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Facts about Condos
Condominiums and townhouses are a great and affordable option to a single-family home in most areas. But here are some facts to consider before you buy.
1. Amenities. Many condo properties provide fitness centers, swimming pools, and other facilities. It would be very expensive in a single-family home to buy all these amenities.
2. Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to fix repairs needed in your unit and to upkeep the common areas. However, they can let workers inside your unit when you’re not home.
3. Security. Many condos take some efforts to make sure that the area is secure. Some have gated communities, keyed entries and or even door attendants. Also, in case of an emergency people are closer around you.
4. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but there are no attics or basements, like a single-family home, to store belongings.
5. Outdoor space. You don’t need a lawnmower when you own a condo. However, if love to entertain outdoors or garden, yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos so this may not be suitable for your needs
6. Association fees. Fees are used to help pay for amenities and offer savings for future repairs agreed to by the condo board. You will have to pay these fees whether or not you are interested in using an amenity.
7. Neighbors. You proximity is much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome. Try and see how the “sound proofing” is and try to meet your closest prospective neighbors if possible before making a decision.
8. Resale. Since units are usually fairly similar when selling your unit, it is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building. Single-family homes are usually are more individual.
9. 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 pets while others prohibit home-based businesses. Before you make an offer, make you’re your read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully.
If you have any questions about Condos or would like more Vancouver Washington Real Estate information, please contact us at 360-256-4980 or email us at 4RitaScott@comcast.net.
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The Author: The Rita Scott Group
About: Rita Scott is a Vancouver Washington Real Estate Agent. Rita entered into the Real Estate Market in 1979, just prior to the 19-21% interest rates of the early 80’s. This market of high interest rates has made Rita proficient on alternative financing. After her first three successful years selling real estate, Rita embarked into her 15 year career managing and coaching real estate sales professionals. Through Rita’s tutelage of new real estate agents, she produced a vast number of “multi-million dollar producers."
This entry was posted by The Rita Scott Group, on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 8:07 pm and is filed under Real Estate News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response on the right, or trackback from your own site.












June 10th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Great Post Rita! Condo’s aren’t for everbody and I think this post gives buyers a good idea of what to look for and think about prior to buying one.