A New York Times article has reported that Manhattan condo sales have stabilized with some condominiums selling for top prices the likes of which have not been seen since the real estate market bust.

The most successful sector of the Manhattan condo market thus far has been the ultra luxury end which is comprised of condos priced $7 million and above. It is speculated that those who buy ultra luxury homes are largely unaffected by market cycles, and consequently can move on a luxury condo purchase when ready.

Pamela Liebman, of the Corcoran Group, is quoted in the article as saying that the top end of the market is bulletproof. There are several Manhattan developments which characterize the luxury condominium market including Superior Ink in Greenwich Village, and the Laureate and 15 Central Park West on the Upper West Side.

One New York City penthouse was recently priced at $115 million. Lavish would be an understatement!

Phoenix condos and townhomes are still available at many price points with approximately 1689 listings currently viewable at Trulia.com. The most expensive Phoenix condo offered on their site is $16,500,000, and the least expensive is a foreclosure scheduled for auction with a price tag of just $8050 (obviously a fixer upper).

Phoenix home foreclosures were down in 2011, as reported by Jan Buchholz of The Phoenix Business Journal. Jan writes that there were 35,855 foreclosures in 2011 compared to 41,625 in calendar year 2010. It would appear that Phoenix is working through a huge glut of homes that went into foreclosure over the last few years.

For sure, Phoenix is a vibrant city with a great future and excellent potential. Condo living in Phoenix offers unparalleled convenience when you consider the low maintenance requirements of owning a condo or townhome. Being selective in today's market is of course a prerequisite in acquiring a great condominium in Phoenix. Local realty professionals are a best bet for those aiming to relocate to the area. Phoenix realtors can help buyers narrow down their selections to the best few possible choices.

Boston condo sales are on the rise as recently reported in the Boston Herald by a Jennifer Athas of Hot Property. She revealed that fourth quarter sales of condos rose 3.3% over the same quarter in 2010 with 758 condo sales being successfully closed.

The highest reported condo sale in Boston was a $6 million penthouse at the InterContinental, sporting 4752 square foot of living space and a 500 square foot private terrace.

The average sales price for both condos and homes rose 4.5% with purchases in the higher end of the market occurring in the city and select suburbs.

Overall sales are reported to have slowed somewhat as a result of existing condo inventory being reduced along with little new condo construction proceeding at this time. However, a representative for Keller Williams Realty indicated that when new condo properties hit the Boston market, they are highly anticipated and purchased quickly.

A recent article quoted The Miami Association of Realtors as saying that Miami residential home sales are up and that condo prices had risen 21.5% over the previous year. Inventory in the Miami Dade County area was down 40% as a result of year 2011 buying activity.

Additionally, it was reported that median condo prices had risen for four consecutive months with the current average being $226,151.

Jack Levine, chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors, was quoted as reporting that the change in condominium prices was very encouraging and reflects market strengthening.

Interestingly, 79% of condo purchases were in cash with a significant number being acquired by international condo buyers. Other local real estate professionals said that the market recovery had been unprecedented.

Source: NuWire Investor and Property Wire

A review of news articles today revealed that condos are continuing to sell in the larger metro markets. Owners are dropping their original asking price, and in so doing, are creating increased demand for condos.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that one realty group dropped condo prices by 30-40% and sold 450 units in an 18 month period. Impressive! A representative for the firm said that buyers are out there and actively looking for deals.

It is anticipated that condo prices will begin to rise in the next few years as units become scarce. Condo construction has halted in many areas since the previous years' surplus sat unsold as a result of the dramatic real estate market downturn.

While the traditional single family home offers its own advantages, condo living and today's condo deals are a very tempting combination.

Condo life is a unique experience and provides a special appeal for those who value convenience. While the traditional single family home offers its own advantages, it typically comes with more overhead and maintenance costs that the home buyer must budget for over a long term time span.

Alternatively, Condos are desirable for their general low maintenance particularly in lawn care and exterior repair. Often, condominiums are located in close proximity to retail stores, local entertainment venues, restaurants, and other preferred services. Because condos usually come with very limited actual property (acreage), the majority of the home cost lies within the actual structure itself thus providing condo owners with more quality living space than can be obtained in a single family home at a comparable cost.

For those who enjoy a sense of community, condo living offers the opportunity to socialize with neighbors also living in the same condominium complex. This can be ideal for seniors and others who prefer to have friends and neighbors nearby.

The real estate market has provided numerous bargains for those aiming to buy a condo. Foreclosure properties are still plentiful, and astute buyers can find tremendous deals in the general condo market. While "convenience" is a noted hallmark of condo living, getting a great buy only sweetens the experience.