Shopping for a condo is an important step towards independent adulthood. Choosing the right condo for your needs is an involved process.  There are many things you should keep in mind while you search for the right condo, and here are a few of the most important.

Understanding the Rules

One important thing to take into account as you search for a condo is that each condo association has its own set of rules.  Before you decide to purchase a condo, you should understand the association’s rules, and be sure that they are rules you can abide by. 

Even the best condo can become annoying if the rules don’t match up with your personal standards.  Some common types of rules include:

• Rules about business.  Some condos disallow doing any kind of business on the premises.
• Pet rules.  Some condos do not allow pets, while others allow only certain kinds.
• Future renting.  Some condos will allow you to rent out your unit, while others forbid renting.

Understanding the Community

One of the great benefits of living in a condo is that it comes with a built-in community.  Getting to know the community before buying is a great way to ensure you will love your new place.

One of the best ways to do this is to access the minutes of the condo board meetings.  Reading through this information will give you an insider’s view of the priorities for your potential new home!

Understanding the Layout

Since you will be spending a lot of time in your new condo, it is really important that you choose a layout that you will enjoy.  Consider listing your priorities (a big kitchen, multiple bedrooms, east facing windows, etc.), so you can choose the best layout for your needs.

Also remember that you should purchase the biggest condo you can afford since smaller condos (one bedroom units or studios) can be more difficult to resell.

Buying Your Condo

Now that you are armed with the necessary information to buy a condo, don’t put it off.  Start searching for a condo today, and contact Best Insurance Services to get the condo coverage you need!

photo credit: kevin dooley via photopin cc