Do you
hate mowing lawns and shoveling snow? Do you want a pool but don’t want to
clean it? If you’re saying yes to these things, then a condo is right for you.
Before you say, ‘but I wanted to own my home,’ remember that you can own your
condo, too. You might ask yourself if the HOA fees are worth the luxury, and
that will depend on how much you despise lawn work. To make it easier, here is
a list of reasons you should consider condo life.
Maintenance Free
We’ll
start with the one we already know. The condo association typically takes care
of the maintenance and repairs of common spaces. That means the clubhouse you
can rent, the front lawn, fresh paint on your exterior, and trash removal. Your
condo will have bylaws that layout who pays for what.
Lower Cost of Living
Since the
HOA takes care of maintenance, you don’t have to worry about dropping
unexpected money on something like the broken grill, leaky pool, or fallen
patio fence. On top of that, the overall cost of this is shared amongst the
community, so you’re not left paying for a brand-new pool by yourself. You’ve
already paid it!
Sense of Community
Condo
owners tend to share common spaces, and many rave about the community they’ve
built with their neighbors. Many condos even host small community events to
encourage a unneighborly feel. Hit the grill for a BBQ, relax in the hot tub
with drinks, or join in on the fun of a potluck.
Security
Most condo
communities include security. A gated entry with a passcode, a security door to
shared buildings, cameras placed around the lot. You’re far less likely to have
a break-in in a condo community than a home or apartment building.
Affordability
Condos are
usually more affordable than purchasing a home. You can start building your
equity with a lower down payment and mortgage and still work towards owning it!
What You Need to Know
Between
the lower cost, covered maintenance, and benefits of building equity, the condo
life might just be for you. If you’re toying with the idea of buying, talk with
your local real estate agent to learn what’s selling in your area.