What To Consider When Buying A Marina del Rey Home or Condo

What To Consider When Buying A Marina del Rey Home or Condo

  • Bill Ruane

There are plenty of pros and cons for both condo and homeownership in Los Angeles, and it comes down to what’s most important or your lifestyle. Understanding your needs and goals is the best way to know which kind of real estate will be the best investment for you.

Consider the following details when deciding between a single-family home or condo in Marina del Rey.

Space requirements


Homes for sale in Marina del Rey will give you more space—but that extra space may not be exactly where you want it. Single-family homes typically offer owners additional outdoor space, which can be necessary for some, but a burden for others. Thus, it’s essential to decide where you prefer to spend your time and how much space you need.

If you have a growing family, outdoor space may be essential. If you’re living on your own, you may prefer the security and community of a condo building. Additionally, consider that storage space might cost an extra fee in a condo, whereas a family home typically has a variety of storage spaces.

Investment options

Currently, condos for sale in Marina del Rey start in the $500,000 range. Single-family homes, however, start at over $1 million. Thus, condos can be the more affordable option, especially for first-time homebuyers. That doesn’t mean all condos are starter homes, though. There are plenty of luxury condominiums available, starting at prices well over $1 million. It just depends on what’s important to you and how you want to invest your money. Condos can be harder to sell than family homes. So, you’ll want to keep that in mind when making your investment. This is primarily due to building requirements and not because of demand.

Maintenance

If you desire a maintenance-free lifestyle, a condominium is the better option for you. There are no yards to mow, no weeds to pluck, and no sprinkler system to maintain. Nor do you have to worry about HVAC issues, electricity, or utilities, as the building maintenance crew will handle these. However, this also means that you don’t have control over the maintenance. If the building needs to complete work in or outside your unit, they can do so at any time during working hours. In a family home, you have complete control over when and how all maintenance is completed, which means you must find the right contractor to hire and manage the process. This is something to keep in mind if you’re looking at homes for sale in Marina del Rey that may require some updating or other work.

Lifestyle choices

Consider your lifestyle choices—for example, if you desire an outdoor space or easy access to shopping and dining. The family home and condominium lifestyles are different and not for everyone. It’s essential to understand what you want in terms of lifestyle. How do you want to spend your time, and how you want to engage with the surrounding community? How and where do you want to entertain your friends and family? Where you find personal enjoyment in your surroundings should be top of mind when you’re looking at condos for sale in Marina del Rey.

Location

Photo courtesy of Extra Space Storage, Culver City
 
Where you choose to live impacts your daily commute to work, the commute to your kids’ school, the grocery store, and where you spend your time. In fact, the school system is one reason why many people decide to purchase homes for sale in Marina del Rey. Where you live will become your community, and it’s where you begin planting your roots and connecting with other people. Neighborhood, condo, and gated community living offer very different lifestyles to homebuyers.

Experts to help


When investing in a family home or condos for sale in Marina del Rey, there is much to consider. An experienced local realtor will be your best asset. They’ll have in-depth knowledge about condominium complexes' different amenities and understand residential neighborhoods that can help you find an area that fits your personality. A connected realtor has access to properties unavailable to the public, which gives you an edge with negotiations. Experienced realtors are confident negotiators and will help you navigate the process easy and stress-free. They put your goals and interests first to make sure you buy or sell comfortably.

Searching for Marina del Rey real estate?

Bill Ruane is local to Los Angeles’ South Bay Area and is happy to answer your questions about condominium living or family homes. Bill has deep experience buying and selling Marina del Rey real estate and is standing by to help you meet your real estate goals. Contact Bill Ruane today to begin your LA real estate journey!

Interested in other neighborhoods? Checkout Playa del Rey, Los Angeles real estate.

Nearby Properties

Work With Bill

Bill wholeheartedly believes in building wealth with a well planned portfolio of residential, commercial and multi-unit properties. His honest approach and reputation for maximum client care have earned him the respect and loyalty of hundreds of clients.