A Condo Makes Sense

 

Over the past ten years or so I have looked at tiny homes, park model homes, even mobile homes as well as cabins and smaller homes.  Recently I had to sit down with myself and have a reality check.  I’m not thirty years old anymore (the age I apparently think I am in my head) and I’m not going to get younger anytime soon.  I have to be realistic with my plans, especially if I want to age in my own home.

 

After all of that research and contemplation I’ve come to the conclusion that a condo makes the most sense for me.  I want a small one bedroom, one bathroom (I only want to have to wash one toilet) unit with a nice kitchen that I can cook my meals, do a little home canning and bake in.  I will take care of the inside and allow someone else to take care of the outside.

 

I also had to come to terms with the fact that I’m no landscaper, I wholeheartedly admit I am terrible at it.  And!  I don’t enjoy working in the yard or gardening either.  The last thing I want to do is go outside and plant stuff or pull weeds.  Who have I been kidding?!  It just isn’t my thing.  Give me a little patio or a balcony with a flower pot where I can put a few flowers and a little bistro set where I can sit and have my morning coffee or watch the rain fall and I’d be just fine.  I don’t need a yard or a garden.

 

My BFF has lived in a condo since 2020 (when Covid hit) after living in a house.  He hasn’t regretted that decision one bit.  He lives in a secure building so it allows him to come and go without worrying about his home while he is away.  He never has to worry about a leaky roof or fallen gutter.  He doesn’t have to mow or weed & feed the grass.  He doesn’t have to paint the exterior or make any outside repairs because the HOA fees cover that.

 

He is only responsible for the interior.  As he told me if his water heater fails or an appliance stops working he just goes to Home Depot or Lowes and makes arrangements.  Same thing if the carpet wears out.  The hardest decision he has to make is what replacement item to choose.  He has it delivered and installed and they haul off the old stuff.  Done!  And it isn’t like those types of things happened all the time, in fact they are very infrequent.  It is definitely an easier and more carefree lifestyle.

 

Even though there are monthly HOA fees if I do the math I will actually be saving money in the long run.  A lot of money!  I won’t have to save up for a roof replacement or to have someone come and paint my house.  I won’t have as many expenses either.  Depending on where I live my property taxes, homeowners insurance and utility bills will all be lower.  In many condos the water sewer and trash is included with the HOA fees.  I like that!  I certainly won’t have to spend another $3,000 having my trees trimmed/removed like I did last fall.

 

Have any of you thought about or lived in a condo?  What are your thoughts?