Choosing a High Rise Condo in Los Angeles

Choosing a High Rise Condo in Los Angeles

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a high-rise condo, including:

  1. Location: Look for a high-rise that is located in a desirable neighborhood with easy access to amenities, public transportation, and major thoroughfares.

  2. Security: Consider the security measures in place, such as gated access, security guards, and surveillance cameras.

  3. Amenities: Look for a high-rise with desirable amenities, such as a fitness center, pool, rooftop deck, and community room.

  4. Size and layout: Consider the size and layout of the unit, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether it meets your needs and budget.

  5. Condition: Look for a high-rise that is well-maintained and in good condition, with no major repair or maintenance issues.

  6. HOA fees: Consider the monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees, which cover the cost of maintaining common areas and amenities.

  7. Potential for appreciation: Look for a high-rise in an area with strong potential for appreciation, which can help increase the value of your investment over time.

  8. Resale value: Consider the potential resale value of the unit and whether it is likely to appeal to buyers in the future.

  9. Parking: Consider whether the high-rise has ample parking for residents and guests.

By considering these factors, you can help ensure that you find a high-rise condo that meets your needs and budget.

Let's break down some of the top concerns:

storage

Storage

Yes, it's important to consider the amount of storage space available in a high-rise condo, as space can be at a premium. Many high-rise buildings offer extra storage space for an additional fee, or some units may come with storage space included. It's a good idea to ask about this when shopping for a high-rise condo, as it can help you determine whether the unit will meet your needs in terms of storage.

It's also worth considering whether you are willing to pay extra for additional storage space, as this can add to your monthly expenses. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to downsize and get rid of items that you don't use regularly rather than paying for additional storage.

Pets

Pets

It's important to consider whether a high-rise condo building allows pets when shopping for a unit. Many buildings do allow common domestic pets, but there may be size restrictions in place. It's a good idea to ask about the building's pet policies before making a decision, as you'll want to make sure that your pet is allowed in the building.

If you have a dog, it's also important to consider the availability of green space nearby. While a building may allow pets, if there is no nearby green space for your dog to use, it could be inconvenient for both you and your pet. It's a good idea to look for a building that is located near a park or other green space where your dog can go for walks and play.

If you are "pet-averse," you may want to consider looking for a building that does not allow pets or that has strict pet policies in place. This can help ensure that you are not living in close proximity to pets that may cause allergies or other issues.

Noise

It's important to consider the potential for noise when shopping for a high-rise condo. Many buildings have strict rules governing noise levels, especially during designated "quiet periods" from mid-evening to early morning. If you are a light sleeper or are sensitive to noise, it may be worth looking for a unit that is located on a higher floor or away from common areas such as elevators or laundry rooms.

It's also a good idea to consider your personal schedule and how it may be affected by noise. If you work late and like to unwind with music or other noise after work, you may want to look for a building that has more lenient noise policies. On the other hand, if you work during the day and sleep at night, it may be worth looking for a unit that is located on a higher floor or away from areas where noise is more likely to be an issue.

Additionally, it's important to consider the potential for construction noise in a high-rise building. Many buildings undergo renovations or upgrades at some point, and this can result in noise that may be disruptive to residents. If you are sensitive to noise or are looking for a building that is less likely to experience construction noise, it may be worth asking about the building's maintenance and renovation schedule before making a decision.

Dues and Fees

Homeowners Association (HOA) dues are a common expense for high-rise condo owners. These fees are paid monthly to the association and are used to cover the costs of maintaining the building and its amenities, as well as paying for staff and insurance. HOA dues can vary significantly depending on factors such as the age of the building, the number of units in the building, and the amenities offered.

Before deciding on a high-rise condo, it's a good idea to consider the HOA dues and how they compare to your current expenses. If you are currently living in a single-family home, you may be paying for expenses such as insurance, maintenance, repairs, lawn care, and utilities. By moving to a high-rise condo, you may be able to eliminate or reduce some of these costs, as many of these expenses are covered by the HOA dues.

It's also a good idea to compare the HOA dues of different buildings to get a sense of what is typical for the area and to help you find a building that fits your budget. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or assessments that may be charged on top of the regular HOA dues, as these can add to your monthly expenses.

