As a downtown Sarasota condo resident myself, I am personally familiar with the pros and cons on condo living. When it comes to helping my buyers make the decision on whether a condo is right for them, there are several points I review with them to ensure they are making the right decision for themselves and/or their family. If you are considering moving into a condominium, step one is the review the list below to determine if a condo is right for you; step two is give me a call so I can help you find the perfect one for you.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Condo

Location

Ultimately where you decide to buy is going to play a big factor in whether you purchase a home or a condo. Bustling downtown areas usually don’t have a bunch of free-standing detached homes around, so if that’s the life you desire, a condo might be best. In downtown Sarasota, almost every condo complex is walkable to a bunch of restaurants, activity, shops, and nightlife.

Ownership & Management

When you purchase a condo, you are purchasing your unit as well as a share of the building and grounds. Shared ownership means shared decision-making. Decisions about the overall good of the property are generally decided by a Board of Directors or Property Manager. Even inside your own residence, many buildings have restrictions and/or require approval for massive upgrades or changes. While you sacrifice a little in control, you gain when it comes to management. Your shared amenities and building and grounds maintenance generally are managed for you. No mowing lawns or worrying about weeding the garden or painting the chipping paint; that is somebody else’s job when you are in a condominium.

Security

Condo security varies greatly from building to building, but overall condos enjoy better monitoring and security than private residences. Many buildings offer on-site security personnel, video monitoring, secure key fob entry, secure elevators (meaning you cannot go up/down without access permission via a code or key fob), and/or front desk personnel to record visitors in and out of the building. And if that isn’t enough, feel free to install your own security system within your unit as well.

Price & Size

In most U.S. cities, it would be reasonable to say you get more for your money in a condo but you sacrifice in size. In Sarasota, neither statement is exactly true. Homes and condos alike in Sarasota are available in a wide range of sizes and prices, from extremely modest to the ultimate in luxury. Ongoing expenses is where there is variation here: In a condo, upkeep expenses regarding the property are predictable — you pay your dues on a regular basis and the association handles it from there. In a home, if something breaks you can choose to fix it on your own timeframe and on your own dollar.

Social Life

Neighborhoods and condominiums can certainly both have a social & community feel, but what is different about condo communities is the sheer volume of opportunities to interact with your neighbors: in the elevator, in any of the shared amenities such as pool or fitness center, at building parties or events, and by serving on the Condo Association or Board of Directors.

Privacy

The easy answer here is that detached homes offer more privacy than condo living. But the real answer lies in what you as a buyer think is a reasonable amount of privacy. Wall thickness and sound-proofing within a building can greatly increase your feeling of privacy in your own home when you live in a condo. Nowadays, especially in newer construction condo developments, privacy is a coveted feature: private entrances, garages and elevators are all available in many of Sarasota’s newer buildings. Places where it may be difficult to get privacy in a condo are in your amenities, i.e. the community pool or fitness center, and in any outdoor space, as terraces may abut one another (though creative use of plants and things may cure this problem for you!).

Is Condo Living Your Thing?

At the end of the day, your wants and needs as an owner will dictate which type of property is right for you. I live in the center of it all, walkable to everything, and enjoy a lovely view of water and city alike, but condo living does come with compromises and I’m happy to walk you through what those might be so you can make the best decision for you and your family.