancy or investment intent.

Ultimately, “The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment” is an invaluable reference for the homeowner or investor considering a shared housing unit(s) acquisition.

]]> By: Jennifer Flaten http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-330 Jennifer Flaten Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:04:30 +0000 http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-330 Rating 5 stars The author takes great pains to dispel those lingering myths about condo ownership. She does this in a light easy tone. The book has a good layout in an easy to read format. The chapters flow nicely into one another. The author has included some very interesting case studies and anecdotes provide by others in the Real Estate field. The book is full of strong practical advice. It also pulls no punches, she makes it clear that condo townhome ownership is not for everyone. She makes sure to cover not only the good points but the bad ones as well, especially in the area of Homeowners Associations-she explains their importance and how to deal with them. All of this done in an easy friendly manner with a welcome touch of humor. The book is an excellent checklist for anyone considering buying. Rating 5 stars

The author takes great pains to dispel those lingering myths about condo ownership. She does this in a light easy tone. The book has a good layout in an easy to read format. The chapters flow nicely into one another. The author has included some very interesting case studies and anecdotes provide by others in the Real Estate field.

The book is full of strong practical advice. It also pulls no punches, she makes it clear that condo townhome ownership is not for everyone. She makes sure to cover not only the good points but the bad ones as well, especially in the area of Homeowners Associations-she explains their importance and how to deal with them. All of this done in an easy friendly manner with a welcome touch of humor.

The book is an excellent checklist for anyone considering buying.

]]> By: Laurie http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-142 Laurie Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:38:10 +0000 http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-142 This book is ideal for people who have never bought a condo, townhouse, or apartment. Each type of property is defined, and myths about different properties are dispelled. The ideas are explained in straightforward language. It’s full of useful caveats that revolve around such topics as upcoming assessments, homeowner’s boards, restrictions, types of neighbors, and amenities. Quite a bit of the book is dedicated to discussion on the pros and cons of shared housing. There are also discussions on home warranties, subleases, lease options, and vacation homes. In the back are a glossary, appendices with checklists, and an index, so the book can serve as a resource for later use. The amortization schedules in appendix probably aren’t necessary because you can find this information online, but it doesn’t hurt to have them there because they’re in an appendix, not in the text. 5 stars! This book is ideal for people who have never bought a condo, townhouse, or apartment. Each type of property is defined, and myths about different properties are dispelled. The ideas are explained in straightforward language. It’s full of useful caveats that revolve around such topics as upcoming assessments, homeowner’s boards, restrictions, types of neighbors, and amenities. Quite a bit of the book is dedicated to discussion on the pros and cons of shared housing. There are also discussions on home warranties, subleases, lease options, and vacation homes. In the back are a glossary, appendices with checklists, and an index, so the book can serve as a resource for later use. The amortization schedules in appendix probably aren’t necessary because you can find this information online, but it doesn’t hurt to have them there because they’re in an appendix, not in the text. 5 stars!

]]> By: Angelawd http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-58 Angelawd Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:07:58 +0000 http://atlanticpub.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/the-complete-guide-to-purchasing-a-condo-townhouse-or-apartment-what-smart-investors-need-to-know%e2%80%94explained-simply/#comment-58 The Complete Guide To Purchasing A Condo, Townhouse, Or Apartment What Smart Investors Need To Know—Explained Simply Susan Smith Alvis This book is a good guide to the absolute beginner learning about real estate. Recent college graduates, young families, and those looking to downsize from a larger home will find helpful basic information. In addition, those who are thinking about buying condos as investment or vacation properties will also find direction in this book. Covering all aspects of homebuying from the initial analysis of home needs through the ongoing relationship with the homeowners association, this book comprehensively addresses all aspects of shared residence living. Tips and case studies from investors and realtors sprinkle the book with real-world advice. Some helpful ideas: “Drive by your property at different times of day to see whether the activity level fits your lifestyle”; “Buy a two-bedroom even if you only need one, since this will be easier to sell in the future.” Information about how to set boundaries with new neighbors and how to represent yourself on the association board is particularly helpful in establishing someone in a new home. Alvis has organized her book into chapters that lead the buyer or investor through the process. Though some chapters could have been combined, leading to less repetition in ideas, information is easy to find. One wonderful bonus is the Appendices offering useful tools, payment calculators, sample homeowner’s and legal documents, and the like. Alvis’s writing style and anecdotes help the ideas to flow. Much of this information will be familiar to people who have already owned a home, but the new investor will find this guide to be helpful. The Complete Guide To Purchasing A Condo, Townhouse, Or Apartment
What Smart Investors Need To Know—Explained Simply
Susan Smith Alvis

This book is a good guide to the absolute beginner learning about real estate. Recent college graduates, young families, and those looking to downsize from a larger home will find helpful basic information. In addition, those who are thinking about buying condos as investment or vacation properties will also find direction in this book.

Covering all aspects of homebuying from the initial analysis of home needs through the ongoing relationship with the homeowners association, this book comprehensively addresses all aspects of shared residence living. Tips and case studies from investors and realtors sprinkle the book with real-world advice. Some helpful ideas: “Drive by your property at different times of day to see whether the activity level fits your lifestyle”; “Buy a two-bedroom even if you only need one, since this will be easier to sell in the future.” Information about how to set boundaries with new neighbors and how to represent yourself on the association board is particularly helpful in establishing someone in a new home.

Alvis has organized her book into chapters that lead the buyer or investor through the process. Though some chapters could have been combined, leading to less repetition in ideas, information is easy to find. One wonderful bonus is the Appendices offering useful tools, payment calculators, sample homeowner’s and legal documents, and the like.

Alvis’s writing style and anecdotes help the ideas to flow. Much of this information will be familiar to people who have already owned a home, but the new investor will find this guide to be helpful.

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