Your First Place

"The main reasons why I chose a condominium over a house are affordability and convenience."

"Though homebuying can seem like a very daunting experience for many people, it's exactly the opposite with Tridel," says Andrea Davidson, a Sales Representative at Tridel. "We make it really easy to buy your first condo! All you need is a mortgage pre-approval, and for extra peace of mind, a real estate lawyer."

Most customers are unaware of all the benefits of purchasing a new condo, especially in the pre-construction stage. For example, you can custom design your suite by choosing all the finishes; the cabinets, counters, flooring, and even adding closet space. Imagine designing your home, exactly how you want it, to suit both your needs and tastes.

Another misconception is that you need a lot of extra money in addition to the purchase price. With Tridel, one parking spot and appliances are often included. Plus, you would be pleasantly surprised with the selection of standard packages Tridel offers. "The features and finishes are such good quality, you don't have to spend extra money on upgrades to make your suite look fabulous," says Andrea.

Andrea recently moved into a condo she purchased at Tridel's Essex community in Etobicoke. Initially, she was looking for a downtown location until she discovered The Essex. "What changed my mind was how much more I could get for my money. I was suddenly willing to drive, or subway the extra few minutes west from the downtown core. As a result, I was able to afford a luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 washroom suite with a view of downtown and the lake. The bottom line is, it's all about location and affordability."

"The main reasons why I chose a condominium over a house are affordability and convenience. Houses in this area start at half a million dollars, which is not a reasonable cost for a typical first time buyer. Then there's the convenience aspect, like parking underground, not having to scrape the car or shovel snow in the morning," says Andrea. "The gym is onsite so I can work out whenever I want. I'm frequently out so I love the maintenance free, convenient lifestyle of condo living". Plus, there is 24-hour concierge (in most Tridel buildings). As a single woman, there's comfort in the security offered. For this reason, many single young women are buying condos now.

To make an informed purchase decision, Andrea advises customers to visit websites that will reaffirm a builder's reputation, like the Tarion Warranty Corporation website, (tarion.com). They can also attend the 'Greater Toronto Home Builders Association Consumer Seminar Series', which provides useful information about the whole condo buying process.

Ultimately, condo living is all about lifestyle. The on-site amenities like the fitness center and party room add a rich dimension to one's lifestyle. As Andrea simply puts it, "Purchasing a condo is a really great, great move."

This article can be found in Tridel's Distinction Magazine. To order your FREE copy of Distinction Magazine, please click here.