Buying a new home is one of life's most important decisions. When you do decide that it is time to buy your Glenview property, one of the next decisions you must make is... Glenview House or Condo?
There are pros and cons to owning either a house or condo. It's important to decide which is the best choice for you.
CONDO
Pros of a Condo:
- Less maintenance: Since the price of the condo includes the cost of maintenance, you will not have to do the fixing yourself. Lawn care, replacing broken fixtures, insulating for winter, and building maintenance is all taken care of for you. You pay for it in your condo fees, and the labor is not completed by you.
- Community: Whether you live alone or have a family, you may prefer having neighbors close by and like the idea of sharing common areas with others.
- Special Amenities: Most condos provide special activities and amenities for their tenants. These could include gyms, pools, saunas and even fitness classes. Many condo owners choose to buy a condo just for the convenience of having these luxuries without having to leave the premises.
- Modern Construction: If an older building has been converted, this point may not apply, but if a condo is newer construction, it will feature many modern conveniences. This is the same as a new single family home minus the larger price tag!
Cons of a Condo:
- Joint Decision-making: How your condo fees are spent will be up for review with the condo board. You may not use all the services the board wants to implement. Also, the exterior cannot be renovated by you and the renovation of the interior of your own condominium may have to get board approval as well.
- Condo fees: Most condominiums have monthly maintenance fees. The money will go toward the community upkeep and development of the property. You must look at these fees combined with your mortgage payment as sometimes they can add up to more per month than a house.
HOUSE
Pros of a House:
- Privacy: With a Glenview house, there are no shared walls with your neighbors like in a condo. For some people, there's no substitute for your own walls and yard. If you have kids, a fenced-in private backyard is a big plus for the protection of children and pets that a condo may not provide.
- Investment Value: Homes appeal to a wider buyer base than condos. Therefore, houses will always appreciate at a better rate than condos.
- Freedom of Choice: Homes can be altered, renovated, and completely decorated from the inside out. There may be a neighborhood Home Owners Association (HOA) that protects the neighborhood from extravagant outdoor décor and neat lawn maintenance, but the interior and much of the exterior is yours to decorate with your own unique personality.
Cons of a house:
- Upkeep: Owning your own home means all of the upkeep and mainentance is yours as well. Fortunately, most home improvements that are done will increase the home's resale value when you sell.
- Extra Expenses: If you buy a large home, more will have to spent on furnishings and décor. The same is said for a larger outdoor garden area. Heating and cooling costs are more significant with a larger house as well.
Once you have decided which is more ideal for your lifestyle, a house or condo, contact The Marla Schneider Team to find the right Glenview home for you.
If you still are undecided, let them guide you in the right direction by showing you both condos and houses. The Marla Schneider Team has years of experience that can make your decision making easier, more enjoyable, and get you into your dream home today!
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