When you decide to take your first step on the property ladder, you will have plenty of property-types to choose from. Many buyers prefer to buy an existing single-family home, some want to buy a plot of land on which to build their house, while others would like to get the keys to a condo.

If you are a member of the latter group, you may be interested in learning a little bit more about the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a condo:

Pros

•    A Gated Community 

Condos often offer higher security than a traditional home as they usually sit within a gated community. There will be a security presence at all times at the gate, keeping a close watch on the people who enter and leave. If you are at all concerned about crime and theft in your area, this added security can do a great deal to set your mind at ease.

•    A First Home

If you, like most people, don't have a huge budget to purchase your first home, a condominium may be an attractive option. They are often available for a significantly lower price than similarly-sized single-family homes in the same neighborhood.

•    Easy Maintenance

When you own a condo, you can just kick back and relax on the weekends while the on-site crew takes care of all the maintenance and repair work on the property. Condo ownership means no more trimming the front lawn, cleaning the pool, or shoveling the snow.

Cons

•    Extra Fees

Owning a condo can be a liability as well as an asset. In return for the beautiful landscaping and pristine surroundings, you will need to pay condo fees. The exact amount of these fees will usually be determined by your board, but you can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars extra each month.

•    Lack of Privacy 

A condo is first and foremost a community of people. As such, you will encounter other members of the community at various points in time throughout the day and night. If you would prefer to avoid this and instead lead a more private life, a condo may not be right for you.

In Closing

Finding the perfect home to buy is never easy. However, by carefully reviewing the pros and cons outlined in this article, you will be better able to decide if purchasing a condo is the right decision for you.

There are two options available when seeking a new home for your family. You can purchase a resale (meaning an older home that has already been lived in) or a new construction. While each choice provides a distinct set of pros and cons, purchasing a newly constructed home offers numerous comparative benefits. Below are just 10 of the primary benefits. 

1. Customization

New constructions allow homeowners to customize their homes with a variety of options prior to moving in, if they purchase during the pre-construction phase.

2. No Extra Work

Homeowners need not put in any work prior to move in. Resales, on the other hand, often require at least a minimal amount of renovations prior to move in.

3. Modern Appliances

A new construction will be equipped with modern appliances and conveniences, whereas resales may need to be updated. For example, most new homes are created with dishwashers, which are not often seen in older homes.

4. Stays Repair Free

Your home should be repair free for a minimum of two years. If anything does break during the first few years, most items will still be under warranty. 

5. Eco-Friendlier

With better construction materials that have yet to see the effects of time and weather, new constructions are much eco-friendlier. The environmentally-friendly new materials could help lower your utility bills for years to come. 

6. Modern Technologies

New constructions often come already equipped with modern technologies or 'gadgets.' Modern technologies could include a home security system, geothermal flooring, solar paneling, or smart home technologies, to name a few.

7. New Home Smell

As strange as it may seem, new constructions come with that new home smell and feel, which is distinctly appealing and satisfying. There is also the benefit of no 'strange' smells from age, as might come with a resale.

8. Higher Resale Price

If you decide to sell your home a few years down the road, a new construction will sell at a considerably higher price than older homes. Each time an older home is sold (unless it has undergone a full remodeling), it typically sells at a slightly lower price.

9. Community Features

New homes are often built in communities, which offer a lot of extra amenities and security features. Examples of extra amenities might include a pool, club house, security gates, game room for children, and many other things that will  provide convenient, safe areas for yourself or children to pass their free time.

10. Founding a Neighborhood

Many new homes are being built in areas where a neighborhood is not yet established. Being among the first to move in means you have the distinct privilege of helping found a safe neighborhood for your children (and their new friends) to grow up in.

Conclusion

Choosing to purchase a newly constructed house has several distinct benefits when compared to the alternative of purchasing a resale. This article discusses just 10 of the primary benefits homeowners may experience during their home buyer's journey. This list is not, however, all inclusive and each unique family (and home) will come with it's own unique benefits.