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closeWhether it's on the 18th tee of a golf course, perched on a hill with a great water view, or set in the heart of a charming neighborhood, condominiums are available in some of the best locations in Whatcom County.
Even better, condominiums, on average, are more affordable than existing homes of comparable living space and can be a stepping stone toward home ownership, says Prudential Kelstrup real estate agent Mike Parcher of Bellingham.
In most cases, Parcher says, the choice to live in a condo is driven by lifestyle.
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CONDO
Pros- Outdoor maintenance, including yard, taken care of for you.
- Amenities can include water and sewer payments, workout rooms and pools.
- Financial benefit of home ownership without as much work.
- Often less costly than similar-sized houses in same area.
Cons- Maintenance fees add to monthly costs.
- Maintenance fees can be raised with vote of condo association.
- Inability to change exterior color.
- Less outdoor space than home with yard.
HOUSE
Pros- Larger living and outdoor space.
- Landscape as you like.
- Improvements up to homeowner.
- No shared walls with neighbors.
Cons- Outdoor work on landscaping is up to homeowner.
- Exterior maintenance is homeowner responsibility.
- Added energy costs.
Condos are great choices for empty nesters who want to downsize and people who travel often for work. Yard work is typically taken care of by a condo's owner association, which often charges a monthly maintenance fee.
Parcher says the fees could save money in some cases. The fees not only cover landscaping, but a portion of the money is also put in accrual accounts for long-term maintenance, such as roofing and exterior repairs.
"Most people on their own don't set aside $50 or $60 a month for when they need a new roof," Parcher says.
In addition, if a condo offers a workout room or pays for water and sewer (some even offer basic cable television service) the fees may bundle expenses a homeowner would otherwise pay on their own.
However, sharing walls and decisions about area maintenance may be the antithesis of a person's dream about the freedom of homeownership.
Condos may also be less than ideal for young families who want fenced yards where their children can play, though Parcher says if people want just a little patch of land, some condos offer small outdoor porches or green areas connected to the condo.
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