Four Facets to Think about When Purchasing a Condo9649643
Condo living has many benefits, but the procedure is decidedly different than purchasing a single-family members home. It is important to think about all elements of condo living before embarking on a condo purchase, which consists of understanding the differences in between single-family members homes and condos.
Condo living is ideal for people who seek the safety and financial benefits of owning a home, yet want to avoid the upkeep that goes along with a single-family members home. However, along with condo ownership come a certain set of responsibilities and challenges:
Homeowners Association Fees
All condo owners must pay homeowner's association fees, also recognized as HOA charges. HOA charges are usually paid on a month-to-month or yearly basis, and they are in addition to any taxes or mortgage payments you make. It is therefore essential to not only consider the cost of the condo when buying a condo, but the condo charges as well, as they can be fairly significant, especially in today's newer condo buildings.
HOA fees cover a wide array of things, such as building and grounds upkeep, amenities and services, and repair work.
It is important to not only look at the HOA charges, but to also look at the HOA's history of raising HOA charges for its condo owners, as this could indicate whether or not your HOA fees will improve dramatically in the years to come.
Anticipate, of course, to spend larger HOA fees on much more upscale condo properties, or those properties that provide a wide array of services and amenities for its residents.
Property owners Association Restrictions
Along with the benefits of HOA charges, such as building amenities and services, such as swimming pools, business centers and fitness facilities, the purpose of a HOA is to location restrictions on what residents can and can't do. Even though most HOA restrictions are designed to advantage condo owners and property values, you might find that some HOA restrictions don't match you or your way of life. It is therefore fairly important to carefully read the restrictions of the HOA rules and restrictions of any condo in which you are interested.
Loss of Privacy
Even though many condo buildings are designed and built in such a manner as to reduce noise from nearby neighbors, you simply won't be afforded the privacy you would get living in a single-family members residence. Make certain you are comfy with how much public space requirements to be shared amongst the residents.
Large Down Payment
Due to the many changes all through the lending industry as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, and the fact that many condos severely lost their worth during this time period, many lenders are now fairly stringent when it comes to lending money to condo purchasers.
As a outcome, you can anticipate to come to the table with a larger down payment if you want to buy a condo. Although this quantity will differ based on a variety of elements, including the age of the condo building, the vacancy price and the state where the condo is located, you should seek advice from a lender when contemplating condo living.
