Florida is one of the best places in the country to buy a beach condo. Whether you’re looking to become a permanent resident or want to use the home as a vacation rental, there is plenty of opportunity for you. Condo living is advisable for those people who don’t want a ton of maintenance to deal with and wish to have a simpler way of life. Before you dive in, you’ll need to be sure that you do the proper research to make the condo purchase that much easier to manage in the future.
Condos can be lower maintenance living for you as a homeowner, but you’ll need to consider the costs involved in owning a condo in Florida. There are different fees involved with owning a condo than that of a traditional home. Most condos require you to belong to the HOA (homeowner’s association) which has a monthly fee that covers maintenance and upkeep of the property. The fee also covers any amenities that may be present on the property like a pool or fitness center. The HOA fees vary based on the type of property you choose and the complex that it resides in.
Look At The Style Of The Complex
This may seem slightly obvious when you’re searching for a condo, but there’s a special reason behind it. The less intricate the style of building that you’ll be living in, the easier the maintenance will be. A garden style complex is a lot lower on the maintenance scale than an ornate building with high ceilings. Tower condos with elevators will also always have a bit more maintenance involved due to the mechanical nature of the working parts of the building.
Know What The HOA Fees Cover
An important thing to consider when buying a Florida condo is that of what the HOA fees cover. You’ll most likely need to pay your own taxes and homeowner’s insurance. The HOA fees will take care of the upkeep of the property and some maintenance tasks around your condo itself. You may need to cover additional maintenance costs in your unit yourself.
Know The Rules
Every Homeowner’s association has its own set of rules and regulations. You’ll want to know exactly what the layout of these terms are before you buy a Florida condominium. Does the association allow pets? will you be allowed to rent out the property? Are you allowed to plant and decorate as you wish, or are there restrictions?
Whether you’re looking to be a seasonal resident in Florida, or be in the state the whole year through, buying a beach condo can be a great investment for you to get some much needed oceanside enjoyment.
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