Recently a friend of mine just purchased a loft and I was pretty impressed with the loft living concept at his housewarming party. Are there any industrial loft dwellers or fans on here?
High ceilings, huge windows, massive lighting…whats not to like?
Re: Lofts
I like them. Great for singles. I might be living in one next year if I can find something at a reasonable price. Here, the lofts are actually cheaper than a 1 bedroom. Or maybe that's because the main loft building is in serious economic trouble.
Re: Lofts
had a loft for a few years, sold it and moved, works well for single folks and couples but with kids and extended stays with family, it has its issues.
I like them. Great for singles. I might be living in one next year if I can find something at a reasonable price. Here, the lofts are actually cheaper than a 1 bedroom. Or maybe that's because the main loft building is in serious economic trouble.
PCG, you're in Florida? If so, I envy you. One side effect of the real estate craziness is that the lofts are great deals right now.
I'm probably 15 years late to the loft movement but seriously mulling a move. I mean the space is freaking awesome.
had a loft for a few years, sold it and moved, works well for single folks and couples but with kids and extended stays with family, it has its issues.
Nice, any war stories/pitfalls? I imagine utilities would be higher?
I hear you on the extended family stays and kids. This one spot that I'm looking at has 1.5 bedrooms (half bedroom is a sleep alcove on a higher level) and an office alcove (hotness). Full breakfast bar, exposed brick, only 8 Units in the building. The only drawback is that its some ways off from the office. My downtown condo is less than a 1/4 mile from work, so very walkable.
Still loving the high ceilings and the proper space.
Re: Lofts
utility bills were def higher compared to a regular condo, but comparable to a semidetached or single family, because while u pay for the high ceilings especially in winter, you dont have all sides of the unit facing outside.
war stories...hahaha many, lets just say, intimacy can be a huge issue and leave it at that :D
Re: Lofts
Lofts are fairly fashionable these days, so I don't think you're late for the movement. They really only are suitable if you're single. Even if you're just married, you're going to have guests over, family over, and it can get annoying to not have privacy.
The space is indeed awesome.
They're going cheap now because they're the least practical option for most people. And there are entire loft buildings that are in deep financial trouble, so if you see cheap lofts being sold, be very careful. Investigate the building and see if they're in any trouble if you're planning on buying.
utility bills were def higher compared to a regular condo, but comparable to a semidetached or single family, because while u pay for the high ceilings especially in winter, you dont have all sides of the unit facing outside.
war stories...hahaha many, lets just say, intimacy can be a huge issue and leave it at that :D
I figured that much on the utility bill situation.
Oi, I meant non X-rated war stories like “it costs more to get the floors varnished.” I am trying to be a shareef insan :D
Lofts are fairly fashionable these days, so I don't think you're late for the movement. They really only are suitable if you're single. Even if you're just married, you're going to have guests over, family over, and it can get annoying to not have privacy.
The space is indeed awesome.
They're going cheap now because they're the least practical option for most people. And there are entire loft buildings that are in deep financial trouble, so if you see cheap lofts being sold, be very careful. Investigate the building and see if they're in any trouble if you're planning on buying.
I definitely agree. Now that I am into them, I see just about every urban comedy/romance movie featuring lofts. As for the privacy issue, I can see that but some of the lofts have separate, enclosed sleeping areas, where I am guessing that some level of privacy can be maintained.
If I were to buy, I would probably ask my real estate friend for assistance, he’s pretty sharp. Already mentioned things like buying in a mostly owner occupied building, projects that are being built by quality builders/developers, and trying to get some good deals on tax abatements etc.
The only negative I see is the locations. Most of the lofts in my area are in old industrial sections of cities, not exactly in the downtown, near work. Safety is somewhat of a concern especially since these areas are pretty desolate.
I’m considering a summer rental option where I can live in one for a few months, see the good and the bad and then make a decision to buy. Many of the owners/developers are pretty desperate, so can come up with a tailor made living arrangement.