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April 28, 2008
WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT YOUR NEW CONDO!
How about something upbeat? Because of my new book, I have been asked to write articles for several blog groups. Each has their own preference for content. Being asked to address what is positive about living in a condo reminded me, and might remind you, of the reason many people in California purchase condos.
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So you are in your new condo! What do you do now? … Enjoy… and if you understand a just a few simple things about what you bought, it make things even better.
A Different Type of Ownership: You probably own what is commonly described as a “unit” which is often further defined as airspace within walls, a floor and a ceiling. It’s similar to owning an apartment but there is much more to it than that. In most cases, you share with your neighbors ownership of everything else, including any pools, clubhouses, all the amenities, and the buildings that house all of the units. Thus, while it may seem strange at first, there can be some real comfort in this. You share the benefits of amenities that would otherwise be quite expensive. And you have others that share in the burdens of decision making and responsibility. You have a group to share maintenance costs, replacement of roofs, insurance, pool repairs, and economy of scale in almost all things. Take heart, owners of single family homes are on their own.
Other Good Things:
“Lock and Go”: When you leave for work every day, or on a vacation for a week or a month, there is still activity (“life”) going on all around your unit while you are gone. It’s usually much more protected than a home sitting vacant, newspapers piling up, no car in the driveway, no lights. It can reduce the risks considerably.
Running the “Ranch”. You have the opportunity to help make decisions by participating in the association governance (as opposed to being under the thumb of a landlord). As an owner, you can serve on the Board, all you have to do is “show up” and you probably will be get the opportunity to serve.
No Lawn To Mow, Weekend Maintenance to Do: You will probably find that you have more time on your hands because your weekends won’t be eaten up by the need to mow the lawn, trim the bushes, or clean the gutters. Yay! Plan that day trip.
Stress Relief. If you do not want to exercise your brain and acumen in helping to make big decisions about the property, you can sit back, relax, and leave it to someone else. Of course, your association is served volunteers so you should take your turn.
You Belong to Something! You are part of a community when you own a condo, a community that is as good as its owners. Meet your neighbors. Talk “across the proverbial fence”. Get involved and be a good pillar.
How To Stay Happy, and Get The Most Out Of Your New Community!
Being a good neighbor will help you enjoy your home and your community. Keeping the noise down to a reasonable level, using your garage for your vehicles instead of storage, lining your drapes with neutral colored liners, keeping your pets inside or on leashes, picking up after them, exercising common courtesies, and safe driving through the complex are things that you can do to set a good example and to engender like behavior from your neighbors. And there is value in having rules and regulations and honoring them. When you live in a condo, it’s true that there are some regulations and restrictions that you would see in a single family home. But if you need help “encouraging” others to be good neighbors, these restrictions and rules can come in handy. The Association can often be more effective than waiting for the fiscally-strapped Cities to enforce ordinances.
Keep these things in mind when wondering.
Posted by Beth Grimm at April 28, 2008 9:03 PM