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What are the Benefits of a Condo vs. a House?

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Stuart & Watts Real Estate WV0025424

This is some good information that anyone who is in this situation should consider. If you are a homeowner looking to possibility of purchasing a Condo Unit, you may want to put this information to use. Older individuals may want to consider a possible Condo Unit to cut back on the upkeep of a home, do your reasearch and understand what you are getting for you money.

Original content by Eric Proulx

Apples and oranges - that’s what condos and houses are. Sure, they both provide a roof over your head, and they’re both financial investments, but that’s where the similarities end. Just as when we compare apples and oranges, houses and condos differ by price, by taste and by how they will be used.

The biggest difference between a condo versus a house is ownership. When you buy a house you own the land. When you purchase a condo, on the other hand, you own only what lies between the walls of your unit. The rest of the condominium complex, what are known as the “common areas,” are owned in common by a collective of all the unit owners. You have the right to use the common areas but not alter them in any way. Some items considered common areas for condo owners include:

  • Fitness center
  • Lobby
  • Pool
  • Mail room
  • Tennis courts
  • Elevators
  • Landscaping

The Advantages of Purchasing a Condo

The most obvious benefit of a condo vs. a house is price. Although luxury condominiums can be pricey, overall, condos are far less expensive than houses.

Other benefits include:

  • Less maintenance. The homeowners association (HOA) is responsible for maintenance decisions and all the owners share the cost of common area upkeep. This includes big-ticket items such as air-conditioning units, the roof and fencing.
  • On-site amenities. While pools and fitness centers are common, the sky is the limit when it comes to condo amenities. Some complexes offer dog parks, clubhouses, a concierge or rooftop gardens.
  • Lower cost of living. While you will most likely pay a maintenance fee each month, it typically includes the cost of water, trash and sewer. Sometimes utilities are included in the fee. The HOA pays for the insurance on the entire complex, so you may need only to cover what is inside your unit.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Condo

Judging by the sheer number of Americans who choose to purchase and live in condos, the disadvantages of condo living aren’t insurmountable. Here are a few disadvantages to weigh against the advantages:

  • HOA. Some homeowners associations can be quite intrusive with restrictions that may border on the ridiculous. Some raise the maintenance fees annually while ignoring maintenance needs.
  • Space and privacy. There is a decided lack of both in most condo complexes.
  • Tenant neighbors. HOAs find it challenging to enforce the condominium rules and regulations on tenants and typically go after the absentee owner. Some owners are diligent about disciplining their tenants, others – not so much.

If you’re leaning toward purchasing a condo instead of a house, be sure that you read every word on every page of the HOA documents that will be supplied to you. Pay close attention to the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs). These are the condominium rules and regulation you must live by when you purchase a condo in a particular complex. It’s dry stuff, but contains all the information you need to determine if this is the right condo for you.

Comments (3)

Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Hmm, it all depends on the location. At least here in Florida, condos often rival houses in terms of price, and same with size.

Feb 18, 2012 11:59 AM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Thanks for sharing that re-blog, I missed it the first time.

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Feb 22, 2012 12:38 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

I always gain great hindsight or a welath of information everytime I come over and visit your blog

Feb 23, 2012 08:14 AM