Pros and Cons of a Condo

No worries about  hiring contractors or when they show up.  Condo's are great for older people who are tired of looking for a good landscaper, or good repairmen.  If the hassle of keeping up the house is getting to you a condo is a good option.

Storage . Some condos have garages, some do not.  Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are sometimes there are no attics or basements to store belongings.   Check out the storage situation. 

Entertaining.  If you like to throw parties and entertain chose your condo carefully.  A single family home may be better for you.  Parking space in a condo complex is usually limited, there are noise restrictions, and outdoor space is limited.

Outdoor space . Usually you are close to your neighbor.  Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit.   Check if there are privacy fences between you and your neighbor.  Or will you be sitting and staring at them when you are on the deck.  However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

No handyman skills, or don't want to do any of that.  Condos are great for single women or single moms, busy people or just anybody that does not want to fix outdoor things.  No crawling on the roof, or cleaning the gutters.

Amenities . Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and club houses,and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.

Maintenance . Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.   Remember though that you have association dues.  These due pay to keep up the outside and the buildings.  Sometimes there are assessments to cover big ticket items as roofing the complex, or replacing the decks or windows.

Security . Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants. Plus, you'll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.   There is a greater feeling of security.

Reserve funds and association fees . Everything is voted on by a condo board that is elected by the condo owners.  It is a majority vote and you may not like some things that are done in the complex.    The only way to be heard many times is to be an active member of the condo board.  Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity or repair..  

Resale . The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes usually are more individually priced.  In Michigan single family homes appreciate better than condos.   You will get a better return on your investment if you buy a single family home in Michigan.

Freedom . Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. You may not be able to rent the condo out.   Another example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Condo rules even govern how many parking spots you have and how you can decorate the outside of the condo.  Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.   If you are not good at following rules a single family home is probably better for you. 

Closeness of your neighbors. You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.   if you are never home or don't go outside much this will not matter to you.

So if your are looking for a Michigan home a condo may be good for you if you are single, on the go and don't want the upkeep of the outside of your home.  It is also good for any age for a buy individual who doesn't personally care about the outside upkeep.  Seniors usually love this as they no longer want the work.
 
The cost of doing it yourself in a single family home (or hiring it done) and the condo is probably the same cost.  There is no savings unless you are doing it yourself in your single family home.  but if you are paying somebody to do it, the condo care probably costs the same. 

Again condos are usually lower priced than a single family home in the same area, and same size.  Many times you can even get a smaller condo.  There are many condos in Michigan under $100,000.  That makes it a good bargain for a person starting out.  But historically condos in Michigan do appreciate apprecaite as well as similar similiar sized single family home.

There are lots of great choices when on buying a Wayne county condo, Oakland county condo, or Livingston county condo.  People that I know that live in condos love them.  Remember it is a personal preference.