The Pros and Cons of Condos

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.

Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs.

Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be perfect option for you.

Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.

Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home.

Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even doormen. Plus, you’ll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.

Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity or not.

Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes are usually more individual, so ever if there are others for sale in your area, they probably won’t be exactly like yours.

Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.

Proximity. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. Look at profile of other owners be sure you’ll be comfortable. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.

Courtesy of Jack Slonager, REALTOR® | Click here for printer-friendly format

Contact Me!

Let me help you find "your slice of paradise" here in beautiful Southwest Florida!  Buyers, now is the time to find the deals.  Tell me what you are looking for, and I will email you properties that match your needs!

I am pleased to offer you the Dream Home Automated Home Search.  Sleep and Dream of your new home while my Dream Home Program does the work of searching for a home for you!

Our program searches the participating Multiple Listing Service database using your preset “Dream Home” criteria, matches homes with the details you want and emails them to you the day the home enters the market.

Now, at your leisure, you can review the latest properties (with the features you are most interested in) the day they become available. When you find a home you want to see, call or e-mail to arrange for your personal viewing.

Your Contact Info * Required fields are blue

First Name Last Name

E-mail

Phone

What Are You Looking For?

Property Type Choose one Single-family Multifamily Town-Home Condo Land Commercial Investment Residential Patio-Home Price Range Choose min $0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $400,000 $450,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000 $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $4,500,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000  to  Choose max $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $75,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $175,000 $200,000 $225,000 $250,000 $275,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $400,000 $450,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000 $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $4,500,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000

Desirable Towns or Communities

Bedrooms Choose one 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ any Bathrooms Choose one 1+ 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ any Square Footage any 600+ 800+ 1000+ 1200+ 1800+ 2000+ 2250+ 2500+ 2750+ 3000+ 3500+ 4000+

Time Frame Immediately Three months Six months Six to twelve months Three to six-months Twelve to twentyfour months One year

Your Address

Address City

State/Province Choose one Alabama Alaska Alberta Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming ZIP/Postal Code

Your Message