Things to Consider When Buying a Condo in San Ramon CA

The San Ramon California area is exploding with developments, subdivisions, and townhome/condo communities. This is a great way for first-time homebuyers or retirees to still have a home of their own with all the added maintenance and requirements that come along with a single detached house.

Here are some basics to consider if you’ve been in the market for condominium or town home in San Ramon:

Condominiums offer low maintenance home ownership options with added homeowner’s dues.

While many subdivisions and single detached home communities offer their own homeowners association dues and fees annually or monthly, condominium and townhome complexes are almost assured these fees. This covers ground maintenance, landscaping, and exterior maintenance such as roofing, windows, and siding. Because this is the association’s responsibility, homeowners band together and pay a monthly fee that collects in a reserve account for repairs and special assessments. These fees can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars a month to several thousand dollars annually, determined specifically by the condos homeowners association. Condo owners can attend board meetings to vote on how the money is best spent and may nominate and vote certain board members to make decisions on their behalf.

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Condominiums, with their own set of rules.

Condominiums have a set of bylaws and regulations called CC&Rs. This stands for covenants, conditions, and restrictions. This set of rules is set forth by the homeowners association when the complex is formed. It states just about every rule you can possibly think of that the association may enforce. It will include certain items as to whether or not you can have a satellite dish on your building, pet and noise restrictions, common area lines, what to do in case of issues, and just about anything else you can think of. During the purchase and sale agreement, potential condo buyers will be given these CC&Rs to review before making a final decision on the property. There’s a special addendum that needs to be signed off on and approved that the potential buyer has read through and understands the covenants and conditions. (It’s not a bad idea to have a real estate attorney look over this packet as well, especially if there are things you don’t understand.)

Condominiums may have their own amenities.

Many times, condominiums and townhome communities will have certain amenities enjoyed by all the homeowners such as a swimming pool, spa or hot tub area, sauna, steam room, fitness center and clubhouse. The maintenance of these is included in your homeowner’s dues but are free to use for residents and their guests.

Learn about the communities: Gale Ranch Homes for Sale - San Ramon CA

While this is just the basics of buying a condo, owning one can mean freedom, low maintenance, and ease of life. If you’re considering purchasing a condominium in the San Ramon area I urge you to contact me today. There’s lots of great complexes, new developments, and townhome communities with current listings for sale.