Eaton Realty
Find The Perfect Condo At The Perfect Price
Condo living can offer a lower-maintenance alternative to single-family homes for many homebuyers. Explore condos for sale in Brandon, Florida, to find a condo that will be a great fit for you and your lifestyle.
A condominium, or condo for short, is a type of single-family residence that shares some features of single-family homes and some features of apartments. Like a single-family home, condos are owned outright by their residents rather than rented. Condos are found in multi-unit buildings or complexes similar to apartment buildings. They have shared entrances and common spaces. Condos may also share walls and be situated above and below other units. Condos owners are typically members of an association that maintains shared areas and building exteriors. Depending on the community, some condo owners also gain access to additional common areas and amenities.
Owning a condo comes with many of the benefits of owning a single-family home, as well as some additional added perks. Condos may come with any or all of the following benefits.
Because of more compact floor plans and a lack of outdoor property, condos often have a smaller price tag than comparable single-family homes. A lower purchase price can result in lower down payments, smaller monthly mortgage payments, and lower closing costs. Unlike renters, condo owners also have the advantage of having equity in their properties if they ever decide to move. Remember that condos may be more affordable than single-family homes, but they can vary greatly in cost depending on size, location, style, and other features.
Some condos are part of communities or complexes with fun features for residents only. Owning a condo in one of these communities and being a condo association member can grant residents access to shared spaces and amenities, such as pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, or social halls. The cost to enjoy these perks is relatively low compared to the cost to an individual homeowner to install and maintain similar features. Be sure to learn which amenities are available at each condo complex you’re interested in, as these will vary from community to community.
Part of the resident’s condo association fee pays for condo maintenance and upkeep. Exterior maintenance, including lawn care and landscaping, repairs, and maintenance, such as roof repair or replacement, are taken care of for residents. This benefit makes condo living a great option for those who don’t have the time or ability to do outdoor maintenance themselves.
Because each condo unit is owned by the individual resident, condo owners have some freedom to make improvements or modifications to the interiors of their units. Condos can be personalized or upgraded with paint, upgraded appliances, new flooring, hanging shelves or pictures, and many other modifications that renters in apartments can’t make.
Condo complexes may offer some features that improve security. These could include secured entrances, security cameras, or even security guards. Some communities have controlled access, similar to gated communities. Condo owners may also feel a sense of security just from the close proximity of their neighbors.
Condo ownership may offer a chance to connect with other residents and create a sense of community. Closeness with neighbors provides opportunities to get to know one another. Some condo associations have committees that plan social events to promote friendships and allow residents to mingle.
Like any type of housing, condo ownership can have some drawbacks. Consider the following potential downsides to condo living as you consider whether buying a condo is right for you.
When considering buying a condo, remember that condo ownership typically comes with additional monthly fees. Condo associations are similar to homeowners associations, and they help keep the community in great shape. Maintenance fees may be included in association fees, or there may be a separate, additional fee for building maintenance, repairs, and landscaping work. For many condo owners, the benefits provided by condo associations and the convenience of having maintenance work done by a service outweigh the costs of any additional fees.
Condo associations create rules to promote the comfort of condo residents. While these regulations are put in place for the benefit of the community, some individuals may find them restrictive. Condo association rules may include issues such as pets, noise restrictions, or even rules related to visitors and guests. The condo association may issue warnings or fines to residents who break the rules. Be sure to closely read through the condo association rules and regulations of any condo complex you’re interested in to ensure you can comfortably follow all the rules.
While condos can come in various shapes and sizes, they often have less space than single-family homes at comparable price points. Other than just the square footage of the condo itself, you’ll have less space outside your condo. Many condos come with a small private outdoor area, such as a patio or balcony, but this will be much smaller than the yard a single-family home would typically have. You may also have less storage space in a condo. While many condos come with a garage, remember that you won’t be able to store large items outside or in shared spaces like entryways and hallways.
For people who like to keep to themselves, condo living may present some challenges. Close proximity to neighbors and shared entryways means you’ll likely see your neighbors on a fairly regular basis. Shared walls mean that noise may travel between units, too, and your neighbors will likely be able to hear you - or you’ll be able to hear your neighbors - if anyone gets a little too loud.
Deciding on the best housing option for you and your family ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. Explore the following alternatives to condos to find the perfect home for you.
No matter what type of home you’re looking for, the search becomes much easier when you have a great realtor in your corner. At Eaton Realty, we can help you weigh the pros and cons of condo living and find a Brandon condo that will be perfect for you. We’ll be by your side throughout the entire real estate process, beginning with a search for condos that fit your needs and ending at the closing table.
Finding your dream Brandon condo doesn’t have to be a stressful process. When you work with an Eaton realtor, we’ll make buying a condo as easy and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to start the search for your dream condo! Buying a condo as an investment property? We can help you find the right condo unit and get it rented with our Brandon property management services.
We’ve been serving the entire Hillsborough County area since 2003. We can help you explore condos for sale in other great cities, including: