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The Pros and Cons of Condos
So, are you shopping around in the Sarasota real estate market? You probably are overwhelmed by all the different kinds of housing you can get. Sarasota homes come in all shapes and sizes but to determine if that oceanside condo is for you, here’s some helpful information.
When you hear the word "condo," luxury may be one of the first things that come to mind, but that's not necessarily what you'll get when you buy a condo. The Sarasota real estate market is flooded with so many in-demand Sarasota homes and condos and townhomes happen to be especiallys popular in Florida.
While most Sarasota condominiums and townhomes are nicely affordable, it's vital that you weigh the various pros and cons of Sarasota condo-life before you pick up and move. Not all condos tower over bustling city lights or sit right on the ocean, but there very well may be a more modest condo with your name on it. Find out if a condo is right for you by weighing the pros and cons of Sarasota condos versus Sarasota homes via this nifty guide.
For a family, a condo or townhome can be immensely appealing. They're not too big, but not too small, so the price is often just right! But before you limit your options to just a condo, consider these disadvantages. Let's start off with the bad news.
The Cons:
1. Storage is limited
It's not rare that a condo will offer storage lockers, but typically you won't find an attic or basement for storage of your belongings. If you happen to be a pack rat who loves to collects things and on top of that, you don't happen to posses that "organization" gene, you should be forewarned that your condo may not have enough room for you and your family and all of your things.
2. Not enough room to breathe... fresh air
Like storage space, outdoor space is also an uncommon feature of a condo. If you love to garden or have a pet dog or enjoy being outdoors, a condo may be the last place you should move into.
3. Hefty fees
In order to get the advantages of living in a condo (listed below), you'll have to cope with more than a handful of fees. They are generally affordable, but are still something you ought to keep in mind as you comparison shop for a new residence.
4. Lack of freedom
Every condo community will have its own set of rules and you should carefully investigate them before you sign on to abide by them! Some condos won't allow pets or home-based businesses. Take more than just a quick glance at the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of your condo or townhome community before you move in.
5. Neighbors may be too close for comfort
If you're a private person, you should choose your condo carefully. You will see your neighbors on a daily basis and if you don't like them, well, tough luck!
There are, of course, major advantages to living in a condo. What are they?
The Pros:
1. No yard work or maintenance!
While some may feel claustrophobic without a big backyard to escape to, others may appreciate the limited amount of yard work they'll have to do. As well, most condos offer on-site maintenance personnel who are on hand to do repairs and will routinely care for the areas that every resident shares.
2. Excellent security
A condo community is one of the safest communities you can live in. You might even find a door attendant greets you upon entrance! And remember, your neighbors will be just a few steps away in case of an emergency.
3. Awesome amenities
This is probably one of the greatest appeals of living in a condo. If you wanted a swimming pool for a more conventional home, you would be paying a good chunk of money for its construction and upkeep. But in a condo, you commonly get easy access to not only a swimming pool, but other facilities like fitness centers that are practically impossible for normal homeowners to afford.
There are other factors to consider about your condo too. Think about the future. For example, ask questions like: how effortless will resale be? Your condo may sell easily if no other condos in your unit are for sale at the time -- otherwise, it can be difficult! Single-family homes may require a bit more initiative to sell but sometimes the market can be better for them. Examine the Sarasota real estate market to help you figure out the answer to this question.
Some of these pros actually overlap with the cons, as your individual preferences will play the biggest role in helping you to determine if a condo is right for you and your family. A condo may not be a good fit for an outdoorsy gardener but it could be perfect for a social person who wants as much convenience and comfort as possible. So, now that you've got a glimpse into what condo-life is like, hopefully you fell more equipped as you shop around for a Sarasota home.
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