The Top Questions To Ask When Buying a Condo

If you are looking for condos in Daytona Beach Shores, you are probably looking for a smaller property that doesn’t have as much maintenance work for you to worry about. At the same time, buying a condo can also be a risk. Many people are not familiar with what it means to purchase a condo even if they have lived in several houses. Therefore, you need to make sure you ask the right questions if you are looking for a condo in the local area. What are some of the most important points you need to keep in mind if you want to find the right condo to meet your needs? Take a look at several important questions below, and make sure you reach out to a professional real estate agent who has experience looking at condos.

What Are the HOA Fees?

Without a doubt, the first thing you need to ask is about the HOA fees. How much are the HOA fees? You should expect your HOA fees to be significantly higher in a condo than they are in a single-family home. Furthermore, you need to look closely at the fees. When you see the number, you may assume you only have to pay them once per year; however, do not be surprised if you need to pay your HOA fees monthly. You also need to take a look at the penalties for not paying your HOA fees on time. They will be substantial, and you need to include them in your budget.

What Are You Responsible For? 

Because you have such high HOA fees, they may cover a lot of your regular maintenance expenses. For example, if you purchase a condo, you should expect to have a lawn crew that takes care of the outside. Your HOA fees may also cover other expenses, including some of your utilities. At the same time, you need to make sure you understand what you are responsible for. What utilities do you still have to pay? Do you need to call a company to come and set up your cable and internet? Is there a company that comes and cleans your condo for you? Or, are you responsible for that? 

What Is the Management Company Like?

You probably have a property management company, so you need to see what they are like. Do they have a presence in the building? Or, are they in some random location several states away? If you email the property management association, do they get back to you quickly? Or, are they hard to find? You do not necessarily want a property management company that is going to hound you about every little thing; however, you also want to work with a property management company that is there when you need them. 

What Is the Parking Situation?

Do not forget to ask about the parking situation as well. Do you have to park your car on the street? Do you have an underground lot that you can park your car in? Or, do you have a garage you can use? Furthermore, is parking free? Or, do you have to pay for this? In general, you should expect your condo to have an assigned parking spot. You should also assume that you will get one parking spot per bedroom in the condo. This is not always the case, which is why you need to ask about this. Make sure you understand the parking situation before you buy a condo. 

Find a Condo in the Local Area

These are a few of the most important questions you need to ask if you are trying to find a suitable condo in the local area. Even though condos can be an attractive investment property and living experience, many people overlook a lot of the quirks that come with owning a condo. That is why you need to think carefully about the condo you choose for yourself and your family. If you are trying to find the best condo in the local area, reach out to a professional real estate agent who has experience in this field. That way, you can put yourself in the best position possible to be successful.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON

in

Personal Finance

Photo of author

Crystal

I'm Crystal. I'm married to Dale, and mother to Johnny.Some might say that my life is perfect because I get to do all the cliché wife things like cooking, cleaning, and decorating - but there's more! I also have many hobbies including needlework (crochet), sewing, and reading. My son's education is important, so we homeschool him together.

Leave a Comment