Rentals and Leases

It's important to consider the policies around leasing units in a high-rise condo building before making a purchase. Some buildings may have strict rules that prohibit leasing units, while others may allow it with certain restrictions or may require that potential tenants be approved by the condo board.

If you are considering purchasing a high-rise condo as an investment property or as a way to generate rental income, it's essential to understand the building's policies on leasing units. Be sure to ask about these policies before making a decision, as you'll want to make sure that you are able to lease out the unit if you need to.

It's also a good idea to consider the demand for rental units in the area and whether there is a market for them. If there is a high demand for rental units, you may be able to find a tenant for your high-rise condo more easily. On the other hand, if there is a low demand for rental units, it may be more challenging to find a tenant and you may need to lower your rental price or make other concessions to attract a tenant.

Related: The 8 Most Common Condo Buildings in Downtown Los Angeles

Amenities

Amenities

Amenities are one of the major attractions of high-rise living, and many buildings offer a range of amenities to residents. These can include things like pools, fitness centers, rooftop decks, community rooms, and more. Some buildings may also offer more luxurious amenities, such as valet service, wine cellars, and club rooms.

When shopping for a high-rise condo, it's important to consider which amenities are important to you and to look for a building that offers the amenities that you want. Keep in mind that buildings with more luxurious amenities may have higher HOA dues, so you'll need to consider whether the additional cost is worth it for the amenities that you want.

It's a good idea to communicate with your real estate agent about your preferences and what you are looking for in a high-rise condo. They can help you find buildings that offer the amenities that you want and that fit your budget. By focusing on buildings that offer the amenities that are most important to you, you can help ensure that you find a high-rise condo that meets your needs and preferences.

More: 5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

Parking

Parking is an important consideration when shopping for a high-rise condo, especially if you own a car or frequently have guests who drive. Many high-rise buildings come with assigned parking in a common garage, and the number of parking spaces included with a unit can impact its value. It's a good idea to ask about the number of parking spaces included with a unit and whether it is possible to purchase or lease additional spaces if needed.

It's also important to consider visitor parking when shopping for a high-rise condo. If the building does not have enough visitor parking, it could be inconvenient for your guests or could discourage them from visiting as often. Be sure to ask about the availability of visitor parking when shopping for a high-rise condo and consider whether it meets your needs.

In some cases, it may be possible to purchase or lease additional parking spaces if the building does not have enough spaces to meet your needs. It's a good idea to ask the building manager about this and to consider the cost of additional parking when budgeting for your high-rise condo.

Renovations

Renovations can be a significant undertaking, and it's important to consider the policies of the high-rise condo building before starting any renovations. Many buildings have strict rules governing renovations and repairs, including requirements that work be performed by licensed contractors and restrictions on the hours during which work can be performed.

If you are considering purchasing a high-rise condo that needs renovations and you plan to do the work yourself, it's a good idea to speak with the building manager and discuss your intentions. They can provide information on the building's policies and any requirements that you need to follow. Be sure to consider the impact that your renovations may have on other residents and whether you will be able to complete the work within the building's rules and regulations.

It's also a good idea to consider your own schedule and whether you will be able to complete the renovations within the allowed hours. If you work during the week and are not able to work on renovations during the weekdays, it may be challenging to complete the work within the building's rules. In this case, it may be more practical to hire a contractor to complete the renovations or to look for a high-rise condo that does not need renovations.

Assessments and Reserves

It's a good idea to research the financial health and stability of the homeowners association (HOA) for a high-rise condo building before making a purchase. One key factor to consider is the HOA's reserve fund, which is used to pay for unexpected expenses or major repairs. It's important to ensure that the HOA has sufficient funds in its reserve to cover these types of expenses and to avoid the need for special assessments, which are additional fees charged to residents to cover unexpected expenses.

You can find out more about the HOA's financial health and stability by reviewing the minutes from board meetings and asking about any recurring issues that have not been addressed. It's also a good idea to ask about the HOA's budget and whether it has sufficient funds to cover its expenses. By doing your due diligence and researching the financial health of the HOA, you can help ensure that you are making a sound investment in a high-rise condo.

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