Looking to downsize? Tired of mowing the lawn? Are you wanting to shift gears? Condo living may be a good idea for you. Condominiums can either be apartments within a building or they can be like small houses pushed together. You will share walls with your neighbors but you all have a separate entrance into your homes. This type of living is ideal for many people and is not just for the newly retired.
This works great for anyone who just wants to lock the door and head out without worry of lawn watering or snow shoveling. Commonly the Home Owners Association is responsible for the exterior and therefore there is no outside maintenance at all, this includes painting. So if you're ready for a more carefree lifestyle, this may be for you. Here are some things to look for when shopping for your news diggs.
Condos can be on one level, or several levels. Some have attached garages while others may have underground, or outside parking. Though security may not be available for the community, if you have concerns you can always have a system installed in your home. Newer condos may have the same window coverings that show from the outside to keep continuity from one unit to the next. That along with any outside lights and doors attached to the homes must remain and can't be changed. However if there is a patio, you can put out flower pots and furniture to make your home look more unique. Of course like anything else on the outside, you will need to check with the Home Owners Association restrictions.
What type of people are living in the condos? If you are looking for a quiet retirement community you may not appreciate children playing with a ball outside your door. Consider what you see when you look out of the windows. Realize it isn't going to change, so if you are looking straight into your neighbors living room today, you will be tomorrow.
Make sure there is plenty of closet space to meet your needs. Storage is so important when you are living in a smaller home. Kitchens are smaller too, and need to be efficient, using square footage well. If you are accustomed to having a water softener and reverse osmosis systems make sure there is room to add those things if they are not already installed.
Does the property look like it is in need of attention? Do you see something that looks like they'll be assessing a special fee to pay for it, such as a new swimming pool or replacing the roofs? If you are ready to buy make sure you have seen the HOA restrictions and have seen their financial statement. It may sound silly to ask for such a thing, but you have no idea what is looks like until you've seen it, and you don't need any surprises.
If the HOA is managed by a company other then the owners, find out why that is. If they will not allow you to see this information prior to the sale, make your offer contingent on reading them and approving it. If possible talk to a few people within the community and see what they have to say about the management of the property, and if it has changed since they moved there. Do not skip this step! If no one can come up with the papers, that should tell you what you need to know, to keep looking. If it's time for a change, check out condominium living.