Benefits: Because of the common ownership, everyone contributes HOA fees, so prized amenities are available to all residents. For example, homeowners may have access to swimming pools, rec rooms, basketball courts, and BBQ facilities. Another benefit is that condos typically cost less than a free-standing home so they are perceived as more affordable.
Challenges: Common walls and small yards can reduce your privacy, and this can be a drawback. Living in close communities means that nosy neighbors may annoy each other, and there could be more friction. When the real estate market drops, condos are the usually the first to depreciate because they don’t maintain their value as well as detached homes.
Condos have HOAs, CC&Rs (conditions, covenants, and restrictions), and additional rules which the residents must follow; their terms can be very restrictive. Another challenge with an HOA is that your neighbors are making and enforcing rules for the entire community. That can be either good or bad, depending on the experience level, effort, and attitude of your neighbors.
Read more in our book, "Buy Your First Home", http://tinyurl.com/cs4724e.
What is great about America? It is the American Dream, of course. It is the idea that we are in control of our own destiny, free from harsh government sanctions as in some other lands. It is the rights and the freedoms that so many other countries do not have. Sometimes we take our basic values for granted, including home ownership, which is a luxury not afforded to residents in some other countries.
Millions of people from all over the world flock to the United States because of the American Dream, and the basic tenet of that aspiration is home ownership. I strongly believe that every family should own their own home, and they can accomplish this dream if they have a guide to follow.
You may have some doubts about whether you can buy a home, or you may be uncertain about how the process works. You may be thinking, "The process is overwhelming. I don't even know where to begin. It's too complicated. Who's going to help me?"
I agree that home buying takes some time, energy, and effort. But the freedom of home ownership is so rewarding, your family will be thrilled and I promise it will be worth your effort. You can do it! All you need is a guide that you can follow, and a quality real estate professional to assist you.
That's why our book is outlined as a guide that you can easily understand. Just start with Step 1 and follow the 9 steps in this book. We will guide you each step of the way. We'll also show you how to hire a dedicated REALTOR® you can trust, so you will receive professional guidance and direction.
Let's get you the best home that your budget can afford. I know that you will follow these steps. So I dedicate this book to you! You have the courage to take action and make your dream of homeownership come true.
