Lock 'n Leave Condos
In Destination Cities

Many time-pressed owners of second homes don't want the hassle of household upkeep. Vacation-home buyers spend a median of eight weeks a year in their second homes, according to a 2002 National Association of Realtors study. And more than 70% of affluent home owners cited low upkeep and maintenance as desirable attributes in vacation residences, a Centex Homes survey reports. Here's a look at three condos that offer a variety of services to accommodate residents.
 

PLACE/PRICE: Boston/$809,000

PROPERTY TAX*: $5,804

THE PROPERTY: 803 square feet with 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Towers, Boston Common.

DESCRIPTION: With harbor and city views, this 36^th-floor residence has an alarm system, Brazilian cherry-wood floors, Poggenpohl cabinets in the kitchen and baths, and 9.5-foot ceilings in a pet-friendly building.

NOTABLE: Amenities include 24-hour roving security, discounted rates at Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide, fitness-center access, room service, valet garage parking, and a concierge service that can care for pets and plants while residents are away, make travel and entertainment plans, prepare a residence for an owner's arrival and respond to other requests.

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PLACE/PRICE: New York/$750,000

PROPERTY TAX**: $15,804

THE PROPERTY: 725 square feet with 1 bedroom, 1 bath on a high floor in The America, a no-board-approval luxury, full-service Upper East Side building that allows pets.

DESCRIPTION: This home at 85^th Street and Second Avenue has views of the city and the East River, a granite pass-through kitchen and a marble bath.

NOTABLE: The America offers a 24-hour doorman, a live-in superintendent, a pool, a gym, a party room, a garage, and 24-hour concierge service that can include: grocery delivery, making travel and entertainment plans, etc. Arrangements can also be made to rent out the condo while the owner isn't in residence.

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PLACE/PRICE: Chicago/$760,000

PROPERTY TAX*: $8,500

THE PROPERTY: 1,575 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths in the Fordham building on East Superior Street.

DESCRIPTION: The condominium features Northeast views through wraparound bay windows, a balcony, a kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows and a granite countertop, a master bath and 9-foot ceilings.

NOTABLE: The Fordham offers daily maid service, 24-hour security, doorman service, concierge services, a wine cellar, a humidor room, an indoor swimming pool, a health club, a private theater, a dog walk and deeded parking spaces.

Note: *Current owner's payment; **Includes yearly maintenance fee

Sources: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, MLBKaye International Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

-- Ms. Kim is a senior editor at RealEstateJournal.com. Email your comments to Lauren.Kim@dowjones.com.

Email your comments to rjeditor@dowjones.com.