[chilopod]

I am trying to buy a condo in Middletown. It will be my first as I have been renting since college. Today I looked at a nice place at the Carriage Crossing condo complex. The thing that is turning me off is that so many of the units there are for sale. I counted at least thirty in the various listings i went through... not counting the foreclosures. I know times are hard, but this place seems to be losing a lot of people. Any information out there about it? it looks nice and the units I saw were well kept up and clean. Any help appreciated....

[Rich Lee]

Considering that there are 325 units in that complex, it's not uncommon for two dozen or more to be on the market at any given time. By the way, there are five different models. My favorite is Daumont - a two-bedroom model with a true hallway and guest bathroom.

[Slipperman]

i looked at a couple units a few years ago (dont remember which ones). thought they were pretty nice inside though a bit small for a condo (~900 sq ft). good for a first place though if you don't mind the ranch style layout. for a condo, i'd much prefer town house style - more privacy that way (walls are usually thicker than floors and ceilings) but that's up to you. personally i thought the living room was too small. just my opinion.
as far as the number of units available, i'd say that's due more to the economy than the complex itself.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Rich Lee

Considering that there are 325 units in that complex, it's not uncommon for two dozen or more to be on the market at any given time. By the way, there are five different models. My favorite is Daumont - a two-bedroom model with a true hallway and guest bathroom.

Actually there is a sixth model as well. Strangely there is one (yes 1) 3 bedroom unit in the complex. It is on the top floor of the building to the left (south) of the club house. I think they combined three or 4 one bedroom units to make it and I believe it was done because of parking. The unit might even be for sale right now. I think I saw it listed.

I know Carriage Crossing well. I was one of the first owners there when it was built. It is a nice complex and definitely a place to just start out. Most people are young singles or newly marrieds who are taking their first step to homeownership. I think the reason there are so many units for sale is that now is a great time to make that next step up to a single family home so people are taking advantage of it.

Generally the complex is good for that first buy. The clubhouse, pool and tennis court are great amenities and the location is very convenient for commuting to Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury or even Fairfield County. The units are small but well laid out. I like that the two bedroom units have two baths and the bedrooms are separated which is good in a roommate situation. I would advise you to check a few things in the unit you buy there. Check and see if the windows have been replaced. The originals leak badly. Also the heat/AC units are now 20+ years old and should be replaced. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Jay

[JayCT]

I just checked the listings and only see about 17 units for sale at Carriage Crossing. I hope you are not including Trolley Crossing which is completely different complex. I do not think that 17 units for sale out of 325 is a lot. If you look at Forest Glen or Trolley Crossing which I believe are both smaller, I think you will see they have a higher percentage of units for sale. Also note that the one 3 bedroom unit I mentioned at Carriage Crossing is for sale. Jay

[chilopod]

I searched the name "Carriage Crossing" and came up with dozens of listings from various realtors.. but some of them may have been old ones. I noticed a large number at Trolley Crossing as well. I really only need a one bedroom but people are telling me a two bedroom is a better investment. What do you think about that? Also, I have seen a couple of units there listed as "foreclosures" with a much lower listed price. How does one find out about these? Thanks a lot for your help. So glad I stumbled on this site.

[Slipperman]

"I really only need a one bedroom but people are telling me a two bedroom is a better investment."
I've heard this too and i think there's something to it. has to do with resale value. i'm guessing but id say most people who buy property are either families or young couples looking to start a family. in either case a one bedroom wouldn't accommodate the kid factor.

[Kreliroth]

Aren't Trolley Crossing and Forest Glen generally a bit more expensive, also?

Anyway, one thing I like about Carriage Crossing is the exterior, one of the best I've ever seen for a Condo.

[Slipperman]

Originally Posted by Kreliroth

Aren't Trolley Crossing and Forest Glen generally a bit more expensive, also?

Anyway, one thing I like about Carriage Crossing is the exterior, one of the best I've ever seen for a Condo.

my experience when i was looking was that FG was just as small as CC but that both were still priced about the same as bigger places (eg: Cromwell Hills (150K+)). i dismissed both of them for 2 reasons: didn't think i was getting as much for the money and they were both ranch style. both were very nice otherwise though.
and yes i agree on the exterior of CC. very attractive design.

[chilopod]

Can you tell me what complex you chose? Looking at the condos at Carriage Crossing was my first experience looking at anything.. Is there a condo complex in the West Lake area that stands out to you as a better one? I am hoping to get something for around $150,000. Thanks