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How to determine a Good Manhattan New York condo investment?

By
Real Estate Agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate

We talked with a lady from California who is looking to purchase a condo investment here in Manhattan New York because she believes now is a good time to invest in Manhattan New York.  I can definitely appreciate her views as we are seeing a lot of sale activities in this market and many of our serious buyers are finding good long term investments with our help.

We discussed her investment goals and we will stay in touch via emails until she arrives in New York in two weeks. Before we hang up the phone, she asked me what determines a good Manhattan New York condo investment.

Below are the three big points in my suggestions to her:

Location: Convenient location for public transportation, New Yorkers rely on public transportation such as subway, trains and buses.  If the building is near a subway station, the condo is much easier to rent out or resell in the future. Nobody ever complains about having too many transportation options, but they definitely complain about having to walk 15 minutes just to get to a subway. 

Carrying charge: Assuming this is an all cash purchase with no mortgage payment. The owner (or landlord) is responsible to pay monthly condo common charge and Real Estate taxes. So the lower combined carrying charge (the common charge and Real Estate taxes), the more net profit there is on the investment. Every building is different when it comes to the common charges and real estate taxes so determining the value proposition each building has is a necessary aspect of the purchase.

Sale price: The sales price of the condo is relevant to what has been sold in the building before, for example, if in the same building, condition, exposure, square footage size and layout is the same sold for $920,000 last week, and you can buy the downstairs unit with identical condition and layout for $900,000 because the seller is very motivated, then you may be buying a deal, relative to units in the building. When it comes to sales price comparison of 'a deal', it is always ideal to compare within the same building, same neighborhood, same period of time (month/week), condition and exposure of the condo to determine if it is a good deal or not. 

When determining a good Manhattan New York condo investment, ultimately we are talking about a property that is going to hold it's value and have the best opportunity to maximize appreciation in the future.  Every person comes with their own thoughts on what makes a good investment, but as an active real estate agent in the Manhattan condominium market our experience will help you make a more well informed buying decision.

Call us today at (917)837-8869 so we can discuss how to maximize your investment.

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Eileen Hsu 許雅嵐 (email: EHSU(@)elliman.com)

Our team specialize in Manhattan New York Condominiums, townhouses, and condops.

We are condominium residents ourselves so we understand the Manhattan New York condominium community. We also enjoy all Manhattan neighborhoods, especially Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, Midtown East, Murray Hill, Financial District, Chelsea, Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village, Nolita and etc just to name a few. If you or you know someone that may be interested in selling, buying or leasing their Manhattan New York condo, call us today (917)837-8869 or (646)644-6929 and we can discuss your specific Real Estate goals.

Manhattan New York Condo Specialists or Chinese Speaking Real Estate Agent

 

Comments(8)

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Eileen,

You forgot... "If Laura Cerrano Feng Shui Consulted on it" Hahaha

Sep 19, 2011 01:39 PM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
Hi Laura, yes of course if the buyers are feng shiu conscious, we will absolutely have them talk to you.
Sep 19, 2011 02:08 PM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Eileen, buying in a city is much more complicated that buying in the suburbs. My stepson lived in NYC for a few years, transportation was a key factor when choosing a place. That and accessibility to good food. He didn't cook so being able to walk to food options was important. Although, that's not hard to do in New York.

Sep 20, 2011 05:43 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

This is excellent advice. Unlike the 'burbs, where people move less and could remain in a home 20+ years, a condo is a shorter term and you have to be mindful of the business side of things. 

Sep 20, 2011 09:17 AM
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Eileen- This is great advice. This should be featured to show all those out there about purchasing in Manhattan. Great hyper local post about an area that has a lot of assumptions but not many have the true knowledge of buying and selling in Manhattan. Katerina 

Sep 20, 2011 09:34 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Great post Eileen, and getting that good price up front with the right location and understanding the carrying charge will make you a buying CHAMP.

Sep 20, 2011 12:38 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents
Eileen - This is a very impressive post about guiding buyers of Manhattan condos what to look for. I enjoy the perspectives you shared. You're right. It may mean different to different people but having a Manhattan real estate agent watch out other perspectives for you, that's what you bring as an added-value benefit. I'm proud to call you my Manhattan real estate agent.
Sep 20, 2011 01:20 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Eileen and this is a wonderful post, and you know that if VB ever purchased a property in Manhattan where he would go!

VB ;o)

Sep 20, 2011 07:36 PM