Is Condo Living Right For You?

Condominium living has lots of benefits for the right person. Generally, you can get more living space for the same price as a single-family home, developments tend to be newer, and many offer amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, etc. that you probably wouldn’t have as a single-family home-owner. Exterior maintenance is taken care of by the homeowner association so you don’t have to be concerned about painting, landscaping, snow plowing, etc. If your roof leaks, just call the association.

If you’re someone who just wants easy living and convenience and you don’t mind paying a fee each month and letting other people make decisions for you and maybe giving up some personal freedoms for the greater good, it’s a great lifestyle! Just pay the fee, follow the rules, and forget about it…

So, what’s not to like? Well, if you like to be in control about how and when things happen, then you may not like it when the trustees of the association don’t respond to your requests right away. Or maybe your roof is going to be replaced in two years so they’ll only do a patch job for now. Or maybe you want Aunt Mary to visit next summer and park her trailer on the property. Or you want to leave your cat run free, or decorate for the holidays … the list goes on. You may not think the rules don’t matter and “Aunt Mary’s only staying for the weekend” no big deal, right! Unless lots of people are having guests with trailers all summer – what’s that going to look like? How do you feel about paying for repairs that really don’t directly benefit you… condo owners share everything – amenities as well as costly repairs.

I think you get what I mean… When purchasing a home, it’s important to think about how you want to live, not just what’s the biggest, newest place you can afford.

If you are looking for easy living, these two townhouse units at Deer Hedge Run and Oak Ridge in Maynard MA 01754 (22 miles west of Boston) can’t be beat!

Find your next home at www.marilynmessenger.com - complete MLS listings with addresses and maps, new and information to help you plan your move.