How to Decide if a Condo or House is Right for You

Real estate is a financial investment, but it's also an investment in the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy. There are advantages to purchasing a home, and there are advantages to buying a condo. Carefully weighing your options is the key to making the right choice for your future.
Comparing the Costs of Fees and Maintenance
A house is more than just four walls and a roof that encloses a large space. It is also a yard, fence, and landscaping that you will need to maintain. And, unlike a condo, all of the maintenance is your responsibility. Unless you have an HOA, the advantage is that as the sole owner, you have full decision-making authority over how to maintain it and what you want to include in the landscaping. In general, you can expect to spend approximately 1 to 2% of the home's purchase price each year on maintenance. Further, if an HOA governs you, you will also need to pay HOA fees to maintain landscaping, parks, pools, etc. within the community.




