Before purchasing a new condo unit, conduct a physical inspection of the neighborhood you plan to move to.

Find out if there are railroad tracks nearby, busy roadways, or major power lines. Noise and ground tremors may interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of your unit in the future. Power lines may present potential health hazards. Problems like these make a condo unit much harder to resell.

Check the present, previous, and anticipated future demographics of the area to make sure that you and your children don't end up the victims of crime. Condominium units in high-crime areas pose exceptionally high risks, including decreased real-estate values when you decide to resell later on.

Consider location very carefully before you buy your unit. Congested urban areas may be desirable, but don't rule out more open suburban areas where the unit sizes tend to be larger with playgrounds for children and other opportunities for quality outdoor living.

Condo units in the suburbs are usually less expensive. Provided that roadways to schools and downtown areas are accessible and public transit available, there is nothing wrong with locating outside ritzy and expensive urban areas.

Before you buy, carefully consider physical factors that will enhance or diminish the resale value of your unit. Keep in mind that efficiency units are harder to sell than one-bedroom, one bedroom plus den or two-bedroom units. Units without a parking spot are a difficult sell. Many single people or childless couples tend to prefer two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo units, as the second bedroom can be used as an office or for overnight guests. One bedroom can also be rented out to help defray the condo's carrying costs.

Units with higher ceilings are much more attractive than ones with lower ceilings. The view is equally important. A unit facing another building across the street will fetch a lower price than one with a clear view of open spaces.

Check the demographic trends — past, present, and future of the location of the unit you are considering. Is the area improving or deteriorating? Go out, observe, ask the unit owners questions, and check with the local media. Never buy a unit in a high-crime area.

The view from the unit is an exceptionally important resale feature.

Check with the municipality whether there are any other buildings slated for erection in the proximity of the complex, and whether they will obstruct the view from the unit you wish to buy.

Units in the condo complex close to power lines, a busy roadway, or railway tracks will be harder to resell.

Units without balconies are harder to resell.

Units without a parking space are harder to resell.

Studio or efficiency units are harder to resell.

Any units under 700 square feet in size are harder to resell.

Units with higher ceilings are more appealing and easier to resell.

Units with 1 bedroom plus den, and 2 bedrooms with 2 baths (preferably en suite) are more appealing and easier to sell.

This column is the 10th in a series of articles on condominium golden rules for buyers.