Imagine opening the doors of your newly-bought or rented condominium for the first time: the waft of air that invites the senses, the living room illumined by the light seeping through the window, the walls warm and bright, and the spacious void that pulls you in. You’ve done so much yet there’s still more, but you can’t help but feel a little bit proud of yourself for having acquired such a fine living space in the heart of the city: a solid claim to independence, a practical investment.
But what are you going to do next? After following the steps to condo search and dodging the common condo buyer mistakes, it’s about time to get you started with condo living. Some questions might pop up along the way: Is it time to buy furniture? Stock up on groceries? Invite friends over? A certain adrenalin rush might get you all warmed up but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. Follow this first-time condo resident guide on things to remember for a first-time condo living experience and breeze your way to living in the home of your dreams.
Update Your Address
Once you’re already settled with the payments and have set a date to move in, make sure to update your contact information with the local taxing authority, telecommunications provider, the people you do business with, and your friends and family. You don’t want to miss any mail, bill, or package that may be crucial to your professional or personal life.
Get It on Lock
Remember what your folks always tell you when they leave the house? Lock the door. And this should be a first-time condo dweller‘s note to self. Upon settling, update the door locks and make sure only you and the management have the copies of the keys. Same for renters, you don’t want the previous dwellers to still have access to your condo. So keep your place secure at all times.
Annihilate the Critters
Condo living isn’t perfect. Sometimes, no matter how spick and span your home is, little critters dwell in the most unsuspecting places (vents, plumbing) and come out unannounced. Call the pest control services as your prevention-better-than-cure. Do this before you move in with all your belongings.
Call the Big Guys
One of the most important tips for first-time condo dwellers is to hire a moving company if you’re taking a number of furniture or appliances with you. Do this upon closing the deal for your condo, especially if you’re planning to move on a busy month.
Buy Fixtures and Furniture
Some condo units don’t come fully furnished. Unless you prefer a minimalist interior, take that trip to the local home depot. Fixtures can be tricky and pricey so be smart in your purchase: installment plans, bargains, online ads, and even DIY. It’s also important to know the measurements of your unit so you’d know if that French armoire would fit in your bedroom.
Give Your Condo a Face Lift
The nice thing about owning or renting a condo unit is that you can always transform it into a place of your own. Why not customize your unit into your dream home? You might need the help of a contractor, interior designer, or architect if you want major renovations made (or just help you decide what color looks best on your wall). There are also many blogs about condo design ideas and DIYs that you can replicate.
Knock on Neighbor’s Doors
As the newest kid on the block, it’s somewhat mandatory to show courtesy to the people you’ll be sharing the condominium with. Knock on your neighbor’s doors and say hello. Introduce yourself and tell them you just moved in. It might seem a little awkward, but you’ll never know when you’ll need their help someday. Don’t forget to smile and bring something nice!
Reach Out to Your HOA
The Homeowners’ Association should help you become aware of the goings-on in your building: elevator maintenance, garbage collection, renovation of amenities, policy on keeping pets, and whatnot. The association must update you of the latest news and tell you the do’s and don’ts of the building. After all, you should get the most out of the fees you pay.
Throw a House Blessing
Just because you live in a condo doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate home traditions you grew up with. In fact, many condo dwellers do it. Aside from inviting your friends or family members in the celebration, why not invite your neighbors over for some food and drinks (and coin tossing)? Not only do you dispel bad omen in your unit but establish camaraderie in the neighborhood.
Try the Amenities
Whether you’re a condo owner or a renter, you should know the extent of your privileges. Owners might have more access to amenities than renters do, depending on your agreement with the developer, like DMCI Homes. Once you have that straightened out, get that relaxing body massage or take a dip in the swimming pool. Go to the penthouse and appreciate the skyline. While you’re at it, think of major life decisions and be proud of your condo investment.
Know Your Area
Your distance from work, school, mall, hospital, and the bank are some of the things you might have considered as one of your steps to condo search. But what about the other gems in your area? For instance, what’s the fastest route going to the airport? Where’s the nearest police station? Where can you get your car fixed? You’ll appreciate your condo more once you’ve discovered all of these.
It’s different strokes for different folks when it comes to buying or renting a condominium - to start a new life, claim independence, for easier mobility, profit, and to make a practical investment. These first-time condo dweller tips should help you ease your way through condo living. But to know more of what to do when you are first-time condo dweller, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right knowledge as it can get you a long way.