Condos have long been considered an attractive home owning option for singles, but now they have become equally attractive to couples and even families looking for a low maintenance, but high quality lifestyle. With their universal appeal, condo developers have been working to bring unique amenities, options and perks to their developments and Washington, DC has been ground zero for some of the most exciting and innovative developments.
This leaves the condo buyer with a myriad of items to consider and decisions to make when the time comes to make a home purchase. If you’re considering buying a condo, here are a few things to consider as you delve into the process.
Understanding your responsibilities
One of the most appealing factors of owning a condo is the low maintenance required of the home owner. While the owner is responsible for everything within the walls of their unit, the upkeep of the exterior of the building and outdoor areas are handled by an association. One very important thing you might want to learn early on in your search for the right condo is to understand your responsibilities in contributing to this upkeep.
Among these responsibilities is a monthly association fee as well as a set of rules commonly referred to as CC&Rs or covenants, codes and restrictions. Make sure you get all of this information upfront so that you can accurately determine if the condo is affordable and fits your lifestyle.
Accepting the social fabric
Condos are really great for home owners who love to get out and interact with people because of the close proximity to neighbors. This can amount to a condo community that is very tight knit, but can also backfire if some of the neighbors are loud or obnoxious.
When you are looking for the right condo for you, make sure to pay attention to the noise level in the halls and how much you can hear your neighbors when you are inside the unit. Interact with any neighbors you might encounter to make sure they’re friendly. Being able to withstand the activity that buzzes around you will be a big component in determining how happy you are in your new home.
Don’t rush your decision
As you walk through potential condo developments take your time to really look around and scrutinize every little detail, you never know how much even tiny little annoyances can affect your day-to-day living. Actively keep asking yourself questions to keep your awareness alive while you’re perusing. Do you like the size of the condo? Is the neighborhood right? Does the building maintenance meet your standards?
A home purchase is extremely important so although some things may seem petty or nitpicky, considering them will ultimately help you make the right decision.
