Those shopping for Boston real estate can gain some important insight by walking around their target neighborhood after a snow storm.
The care (or lack of it) that a building takes in clearing their sidewalks is an indication of how a property is maintained.
If living in a well managed building is important to you, jot down the addresses of buildings with icy sidewalks. You can then decide if you want to avoid them or do some serious investigation before you rent or buy there.
These places may have lower condo fees, purchase prices, or rents; but they may also have deferred maintenance that will lead to hefty special assessments or rent increases when emergencies occur. You might also find yourself living with daily problems like icy stairs and walks.
As we approach the Spring real estate market, we'll add more tips to help those looking for a home in the city.
You'll find all of these in our new Real Estate Category.
If you're thinking about moving to the city or buying a condo, we recommend that you do your homework first. Here's a highly rated book on the topic. This small investment could save you money and heartache.