FSBO Jane

Thinking about taking that big step toward owning a home? Lots of people are drawn to the idea of home ownership and all the benefits it provides. But what a lot of people aren’t prepared for is the cost. Don’t let that deter you, though–if you’re ready to stop throwing your money away on rent, consider investing in a condominium.

While condo living doesn’t fit everyone’s lifestyle, it can provide many benefits that living in a single family home cannot. For one, you’ll be part of a community, which, if you’re starting out on your own for the first time, can be a great support. And while condos come with monthly fees that you’ll have to factor into your budget, you can rest assured that basic maintenance issues will be taken care of for you. Also, some condos have great amenities (like a pool or a fitness room) that you probably wouldn’t have access to, or be able to afford, in a single family home.

Of course, you want to be sure that condo living will suit your needs. It’s a big decision, and there are some precautions you should take before jumping in. Take a look at this informative blog from Bigger Pockets.

Also helpful is this article I found which lists the pros and cons of condo living: from Lending Tree. The author brings up a good point, which is that condos are often found near downtown areas and places where land is at a premium. So I went to one of my favorite websites, BuyOwner.com, and took a look at some condos in hot areas, like Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa and Orlando, etc. You’d be surprised at how modern and spacious some of these condos are, and with surprisingly affordable prices! Just for kicks, I started out by limiting the search by price range, from $125,000-150,000, to estimate what a first-time home buyer might find. I also searched within 30 miles of the city I picked.

In the Chicago area, I was surprised to find some charming vintage condos in up-and-coming areas, which of course have been upgraded and outfitted with the latest amenities. I also found some fabulous condos in high-rises that had extraordinary city views.

Your money definitely goes far in the Atlanta area, where the price range I chose can get you a spacious, modern two-bedroom condo! I was even impressed with what I found in Florida metropolitan areas-besides comfortable living spaces, these condos also feature awesome amenities, like swimming pools and resort-style landscaping.

Go to Buyowner.com and check it out yourself! I think you’ll be as surprised as I was to find out what great properties can be yours for a lot less money than a single family home with similar square footage. Enjoy!