Looking for condo in TMC/Reliant area as 2nd residence (Richmond: real estate, lease)

[jaup09]

While researching this on the HAR site I see many listings from $40k to well into the $100's. There are several places that look to be suitable in the $60-$90 range. I have not made the trip to see these places in person so I really don't know what to expect. I am curious if I would be wasting my time? Crime is everywhere but would there be lots of violent crimes in this area at this price range?

Thanks

[jaup09]

Being a season ticket holder it will be mostly used as a place to stay for the weekend during football season. During the off-season at most 1 week a month we will occupy it to have a chance to enjoy what the city has to offer.

This area is not set as I have heard some bad things about the Reliant area but it would be nice just for convenience. Also anybody's take as to if this area should be avoided and if so what is a better area?

[City Love]

You should be fine as long as you look between 288,59,and 610. Always keep in mind the monthly condo fees aside from your regular mortgage payments

[jaup09]

Yes I have noticed the different maintenance fees for the different complexes. Some covering electricity water and insurance in the fee. I am thinking now that maybe it would be ideal to try and rent something for 6 months before buying. A lease to own would probably be perfect. This would give us the chance to get a feel for the different neighborhoods. Being a real estate agent do you have any recommendations on complexes or good streets to enter into HAR search?

[Oildog]

That seems pretty cheap, there are some rougher areas near there.

[jaup09]

I agree. I thought that was pretty cheap as well but I'm not going to rule it out until I can confirm that.

[jaup09]

There are many condos with the lower pricing but the main ones are off of Bartell Hearth El Paseo Holly Hall Hearthwood Braeswood and Cambridge St.

There is also one off of Bellefontaine that is a little more expensive than the ones above and only a one bedroom. The building looks to be a better design and I hear that more of the college crowd that stays at this place. Also they have several in this complex that can be rented which is nice. We can try before we buy.

I am curious if any of these areas are place you want to stay away from?

[Oildog]

I think thats an area where many former Katrina evacuees were staying.

[jaup09]

Yeah I may want to look on down the road if that's the case.

If these areas are no good where would you say would be better to look. I am looking for something to get home from the games with minimal traffic congestion that is why I suggested the Reliant area. I would also like for it to have good access to the medical center. I will probably rent for 6 months to see if the particular area is right for me. I want to be in the $800-$1000 range for rent but when I decide to buy would like to find a good deal that is not too expensive seeing how this will be a 2nd residence that will stay unoccupied most of the time.

[jaup09]

Does anyone know anything about these condos or at least can anyone tell me about the areas they are in?

Riverwalk Condos
2300 Old Spanish Trail


Montreal Place
2121 Hepburn St.

One Montreal Place
2120 El Paseo

Cambridge Glen Condos
8100 Cambridge St.

Braeswood Park Condos
2255 Braeswood Park Dr.

Richmond Manor Condos
2626 Holly Hall St.

Briarwick Condos
2750 Holly Hall St.

The Braeswood Condo
2213 Braeswood Blvd.

Barclay Condos
2601 Bellefontaine

Briar Green Condos
7900 N. Stadium Dr.


This is just a small list of the many that have been sent to me. I am trying to narrow them down so when I make the trip I can just look at the ones that might work.