Be realistic about your condo commute

Shopping for a new condo is about location, location, location in many ways, one of which is the consideration of your future commute from the residence you choose. It would be lovely if you could measure from points A and B on a map and judge accordingly, but of course, it is not that simple. This “as the crow flies” approach is counterproductive, as roads are rarely straight, and geographical aspects such as ravines, hills, lakes and bridges enter into the equation. Then there are varying speed limits, areas that tend to bottleneck and the like. The moral of the story is that if you are looking at new condos that are out of the vicinity where you work and live now, pay special attention to how long your commute will be, whether by foot, transit or vehicle.

I advise potential purchasers to take the time to actually do their commute from the buildings they are looking at, and to make that trip during morning and afternoon rush hours. We all know the timing can be incredibly different from off hours. Keep in mind, too, that two condos that are the same distance from your work place may have very different timings due to the parameters of the commute.

Now, to look at things a bit differently, let’s say you drive to work. I suggest experimenting with your commute by vehicle, and then using public transit. You may find transit is quicker and more economical. It also leaves time for reading the newspaper or going over your presentation for the day. And wouldn’t it be wonderful to not have to find a parking spot downtown?

As you compare condominiums, remember to log these times into your spreadsheet or whatever you are using to keep track of pros and cons. If the commute is longer from a building that is otherwise perfect, maybe think out of the box. Many employers today offer flex hours so that employees can avoid major rush hours, and even some work-from-home days. It is worth asking about. There is also the option of car-pooling if you know someone else who is purchasing in your condo.

Oh, then there may be some of you who work from home and just commute to an occasional meeting. For you, timing may not be critical, but then again, you still want a location that is convenient for travelling to and from activities, family, friends, cottages, etc. Fortunately, by provincial requirements, new condominiums are situated close to amenities and transit to make the most of existing and future infrastructure.

Your new condo comparison list will include many other factors, such as exterior architecture, building amenities, features and finishes, suite design and price. But location is really the key consideration that gets the shopping process moving along. Even if you purchase a condo suite as an investment, you want a convenient location for potential renters. The point is, look at it carefully – and compare fairly.