Party with a Purpose spotlights condo living
This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on May 25th, 2010.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
This month’s Party with a Purpose will highlight condo living – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in many urban centres and one that is building momentum in Saint John.
“There is often a misconception as to what condo ownership is,” says listing realtor Bob McVicar, who is sponsoring the event with Sue Cairns McVicar. “A condo is not just a term that describes the style of a property, but is a very specific form of ownership.”
Condominiums vary in terms of size and style, from townhouses, to garden homes, to a standard building complex or tower. It combines the amenities of renting with the benefits of property ownership – owners hold legal titles to their units, the same as if it were an actual home. They also share ownership of the common areas outside of their actual units – lobbies, yards, roofs and parking lots, which are maintained through monthly fees.
“The fact that condo ownership is not that common in the Saint John market has left this option off of the list of potential home ownership options for many people in this market,” McVicar says. “FUSION was the perfect partner for this event because first-time home owners are often the primary purchasers of urban condo units and FUSION represents this demographic in Saint John.”
The party will take place at the condo development at 207 King St. E., in the building’s show suite, a two-bedroom condo apartment that has been fully staged by design expert Judith Mackin. Two other units will also be available for those interested in taking a closer look at the condo options available in this particular building. Bob Kelly, one of Canada’s pioneer experts on condo development and ownership, will be on hand to answer questions, as well as representatives from the mortgage industry and the Kings Court Condominium developers.
Although more and more people are moving to the city centre, there are many renters who are eventually drawn away from the uptown because of a desire to own property. Condo living allows people the opportunity to own their own property while enjoying the uptown lifestyle. Such was the case for Greg Cutler, who has recently moved back into the city from Hampton, having bought the very same unit he had rented before it was converted to a condo. “This is more of a lifestyle. It’s the perfect place if you’re busy, but still want to own your own property – I hope it catches on,” Cutler says.
May’s Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 207 King St. E., Unit 2. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
