Here are some things to consider:

Step 1. Think about how long you're going to stay in one place. Buying a condo is no different than buying a single-family home--you need to live there at least a couple of years to recoup closing costs, assuming the property will appreciate.

Step 2. Give some thought to what you want. If you're not interested in the pool or sauna, understand that the condo's price and ongoing monthly association fees will reflect their use regardless of your interest in swimming or sweating.

Step 3. Visit various condominium or townhouse communities and multiunit buildings so you know what's available where you live. Get a sense of prevailing prices.

Step 4. Request a market analysis from a real estate agent regarding the selling prices of condos for sale in the building or area. Check the price appreciation on the market analysis to evaluate how quickly the condos for sale are increasing in value; subtract the selling price from the purchase price and divide by the number of years the property has been held by the previous owner for a ballpark estimate of annual appreciation, if any (varies from state to state and place to place), in the neighborhood.

Step 5. Get prequalified for a mortgage.

Step 6. Get started!!! Register on our site and receive the latest inventory in your area of choice for condos for sale. We handle all of Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Century City, Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, etc.

Please feel free to contact us with any question you may have. Our aim at Sunset Strip Realty is to help you make an informed decision when buying property. We will provide you comparables for properties in Los Angeles within minutes, it's important to see what properties are selling for before you put in your offer. Please call Sunset Strip Realty at 310-275-2076 today!