On the other hand, wood-frame buildings can quiver when someone simply walks down a hallway. Whatever the construction type, quality will be your best investment. Some older high-quality concrete buildings have become condos at very affordable prices. Yet some low-quality rental buildings converted to condominium ownership are simply not worth buying into. It can, for example, be hot-water heat, which means the cost is absorbed by your monthly condo fees.
Electric heat is convenient, quiet and controllable in each room, but it's expensive.
That's good for your flexibility as an owner, but find out how many renters are in the building. If it's primarily renters, the building is owned largely by investors, and they may not share your standards of operation and maintenance. You may also find less of a sense of community in the building and on the condominium board of managers. And if you're enjoying a quiet retirement, you probably want neighbors you can relate to and make friends with. Sellers should have them on hand for you to review on site, and if you have an agreement to purchase, they should be handed to you without hesitation.