Q: 

I just graduated from college and want to buy a condo in Boston or Cambridge. I am pre-approved for $—–. I would like to be within a 10-mile radius of Boston.

A:

I took a look at the Multiple Listing Service (the database properties for sale that is generated by licensees). There are a lot of choices in the area you requested. Frankly, too many choices (3,932). Do you know areas of Boston, and surrounding towns?

So, job one is to get more selective.

First principle: Buy something that will serve you for the foreseeable future. Unlike when you were renting, you are less likely to be moving in the next five to ten years.

The thing about location is that you can’t change it.

Getting around: Think about where you will be working. Think about where you will be doing things after work. If you are using the MBTA, think about the routes between your house or condo and the activities you want to get to regularly. If you have a car, parking should be added to your wish list.

Being there: If you are a light sleeper, avoid busy streets, intersections with lights, bus stops at your door, highways close by, or other sources of traffic noise. Also avoid places where there is people noise, like walking routes near businesses. If you are buying in a wood-framed building, there could be noise from the neighbors’ units. Light sleepers do best on the top level.

Now the fun part! What would you enjoy in your house or condo?

Rooms: Is the kitchen important? Do want your main bedroom to be big enough for a queen or king bed? Do you want an extra bedroom, or will a place for a desk in the living room be enough? Do you need more than one bathroom?

Style: Do you want a sunny space? Do you like open floor plans or separated rooms? Do you want high ceilings, big windows, lots of built-in shelving and cabinets?

Outside: Do you need an easy safe storage spot for a bicycle or tools or a hobby? Do you need a workspace in the basement or garage for your hobbies? Do you want outdoor space to garden or entertain; does it need to be private, or is a shared yard ok?

Privacy and control: Are you comfortable being in a condo where the running of the building is shared by the owners, or do you want a professional management company to run the building?

Who is in your household? If you are single, leave room for a life when you aren’t single. It happens! If you want to adopt a pet, you need to avoid condo associations that will restrict that.

Finding the balance when you’re the buyer

The newer and better renovated a property is, the more expensive it is.

The bigger a property is, the more expensive it is.

You will get a bigger place with some features that are functionally or aesthetically outdated, or a smaller place that is renovated or new. for about the same price in a similar location. Figure out how much work you are willing to take on; the work includes hiring those plumbers and carpenters.

Wish list items, sample:

Within a half mile of a Green Line or Red Line stop. (This can get specific, if there are places you know you want to reach by MBTA.)

Parking for car or bicycle

No busy streets

Kitchen with storage

One large bedroom, second bedroom optional

Prefer separated rooms to open floor plan

Must be sunny

Private balcony, porch or patio

Garage or basement storage

Prefer owner-managed association

Must allow small dogs

That’s a sample that someone might want. What’s your wish list? Let your exclusive buyer’s agent know!