When you’re buying a condo, the viewing isn’t just about Do I like it? It’s your chance to detect problems before you fall in love with the staging and the view.
Here’s a practical 30-point condo viewing checklist to help you walk in like a pro, not a tourist.
Building, Location & First Impressions
1. Street & neighborhood vibe
Walk around the block. Listen for traffic, bars, construction, and planes and trains. Visit at different times (evening/weekend). A beautiful unit in a noisy, chaotic area can quickly lose its charm.
2. Proximity to essentials
Check how close you are to groceries, pharmacies, gyms, schools, and public transit. Open Maps, look at drive/walk times. Convenience is a significant factor in long-term satisfaction and resale value.
3. Curb appeal & exterior condition
Look at paint, balconies, railings, landscaping, driveway, and signage. Peeling paint, cracked concrete, or neglected gardens often hint at weak building management or underfunded maintenance.
4. Entrance & lobby
Is the lobby clean, modern, and well-lit or tired and outdated? Notice smells, lighting, and how secure it feels. This is the first impression for guests and future buyers.
5. Elevators
Check how many elevators there are, their speed, cleanliness, and condition. Are there signs about “out of service” repairs? In tall buildings, elevator reliability is a significant lifestyle factor.
6. Parking situation
See your actual space (or type of space):
- Is it assigned or first-come, first-served?
- Is it tight or easy to park in?
- Is the garage well-lit and ventilated?
- Also, look for guest parking, which is very important for visitors and future resale.
7. Amenities condition
Visit the pool, gym, lounge, rooftop, and business center. Are they clean, modern, and actually used? Or sad and empty? Amenities should feel like a bonus, not a burden.
8. Security & access
Check if the building has:
- Key fobs or smartphone access
- Cameras in hallways, lobby, and parking
- 24/7 front desk or concierge
- Ask how packages and food deliveries are handled. Security and convenience go hand in hand.
Building Health & Management
9. Hallways & common areas
Look at walls, carpet, lighting, and ceilings. Are there stains, cracks, or flickering lights? Well-maintained halls usually indicate good management and enough funds for upkeep.
10. Notice boards & posted signs
Read any bulletin boards: upcoming repairs, rule changes, or special assessments. This can reveal whether the building is proactive or constantly “putting out fires.”
11. Garbage & recycling areas
Peek at the trash room or bins. Is it clean and organized, or smelly and overflowing? This tells you a lot about both management and residents.
12. Building age & major recent work
Ask what major projects have been done recently (roof, elevators, plumbing, facade) and what’s planned in the next 5 years. Upcoming big projects can mean upcoming considerable costs.
13. Management style
Is the building professionally managed, or is it self-managed by the board? Friendly, responsive staff at the front desk and in the office are a huge green flag.
14. Resident mix & culture
Ask (or observe): owners vs renters, families vs investors, short-term rentals allowed or not. This affects noise levels, community feel, and long-term stability.
Inside the Unit – The Stuff Photos Hide
15. Natural light & orientation
Turn off some lights and see how bright the unit is on its own. Which direction do the windows face? South- and west-facing exposures usually mean more light; north-facing exposures can feel darker but cooler.
16. Views & privacy
Look out each window: are you staring directly into another unit, a parking lot, or a beautiful skyline/water view? Also, can people easily see into your bedroom or living room?
17. Noise inside the unit
Stand silently for a minute. Can you hear neighbors, hallway chatter, elevator “dings,” traffic, or loud music? Thin walls can be a deal-breaker.
18. Layout & flow
Walk through as if you live there:
- Is there a logical flow from entry → kitchen → living → bedrooms?
- Is there space for a dining table, a sofa, and a workspace?
- Bad layouts are complex and expensive to fix in condos.
19. Storage space
Open every closet and cabinet. Count:
- Bedroom closets
- Entry closet
- Linen/storage closet
- Kitchen storage
- Condos live or die by storage. If it’s minimal, ask where you’ll keep luggage, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items.
20. Flooring condition
Check for scratches, cracks, stains, or uneven areas. Replacing flooring in a condo can be costly and may require HOA approval for soundproofing.
21. Walls & ceilings
Look for:
- Cracks (especially around windows/doors)
- Yellow/brown stains (possible past leaks)
- Freshly repainted patches only in certain areas (could be covering something)
22. Windows & doors
Open and close them all:
- Do windows slide smoothly and lock properly?
- Any drafts when they’re closed?
- Balcony doors sturdy and well-sealed?
- Upgraded windows can reduce noise and energy costs.
23. Kitchen inspection
Don’t just look at the test:
- Turn on the stove, oven, and range hood
- Check fridge seals and interior condition
- Open cabinets and drawers for wear, moisture, or smells
- Also note counter space, number of outlets, and whether the layout suits how you cook.
24. Bathroom inspection
Turn on the shower, sink, and flush the toilet:
- Check water pressure and temperature consistency
- Watch how quickly water drains
- Look for mold, cracked grout, and poor ventilation
- Bathrooms can hide expensive problems.
25. HVAC & ventilation
Find the AC/heating unit:
- Ask its age and last service date
- Notice how loud it is when running
- Check vents for dust buildup
- Aging HVAC can be a big future expense.
Money, Rules & Future You
26. HOA/condo fees & what they cover
Even if you don’t see the full documents on the first visit, ask:
- Current monthly fee
- What’s included (water, gas, internet, insurance, amenities, etc.)
- Any upcoming fee increases or special assessments planned
27. Reserve fund & recent assessments
A healthy reserve fund means the building is planning for the future. Repeated “surprise” assessments often mean poor planning or emerging structural issues.
28. Rules on pets, rentals & renovations
Ask specifically:
- Pet types, sizes, and number of pets
- Minimum lease terms (e.g., 6 or 12 months, Airbnb allowed or banned)
- Rules on flooring changes, knocking down walls, or installing things like EV chargers
- These rules affect your lifestyle and future resale/rental options.
29. Market history in the building
- How long similar units usually stay on the market
- Recent selling prices
- Whether prices are trending up or flat
- You’re not just buying a home; you’re buying into a micro-market.
30. Your gut feeling & long-term fit
Finally, imagine your daily routine here:
- Waking up, working, cooking, and hosting friends
- Parking, carrying groceries, using the elevator
- If something feels “off” now, it usually gets worse, not better, after you move in.
Thinking About a Luxury Condo in Fort Lauderdale?
If this checklist has you dreaming about a lock-and-leave, resort-style condo near the beach, Fort Lauderdale has some incredible options, and Tiffany House is right at the top of that list.