There are a few things you should expect if you are looking to buy a condo in Hoboken in the price range of $350,000 to $435,000. This information is based on my own recent experience of helping a buyer with a search in this price range as well as having a listing for a 1-bedroom in Hoboken last month which is already under contract.

So far, we have seen about 18 condo's in Hoboken in the last month. I check for new listings daily and we see about 5/6 properties every weekend.

1. Most places in this price range do not include parking (only 2 of the 18 places we saw included parking).

2. It's mainly walk-ups with a few elevator buildings in the newer construction properties (about 5 of the 18 places we saw had elevators).

3. Central air, granite, stainless steel appliances, h/w floor, w/d in unit - all of these details do exist but more so in the properties listed at $425,000 - $450,000 range.

4. Many of the older buildings do not have a washer/dryer in the unit, but do offer a laundry room in the basement which is typically coin operated.

5. Taxes and maintenance vary from building to building, the newer buildings have higher taxes but similar maintenance fees.

6. Currently (as of 10/17/05) there are 39 one bedroom units on the Hudson County MLS in the price range of $350,000 to $450,000. Average taxes are $3,115 (with a range anywhere from $1900 to $5532). Average maintenance is $176 (with a range of $119 to $307).

7. Square foot in this price range has been anywhere from 489 sq ft to 800 sq ft., with the average being about 600 sq ft. It also depends on the lay-out, some of the smaller places with a good lay-out, do appear bigger.

8. The more West you travel, the more you get but you are a little further from the Path, although you do have other, new commuting options - light rail, shuttle service in some buildings is available, Willow/Clinton bus to NY vs Washington St. bus.

9. Although most of the places we saw did not have parking, we did see a few places that had wonderful outdoor space, either a terrace or deeded backyard.

10. In September, approximately 14 one bedrooms sold (actually closed) in Hoboken at the average sale price of $378,043, with approx. 43 more one bedrooms pending (due to close shortly), the average price per square foot in September was $602 for a one bedroom. (information compiled from the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service as of 9/29/05. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

The really good places will go into contract quickly....you have to be prepared to make an offer if you like a property and have a pre-qualification letter in your file to go along with your offer, this is something that most sellers will require to consider your offer.