When choosing a new place to live, there are many different options that you can look at – home, townhome, or a condo. Each provides a different amount of space, privacy, and way of life. Living in a condo might be the perfect solution for you, so read on to find out if owning this type of space is the perfect fit.
Benefits of Buying A Condo
Living in a condo offers many attractive advantages to residents. One of the main reasons why people choose condos is because the maintenance department takes care of things that a homeowner would usually be responsible for, such as:
- Landscaping and keeping the grounds clean
- Snow shoveling, when necessary
- Certain repairs
- Pool maintenance
- Top-notch amenities, such as an exercise room
Some condominium communities offer weekly events at the pool or communal guest house. Some others offer only monthly events or none at all. So, you will want to live in a community that best matches what you want. If you want to live in a quieter condominium with noise regulations and a fastidious HOA president, then you can find that. If you want to live in a condominium with looser restrictions, then there is a community for you. Your real estate agent can help you find the right condominium community.
Joining A Homeowner’s Association – A Pro Or A Con
It’s important to talk to the leaders of the homeowner’s association before purchasing a condo. If the association is having difficulty collecting dues from the residents, then there might be significant issues with the property, and it might not be as well-maintained because the community is not paying enough to cover these shared costs. But a well-run association with motivated, focused leaders ensures that all communal services and areas are taken care of, from garbage and recycling services to parking lots and pest control services.
Parking – Also A Pro Or A Con
Parking can be a pro or a con at a condo. It depends on the building itself, so you will want to visit condos you are interested in in-person to see for yourself what parking is like near them. Some condos have limited parking, making it difficult for residents who like to have a lot of guests stay over. Some condos require that you get a permit for anyone who stays more than a certain amount of nights. Still, other people prefer not to share that information with their homeowner’s association or management. Some condos have guest spots that are open to anyone, and there is no need to report which car is staying in which spot and visiting which unit.
Cons
The site homesbyspencerhsu.com suggests that you really consider your proximity to other people. It will depend on personal preference, but there are some downsides worth realistically considering when deciding whether to buy a condo, home, or townhome. Living with other people is just that – being a community together.
Another con to owning a condo is the smaller space and inflexibility when it comes to expanding your family. But there are many ways to make a condo feel more expansive, from using brighter colors and long drapes over windows to installing more mirrors as decorations in hallways or other small, dark areas.
