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What is
condo living? Is Condo a style, a type of ownership, a way of
life? What do I own? What
is included with the maintenance fee? Do some condos come without
maintenance fees? What
about townhouses; are townhouses different from condos? These and
many more questions are
constantly asked about condos and townhouses. I will try to shed
some light on this subject.
What is a Condo?
A condo is a home style and a type of ownership. A condo style is
referred to as a “Ranch” style
of living; all rooms are on one floor. Condos can be found in
highrises, midrises, attached row
housing, garden apartments, detached housing, or stand-alone houses.
A townhouse can also be
a condo. A townhouse is an architectural style meaning multiple
levels. A townhouse may be a
condo type of ownership or not. Merriam-Webster Online defines a
townhouse as “a usually
single-family house of two or sometimes three stories that are
usually connected to a similar
house by common sidewall”. However, I have seen townhouses only
attached by an outside
deck.
Condo/Townhouse Subdivisions.
A usual subdivision may have upwards of hundreds of units. These
subdivisions may have many
amenities for the residents. Some of the amenities could be a
swimming pool, a clubhouse,
exercise rooms, meeting rooms, play areas, and more. But there are
many condo complexes that
have no amenities and some with only a few amenities.
All condo complexes will have common areas for use by ALL residents,
even if it is just the
parking areas or hallways.
Condo Fees.
A condo community usually has a management association that is
responsible for general repairs
and maintenance of the common areas. Generally, all exterior repairs
are the responsibility of the
management association. Snow removal is also the responsibility of
the association. However, it
should be noted that there are a number of definitions of snow
removal. The association would
more than likely be responsible for the roadways. But some
associations will shovel the general
walkways, steps, and driveways to each condo unit. Other
associations leave the sidewalks,
steps, and driveways to the condo unit residents. Each condo unit is
required to pay a monthly
condo fee to cover all the association’s costs and to maintain a
reserve for unexpected costs.
Some condos don’t pay any fees. These are usually small condo
complexes or duplex homes. In
these cases, the residents get together to share expenses.
Other Costs.
Ownership of a condo unit means that the interior, usually from the
walls to the center, is the
responsibility of the homeowner.
Advantages of Condominium Living
1. You are not responsible for outside maintenance. Your lawn will
always be trimmed.
2. You can enjoy many amenities without worrying about cost or
upkeep.
3. Transportation is usually close by.
4. Some condo communities are gated, giving the residents a greater
sense of security.
Disadvantages of Condominium Living
1. You have to pay taxes and association fees.
2. You have to share all common areas.
3. The outside land is owned by the association and available to
ALL condominium
residents. You don’t have the privacy as with single-family homes.
Other Issues
1. Some associations allow pets and some do not. Some associations
only allow small pets.
Some allow only cats and no dogs.
2. Some condominium communities are adult communities with age
restrictions.
3. Condominium association’s rules and fees can change.
When considering a condo ownership,
you should know the financials of the association
and the association’s rules. Do not rely on your Realtor, or anyone
else, since the finances
and rules are subject to change.
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