Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Condo

by Jeff Cashmore 05/07/2017

Buying a condo requires hard work and patience, particularly for property buyers who are searching for a condo that they can enjoy for years to come. Thus, there are many questions that condo buyers need to ask before they purchase a property, including:

1. What Does the Condo Include?

Although a condo will feature home essentials like bedrooms and bathrooms, there are other factors that condo buyers need to consider as well.

For example, does a condo offer reserved parking? If not, where will you park your car day after day? And if you invite guests to visit, where can they park their vehicles? These are just some of the questions you'll want to consider about a condo before you submit an offer. Ultimately, you'll want to ensure that you are comfortable with everything that a condo has to offer. And if a condo fails to meet your expectations, keep in mind that other properties may be available that satisfy your needs.

2. How Much Are the Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees?

Condo owners usually are responsible for their monthly mortgage costs, along with HOA fees.

HOA fees are used to cover property maintenance costs throughout a condo community. The costs ensure that your neighborhood will feature fresh-cut lawns, clear walkways and other great features that help it stand out from other neighborhoods. At the same time, HOA fees must be considered before you purchase a condo, as these costs can add up quickly.

In many instances, HOA fees may add several hundred dollars to your monthly expenses. As such, you should find out exactly how much your HOA fees will be prior to buying a condo.

Consult with your real estate agent to learn more about a condo community's HOA fees. By doing so, you can budget accordingly.

3. What Are the HOA Rules?

HOA rules may vary from community to community, and you should get a copy of these rules to determine whether they correspond to your lifestyle.

For example, some condo communities feature quiet hours. On the other hand, various condo communities may have rules in place to prevent condo owners from renting out their properties.

Your real estate agent should have no trouble providing you with a copy of the HOA rules for a particular condo community. Examine these requirements closely before you make your purchase decision, and you can understand how the HOA rules will impact your day-to-day life in a condo community.

No one should be forced to settle for an inferior condo. Fortunately, employing a real estate agent with condo experience can help you speed up the process of finding a terrific condo.

With support from an experienced real estate agent, you can browse a broad array of condos in any city or town. Plus, your real estate agent can offer details about HOA fees and rules, along with provide expert tips to help you secure the perfect condo at a great price.

Collaborate with a real estate agent, and you can improve your chances of discovering your ideal condo.

About the Author
Author

Jeff Cashmore

Welcome to my website, your number one source for Sarasota, FL Real Estate, Venice, FL Real Estate, Bradenton, FL Real Estate, Siesta Key, FL Real Estate, Bradenton Beach, FL Real Estate, North Port, FL Real Estate and surrounding towns.