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Condos as a Vacation Home

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Polka Dot Properties, LLC #050969

Have you been thinking about a vacation home?  If you have, you should seriously consider a condo.  Chances are you will be very happy if you choose a condo, townhouse or any community association property. 

Seven out of ten condo owners say they are happy with their purchase.  Compared to single-family homes, condos are less expensive.  They are easy on your back.  Landscaping, plowing, roofing and siding are all taken care of by the homeowners association.  Also, the average condo has less square footage than a single-family home which means keeping the interior clean and tidy is easier as well.  Who wants to be on vacation and spend your time cleaning a house.  Not only will you spend less time keeping your vacation home looking good, you will also spend less money.

Condo association living isn't always perfect, and for some people it just doesn't work.  But for most property owners coming from a couple of hours away, the association maintenance helps. 

I owned a ski condo in Waterville Valley, NH for a couple of years when my sons were on a snowboard team there, and it was a welcoming feeling to come late on a Friday evening knowing that the walkway and parking lot would be plowed and shoveled.  My husband and I were able to spend more time skiing with our sons than trying to maintain a property.  The following statistics shows most are happy with their choice of buying a condo:

-88% of association owners believe their association board members strive to serve the best interest of the condo owners.

-73% of owners say their management companies give value to their communities.

-74% believe association rules and regulations help to "protect and enhance" their property values.

-80% of owners say they ge a good return for their assessments when assessments for improvements take place.

If you are looking for a vacation home, consider looking at condominiums.  Currently there are 110 condos available with access to Lake Winnipesaukee.  They range from small cottage condos starting at $49,900 to large free-standing condos currently at $829,900. 

For more information on waterfront or water access property or to schedule time to view properties, please contact me.

I am happy to help!

 

 

 

Posted by

Monique Currie | ABR, ASP, GRI

Owner/Broker

Polka Dot Properties

 

Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Monique

Good condo information Mind if I use some of these stats when talking to my buyers looking at communities? The stats up at Loon last year where about 90% condos to 10% homes sold, with the South Peak development coming into it's own there will be a larger number of land sales and new condos in this years mix. Are you Hoping for spring so the lake opens for boaters, still skiing these days/

Steve

Feb 28, 2008 05:34 AM
Monique Currie
Polka Dot Properties, LLC - Alton, NH
Full Service Real Estate For A Flat Fee!
Thanks for the comment Steve.  I think alot of buyers forget to consider condos.  I like them because they are almost maintenance free.  I miss my condo at Waterville.  Skiing must be great this year.  I have not done any due to having knee surgery a few weeks ago.  My husband is itching though...take a few runs for me!
Feb 28, 2008 08:46 AM
Joanne Hanson
Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate - Frisco, CO
Summit County, Colorado Realtor

HI Monique,

I often suggest condos or townhomes to people who intend to buy a single family home as a second home.  They just don't realize how much upkeep there is with severe winter conditions.  At least I want them to think about it and understand that it may not be easy to maintain.  Part of my obligation when educating them about the area.  A great post!

Mar 01, 2008 01:11 PM
Monique Currie
Polka Dot Properties, LLC - Alton, NH
Full Service Real Estate For A Flat Fee!

Joanne...thanks for commenting.  The skiing must be fabulous this year!! 

Mar 01, 2008 11:35 PM