Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Condo

by THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo 09/23/2018

Buying a condo requires hard work and patience, particularly for property buyers who are searching for a condo that they can enjoy for years to come. Thus, there are many questions that condo buyers need to ask before they purchase a property, including:

1. What Does the Condo Include?

Although a condo will feature home essentials like bedrooms and bathrooms, there are other factors that condo buyers need to consider as well.

For example, does a condo offer reserved parking? If not, where will you park your car day after day? And if you invite guests to visit, where can they park their vehicles? These are just some of the questions you'll want to consider about a condo before you submit an offer. Ultimately, you'll want to ensure that you are comfortable with everything that a condo has to offer. And if a condo fails to meet your expectations, keep in mind that other properties may be available that satisfy your needs.

2. How Much Are the Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees?

Condo owners usually are responsible for their monthly mortgage costs, along with HOA fees.

HOA fees are used to cover property maintenance costs throughout a condo community. The costs ensure that your neighborhood will feature fresh-cut lawns, clear walkways and other great features that help it stand out from other neighborhoods. At the same time, HOA fees must be considered before you purchase a condo, as these costs can add up quickly.

In many instances, HOA fees may add several hundred dollars to your monthly expenses. As such, you should find out exactly how much your HOA fees will be prior to buying a condo.

Consult with your real estate agent to learn more about a condo community's HOA fees. By doing so, you can budget accordingly.

3. What Are the HOA Rules?

HOA rules may vary from community to community, and you should get a copy of these rules to determine whether they correspond to your lifestyle.

For example, some condo communities feature quiet hours. On the other hand, various condo communities may have rules in place to prevent condo owners from renting out their properties.

Your real estate agent should have no trouble providing you with a copy of the HOA rules for a particular condo community. Examine these requirements closely before you make your purchase decision, and you can understand how the HOA rules will impact your day-to-day life in a condo community.

No one should be forced to settle for an inferior condo. Fortunately, employing a real estate agent with condo experience can help you speed up the process of finding a terrific condo.

With support from an experienced real estate agent, you can browse a broad array of condos in any city or town. Plus, your real estate agent can offer details about HOA fees and rules, along with provide expert tips to help you secure the perfect condo at a great price.

Collaborate with a real estate agent, and you can improve your chances of discovering your ideal condo.

About the Author
Author

THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo

The Cuomo Team - 24 years experience serving South Florida's Real Estate needs!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Services - 

I am a dedicated Realtor specializing in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties. The commercial division of our team covers Central Florida, and all of South Florida including Broward and Dade Counties. 

I pride myself on being honest and professional. I have been committed for the past 24 years to have all of my clients 100% satisfied with my services, at all times- from the first time home buyer, luxury client, to commercial property investor- and everything in between! In this ever-changing marketplace, it is imperative to have an experienced Realtor. It can make all the difference in the world in your transaction! I have been successful in accomplishing this based on a long list of satisfied clients! I would be honored to help you buy or sell your next property! 

I have lived in the local area for over thirty years. After college, I worked as a paralegal for five years before deciding to go into the real estate profession in 1998. My husband, John, and I have resided in the Town of Jupiter for the past thirty years and consider it a great place to live, and have raised a family. We have two sons, 22 and 25.

One of my sons, Matthew Cuomo also works on our team, along with my daughter in law, Tasianna Cuomo. John, a retired firefighter from the Town of Palm Beach, works in the Commercial Division. My sister in law, Christine Cuomo Georgeou, also is part of our team, so that someone is always available to service any client, any time, 7 days a week! 

You can contact me directly anytime at 561-339-3002, and I will be happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs! I look forward to hearing from you!

Kim Cuomo

Keller Williams Realty

KW Commercial