Choosing a Condo or a House

When it comes time to look for a home, you may want to consider all the options, such as whether you should choose a condo or a house. There are several differences between the two, and you may not be aware of all of them. When opting for a condo, you will need to decide between two styles – townhouse and apartment. Which is right for you will depend on what you want and need in a home. The following guidelines can help you decide:

1. Do you have a large family? If so, you may want a larger living area and yard, where you and your children can spread out to play, and to enjoy the great outdoors. Living in a condo would probably not provide you the space you are looking for, and you would not have your own private area.

2. Do you have time for yard work? If you already have a hard time keeping up with your responsibilities and hobbies, then a condo would generally fit your lifestyle better than a house. With a condo, you wouldn’t have to worry about mowing grass or moving snow.

3. Are you in the market for something smaller? For those who love having a home, but would like to downsize, a townhouse condo can be the answer. For others, an apartment-style condo may be exactly what is needed.

4. Is this your first time buying a home? Condos can be a good step when you are purchasing a home for the first time. They may not cost as much as a lot of houses, and you can get an idea of how much maintenance you are willing to be responsible for.

Some of the major differences are as follows:

Condos

· Although you can decorate your interior as you please, within the terms of your condo agreement, you will have to get permission to make many changes to your home’s exterior.

· Your grass cutting, landscaping, and snow removal will be done by a maintenance crew, and is paid for from part of your condo fees.

· You condo fees also provide you with insurance for your condo’s exterior and the building, but you will have to separately insure your interior and personal belongings.

· Your water and sewage, and sometimes heat, will be paid for with the condo fees as well.

· You may have to follow certain restrictions pertaining to owning pets.

Houses

· You will not have to ask anyone’s permission to make improvements or alter your home or land, as long as you are within the constraints of law.

· You will have your own private yard, but you will be responsible for all maintenance on it.

· You do not have to pay any condo fees.

· You must provide your own insurance.

· You can have pets inside or out, without restrictions beyond local law.

There are plenty of other considerations before you commit to a condo. You will need to be aware of all the restrictions and how the condo board operates. You will also want to find out exactly what you will be financially responsible for, and what is covered with your condo fees.

Looking for a new home? Find your new dream home in Ottawa:

[columns ]
[column size=”1/3″]Richcraft Group
Ottawa Homes[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]
Address: 2280 St Laurent Blvd

Phone (613) 739-7111

Fax (613) 739-7102

Email: info@richcraft.com[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]View Map[/column]
[/columns]

[columns ]

[column size=”1/3″]Condos Chateau Cartier
Condo Gatineau[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]Address: 1170 Chemin d’Aylmer

Gatineau, QC J9H 7L1

Phone: (819) 966-5798