You are interested in moving into a condominium complex, or you already have and are searching for some tips for condo living. Maybe you decided to move into a condo for the fun and excitement of living in a big city. Or, maybe it is out of necessity. Perhaps you are looking to save on your finances, or are downsizing because your kids went off to college. Whatever your reason is, here are some important tips for condo living, so that your time there will be enjoyed to its fullest. 

1. Do your research

Assuming you have already decided on the city that you want to move to, your next step is deciding on a neighborhood. Trust me on this, you want to research the neighborhood. A good resource for that information is Realtor.com, where you can search key statistics such as crime rate and median home value. In addition, you can check for local amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and more. Another good resource is Niche.com, where you can get more specific about the demographics of the neighborhood. This could include diversity and levels of education.

From there, compare and contrast a few different condominium complexes. Think about what features are most important to you. Maybe it’s a gym or a swimming pool. Maybe it’s more important to have an upgraded unit. Whatever is most important to you, stick true to it, and try not to settle for anything less.

The next information to look for is the community’s website. First of all, look and see if they have one. If they do not have a website, this might entail that there is a lack of effort by management. Once you find a website decipher what information you can gather. If it looks like it is not updated regularly or looks totally abandoned, that could also show signs of a lack of care for the community by management or by the board. If the website looks well maintained, chances are the community will be too.

Lastly, try a google search. Do not take every review to heart, as there will likely be a few outliers. But take a look at the consistency of the reviews and search for common themes. If there are dozens of reviews complaining about one item, chances are that could be a problem for you as well if you decide to move in. These are key components to look for when making a decision.

2. Prepare for move-in day

If you made it here, congratulations! You have made your decision and are close to moving into your new home. Your next step is to decide what you will be taking with you to your new condo. Maybe you are moving from a 2500 square foot home into a 1600 square foot condo. If so, you might have to think about downsizing. Don’t be alarmed, downsizing can be a good thing.

First, think about your furniture. You might not have enough space to fit that three-piece sectional with the oversized ottoman, or perhaps your bedroom won’t allow for that California King size bed set. You might have to give up on that poker table you haven’t played on since the Christmas party you hosted 3 years ago (I am still upset about this one). Understanding your limitations is important when moving into your new condo. This can also help bring out your creativity in designing.

Try to better utilize the space you do have such as mounting your t.v. on the wall, or you could get even more clever. Storage space is usually very limited in a condo. You could decide to rent a storage space to store belongings that will not fit in your new space.

When contemplating renting a storage unit, you should think about your budget and if the stuff you have is worth storing. For example, storage units on average cost about $100 per month in the United States. Think whether $1200 per year (or more) is necessary to store this old stuff. That decision is totally up to you. The last thing you should do before you move in is deep clean. Do not assume that the unit was thoroughly cleaned and ready for you to move in. Clean each and every crevice, and note (take pictures) of anything you notice that is abnormal. Picture taking is important; you do not want to be held liable for those stains you found under the sink when you move out!

3. Be a good neighbor

This could mean so many different things to different people. The key is to be yourself, but keep others in mind. You now are sharing your walls with a variety of different people. To start, it is always good to reach out, introduce yourself. Keep it simple, yet friendly. Try to spark up a conversation and get a feel for what type of person they are. Also, let them know about you and maybe some of your habits. If you like to entertain people often, let them know and offer them an invite to create a healthy neighborly relationship. You would not want them to complain the second you invite a few friends over.

On the other hand, you do not want to throw a huge party that can be heard from all the way down the street either. If you are a party animal, living in a condo might not be the right choice for you. One of the benefits of living in a condo is the variety of amenities that you can enjoy.

The pool, jacuzzi, gym, bbq’s, etc, make living in a condo a ton of fun. However, being a good neighbor means cleaning up after yourself. These amenities are for everyone and sharing is caring. In addition, it is important to be kind to the individuals working in the condominium. The doorman, maintenance staff, the receptionist, are all people that you will have to interact with on an ongoing basis. It is important to be kind to them so that your time living in a condo will be a pleasant one. 

4. Follow the condo guidelines and pay your dues.

Not the most exciting topic to talk about, but it may be one of the most important tips for condo living. Make sure you’re aware of the rules and regulations associated with your condo and have a good understanding of the rental/ purchase agreement. When making decisions like painting, or mounting your own shelving, it is important to reach out to your landlord or management company prior to doing so. Maybe they have strict provisions regarding upgrading your condo, or maybe they do not allow it at all. It is important to ensure you are doing right by those in charge so that you do not get evicted or receive any fines.

Additionally, you must pay your dues. Whether you think they are too high, or unjust, you still have to make your payments. Your HOA dues go to things like community maintenance, groundskeeping, and payment for the community staff. If you do not make your payments, you could be hindering the overall living environment of the community. In addition, you might receive fines that could end up in collections. If the financial difficulty is resulting in your non-payment, communication with management could help delay that process.

The last item worth noting is staying covid-compliant within your condominium. You know the rules, wear your mask and stand 6 feet apart. A healthy community is a happy community.

5. Have FUN!

Condominiums are great because you are living in a shared space with like-minded people. Reach out, make new friends, and be involved in community events. You never know what sort of life-lasting relationships can be made while living in a condo! In addition, make yourself present in board meetings. Be aware of what is going on in the community and make yourself available for discussion.

Have some extra time on your hands? There is a chance that your community could use a talented member such as yourself. Consider running for the board. Think that sounds crazy? Well, think again! It is actually the perfect way to integrate yourself within the community. This will be your chance to make an impact on others’ lives, for the better!

We hope your time living in a condo will be enjoyed to its fullest. Moving to a new home can be challenging, as well as rewarding. It is important to have a good understanding of what condo life is all about. Our 5 key components including doing your research, preparing for move-in day, being a good neighbor, following the rules, and having fun, should steer you in the right direction. We hope you found this article, Tips for Condo Living in 2021 – The More You Know, to be a great resource to you and hope you check out some of our other blog entries. Such as, “How Community Associations Work – The Ulitmate Guide”