Apartment Living: Finding the Right Place to Call Home

If you and your family are in the market to buy a place then you may be right in the middle of trying to determine the type of dwelling you want. If you don't know much about condos, you should learn more about them, they can be a good option for a lot of families. The information here will help you become educated on exactly what condos are and how they are the same as other types of homes, as well as how they differ from other types of homes. 

What exactly is a condo?

A condo is like a mix between an apartment and a house. It offers those looking for the chance to own their own place the ability to buy one that is a bit more like an apartment, if this is what they are most comfortable with. A condo is also a dwelling that is in an entire community that is run by a homeowners association. They keep things running smoothly and make sure the community keeps a uniform and clean appearance. You will pay dues that go toward the community upkeep and you can attend meetings and weigh in on things that have to do with the community you live in.

Where do condos come in with regards to prices?

In most cases, you will find that purchasing a condo tends to be more affordable than purchasing a traditional stick built house. However, there can be exceptions to this rule that depend on things like the location, reputation, and amenities of the condo that you are considering. A luxury condo located in the ritzy part of time is obviously going to cost more than a condo in a more conservative area that has less features. Also, a luxury condo in a good area can cost more than a single-family home depending on many things, such as age, condition, location, size, etc.

What is condo living like?

Condos tend to have small yards that are easy to maintain, close neighbors, more privacy for everyone in the community from those outside the community, an added sense of security, rules that must be adhered to, community amenities like pools, and events that help to get those in the community to come together. When you live in a regular house, you will be more on your own and things like enjoying amenities like pools and getting together with neighbors is going to be on your own shoulders, with no help from any type of association.

For more information about condos and if they're the right fit for your family, talk to local real estate agents.