When you’re looking for a good condominium to buy in Philadelphia, you might get caught up in all the inspections and the showings that you’d forget about what condominium living is like. This is true especially for first-time condominium owners who just got out of the suburbs and is looking to move to the middle of the city. One of the most important things that will play a big role in your condo life would be the condominium association.
People choose to live in condominiums here in Philadelphia because it is an agreeable middle ground between buying a house and renting an apartment. Buying a condominium basically means you own that piece of real estate you live in and you’re not just renting it. The unit owners of a condominium complex band together and choose among themselves a board of directors that would form the condos’ Homeowners Association. Every unit owner would then have to pay association fees for the various services that the Association is responsible for.
Building Maintenance
When you buy a traditional freestanding home, you will be responsible for the maintenance and the upkeep of that building. In a condominium complex, the Association is the one responsible for maintaining the condo building itself, especially the common rooms, the hallways, and the building exterior. This would include the repairs needed for damage on the roof, doors, or windows, among other things.
Landscaping and Yard Maintenance
If your idea of the American dream doesn’t include mowing the lawn but you still want the outside of your home to look great, then condo living is right for you. Your association fees also cover the cost of maintaining and landscaping the surrounding areas of your condo complex. This includes mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and gardening.
Public Amenities
When you’re looking for condos for sale in Philadelphia, you might have noticed that some of them have public amenities like gyms and swimming pools. The maintenance of these places is also covered by your Association fees. Basically, all common areas are maintained by the HOA.
Utilities
Some Homeowners Associations also include in their coverage services such as garbage disposal, air condition, and even cable TV. The utilities covered by your association dues vary from complex to complex. It would be good if you take this into consideration before you choose which Philadelphia condos to include in your shortlist.
When you’re looking for condos for sale Philadelphia PA has, it is important that you know about all the ins and outs of real estate and condo living so there won’t be any surprises once you’ve chosen a place. For more information, you can visit ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/associations.html or neighborhoodlink.com/article/Association/Condo_Maintenance_Coverage.