Condos make a great starter home. And, when the time comes, moving up into a house of your own will be an exciting and well-earned accomplishment!
That being said, given the differences between these two types of homes, making the transition from a condo to a home may require some adjustment.
Here are four important changes to anticipate as you move from a condo to a house.
Thinking about moving from your condo to a house? Don’t forget to work with an experienced local real estate agent. Click here to learn more.
Be Ready For Exterior & Outdoor Maintenance
For buyers, one of the biggest shifts when moving from a condo to a house is the change in maintenance responsibilities. While this does apply to the inside of your home as well, it’s most notable when it comes to the outside items.
In a condo, external maintenance tasks such as landscaping, snow removal, roof repairs, and exterior painting are typically managed by the condo association. However, in a house, these responsibilities fall squarely on your shoulders. Of course, not all of these tasks are routine, and not all of them will be a DIY project (especially major repairs). However, they are worth being prepared for.
Along with the time and effort these new responsibilities will bring, you may also want to consider the costs. Creating a budget and schedule for regular maintenance can help you stay on top of these tasks and avoid any unpleasant surprises. More on that next.
Getting ready to purchase your first home? Explore these blog posts for important advice.
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You’ll Have New Costs
Another significant change that comes with moving up from a condo to a house is the new costs. While houses are usually purchased at a higher price point than condos, the difference in costs also applies to the recurring expenses of owning a home.
For instance, in a condo, your insurance expenses may have been built-in to your monthly fees. However, when you move to a detached home, your insurance will be a standalone expense.
In order to create a sound budget for your home, you’ll want a full picture of costs. If you’re unsure about what type of expenses you can expect in your new home, ask your real estate agent. They’ll provide guidance on some of the general costs that come with a detached home, along with anything extra related to the property or area.
Connecting With Neighbours Will Look Different
One of the unique advantages of condo living is the aspect of community. In a condo, residents often share common spaces and amenities, which can foster a sense of community and allow you to make new connections relatively simply.
That said, detached homes don’t offer this same type of dynamic. While having a house of your own can mean more privacy, you may need to be proactive in building connections with your neighbours if that’s a priority of yours.
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Be Careful About Property Changes
Moving into a house is exciting for a number of reasons, one of which is the potential to customize the space to your liking. In a condo, you’re fairly limited when it comes to certain renovations or improvements that you can make. However, in a house, you’ll have a lot more freedom in this regard.
That said, it’s important to be aware that owning a detached home doesn’t mean you can take on major renovations at the drop of a hat. Instead, it is likely that there will be local bylaws and regulations that dictate what type of changes you can make to your home, and how you can make them.
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect house, be sure to speak with your real estate agent about your long-term vision and any renovations you might consider making. They can help you get a better idea of what red tape you might expect while making home improvements.
Gearing up to buy your first home? Our team of experienced agents can help you achieve your real estate goals. Give us a call.
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