The lure
of condominium living
“Cynic:
a blackguard whose faulty
vision sees things as they are,
not as they ought to be."
—Ambrose
Bierce
The real estate industry has spent much time and money promoting
condominium living as an affordable way of enjoying a shared, sociable
and carefree lifestyle.
They tell you that you only have to
write one check a month and everything will be done for you and that
you'll never have to mow your lawn again. They gush that condos offer a
“lifestyle” that combines apartment living with private country club
amenities along with 24-hour security.
Rising prices builds your equity as you relax and enjoy yourself while,
for a reasonable monthly fee, trained professionals take care of all
the maintenance and the headaches that go along with home ownership.
This is perfect for busy professionals who need to spend their time
working and networking and not looking after a house.
For new home
buyers, condos offer an affordable way to buy a first home. As your
condo builds equity, along with you adding to your savings, in a short
while you will have the financial resources to buy your first house.
Seniors enjoy pleasant and independent lifestyles in an apartment. The
lack of stairs makes it easy to get around their units even if they
need to use a cane or a walker.
They can also live in Florida for six months a year knowing that their
summer home is secure and is being well taken care of.
Condos have other uses.
Grown children buy one to house an elderly parent who is not yet frail
enough for an old age home. Parents buy them as a starter home for
their grown kids thinking that their living on their own, in a condo,
will ease them into maturity. Family members buy condos as a place to
warehouse the family black sheep who may be a drunk, a drug addict or
have mental issues.
People who want a secure investment can buy one or more condos and
lease them out. In time, they can sell these units and realize a
handsome profit in a risk-free investment. The renters pay your
mortgage.
In many new condos, owners can lease their units short-term on Airbnb
and other websites.
Condominiums sound like they are the answer to many of our housing and
investment needs.
top
contents chapter
previous
next