7 Condo Living Tips for First-Time Buyers

For many people, owning a condo is a dream-come-true. Like a traditional apartment or home, a condo offers freedom to decorate, a place to express your personality, and a fun space to entertain and host guests. Unlike these other two types of properties, though, a condo also alleviates the burden of maintenance and lawn work by utilizing condo associations, which do all of it for you!

While condo living offers some serious perks, it can also present some challenges, and it’s smart to know how to navigate around these if you’re a first-time buyer. Read on for our top condo living tips to make every day in your new space easier and more enjoyable.

7 Smart Condo Living Tips to Start Using Now

Whether you’re in an exclusive condo community or a zone that’s dense with first-time homebuyers, these tips will make living in a condo more comfortable and streamlined:

1. Understand the condo’s rules and regulations before you buy

The only way to know what you’re getting into with a condo is to read the fine print before you make the purchase.

Find out which rules and regulations apply to your condo and get familiar with state laws and statutes that govern the space. Learn about the annual condo budget and talk to other condo owners about their experiences. This will prevent unwanted surprises down the road.

2. Attend condo association meetings

While many people shrug off condo meetings, they’re the best way to find out what’s on the Board of Directors’ agenda and stay in the loop with the property you own.

3. Do your part

Although condos do have landscapers, maintenance people, and gardeners to maintain the grounds, be sure to do your part, as well. Remember: a traditional home wouldn’t offer landscaping benefits, and taking them for granted doesn’t do anyone any good. Pick up trash if you see it and be mindful of the grounds as you use your condo to entertain and host parties.

4. Be timely with your assessment fees

Sometimes, people withhold their assessment payments in an attempt to speed up service. This won’t work, however, and it will only hurt the condo association, which will have a direct impact on you and your neighbors.

5. Get to know your neighbors

While condo living places you in closer proximity to your neighbors than residing in a single-family home, many condo owners don’t know their neighbors. Combat this by introducing yourself to the people who live next to you and fostering a sense of community. It will make the building a nicer place to live – for everyone involved!

6. Learn the “unwritten rules”

Some condos have “unwritten rules” that you won’t find in the condo documents, but which everyone abides by, anyway. Learning these is a part of your responsibility as a new condo owner. Don’t be afraid to ask your neighbors or the Board of Directors if you have questions about these rules.

7. Be considerate

This rule isn’t unique to condo living! No matter where you purchase property, it’s essential to be attentive to the people around you. In a condo space, however, this is especially important. Be particularly mindful of shared and outdoor spaces when hosting guests or entering or exiting the property.

Condo Living Made Simple

If you own a condo, mastering the art of condo living is essential. From getting to know your neighbors to taking an active role in condo association meetings, these seven smart tips can make your condo experience happier and more productive all around.