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Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,229
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

We live in a house in the suburbs of a medium sized city. I lived in apartments when I was single.  The noisy neighbors I put up with during those years would discourage me from every living in a building with shared walls again.  My dream would be to have a house on the beach.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,936
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

We live in a small Cape Cod.

 

One day, I would like to sell it and move to another state, on the east coast but inland away from the coastline.

 

My dream would be a ranch with 3 bedrooms, a laundry closet, a bath and a half, a living room and a den, eat in kitchen - no dining room, here it's a wasted room.

 

Unless it's a last resort and I have no choice I would never live in a townhouse or condo, a 55+ community or a HOA community.  Too any rules and regulations and too many with nothing better to do than be looking out their windows all day long see what is going on.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,347
Registered: ‎09-01-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

Brick ranch style home with half basement in the boonies of West Virginia.   I have no desire to live anywhere else.   

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,553
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

Financial radio host Bruce Williams said to never buy a condo. Too many restrictions. Anyone own a condo and care to chime in?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????


@Reever wrote:

Financial radio host Bruce Williams said to never buy a condo. Too many restrictions. Anyone own a condo and care to chime in?


I don't own a condo at this time, but have had a couple of elderly relatives that made that their last move, and they loved it.

 

They were the kind of condos that are like duplexes. All one floor, attached garage, connected to just one other unit (usually the garages meet in the middle). Inside you can do whatever you wish, outside work is done by the HOA (mowing, landscaping, snow removal etc.). 

 

Theirs had rules, but not super strict. They could do up their patio with planters and furniture of their choice, could put out Christmas decor or fall decor on their front stoop/flower beds. Nice neighbors, everyone over 55, plenty of privacy, no restrictions on the type of color of window coverings etc. 

 

When we would visit, it was pretty much like any other well cared for neighborhood. I think a lot of people like living where there are 'rules'. They find a place that is neat, clean, well cared for, then don't have to worry that the guy across the street is going to jack up 6 cars, never mow, and paint the house purple (or worse yet, never paint!).

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,570
Registered: ‎09-13-2012

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

[ Edited ]

This thread inspired me to get an estimate of how much it would cost to pay off my mortgage right now.  I have just under two years left.  They have the whole thing automated now.  I foolishly input June 2016 when I should have picked something later. 

 

My house is a small two-story, two-bedroom up the street from the ocean in coastal Maine.  The previous owners bought it in the 1960s and bragged to me how they ripped out all the Victorian-era wainscoting.  Back then, modern was all the rage, but I've always loved Victorian architecture.  Oh, well!  Since they stripped it, my little house is kind of plain.  The best thing about it is the large window box I added in the front that spans two bay windows (it's a square shape, not curved, so I'm not sure whether bay is the right term).  Even my sister said that window box just makes the house when it's in bloom.  It is fabulous.  Once I saw someone walk down the street, stop in front of it, throw his arms out to the sides and just stare at it.  I haven't figured out what to do with it in the winter, but at least I have that for the summer. 

 

My ideal house would be a Queen Anne with that round tower and lots of fireplaces and window seats.  I've loved houses like that since I was in my teens.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,987
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

We live in a split foyer house with 3 bedrooms in a small town.  We added two additions over the years, a large eat-in kitchen with separate dining room, and a new master bedroom with large walk-in closet and two linen closets.  The house is about 2,000 square feet.  I would like to consider downsizing but DH isn't ready for that.  Fortunately we don't have steps at the back of the house but do have steps in front, 7 up to main floor and 7 down to basement.

 

If/when DH is ready to consider moving (if ever...) I'd like to research condo living with master bedroom on first floor and a 2 car garage.  We are both retired.

"Faith, Hope, Love; the greatest of these is Love." ~The Silver Fox~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 42,151
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????


Reever wrote:

Financial radio host Bruce Williams said to never buy a condo. Too many restrictions. Anyone own a condo and care to chime in?


 

@Reever

there are rules and regulations, we have ground rent, association fees, and recreation fees......but i would not give up our beach condo for anything. it is well cared for and the facilites and security and amenities are excellent.

********************************************
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein
Honored Contributor
Posts: 74,428
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????

@qualitygal  Let me know if you decide to come and I'll tell you what to see and do.  I love my state.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,064
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: House, apartment, condo, or?????


@Reever wrote:

Financial radio host Bruce Williams said to never buy a condo. Too many restrictions. Anyone own a condo and care to chime in?


I think you have to know yourself and your priorities.  Plus, you should do your research to see if the association is well-funded and if they maintain the complex to the level you think is appropriate.  Personally, I don't mind restrictions that help keep the neighborhood tidy and maintains property values.