We get asked the question all too often - What is it like living in a Condo in Florida?

We get asked the question all too often - What is it like living in a Condo in Florida?

Well to answer that we decided to go over some pro's and con's of the Condo life, right here in Florida. 

Let's start on a positive note, the Pro's:

Maintenance Costs

Typically maintenance costs for a Condo are fairly minimal. The Condo Association will generally take care of the bulk of the larger ticket items, such as the roof, the outside of the building, windows, doors, balcony etc. Althought this isn't ALWAYS the case, so it is a good idea to make sure you understand exactly what you are responsible as an owner of the Condo before you purchase.

All in all, this generally keeps an owners maintenance fairly low. Things such as leaky faucets, toilets, outlets that don't work, cracked tiles and items like this will normally fall on the Condo owner. Most larger complexes will also have maintenance staff as part of the Condo complex itself so it does make getting these minor items fixed, very easy. 

Declutter and Downsize

Strangely one of the most common benefits of moving into a Condo that we hear from a lot of our past clients is the joy of downsizing. This one caught us offguard but it does seem to be a big benefit. We imagine it is becase we tend to gather things over our lifetime and we don't generally have an excuse to get rid of a lot of things, that is, until we decide to move into a smaller living space. 

Enjoy the water anytime you want

Undoubtedly one of the best reason to buy a waterfront Condo is to be able to enjoy the water activities and the lifestyle that comes with owning a waterfront unit. Whether it is walking the beach every morning, or taking a stand up paddle board on the water every afternoon, you have plenty of options to enjoy the water. Make sure to have your sunscreen with you though, the water generally comes with his friend, the sun!

Amazing Views

If it's the views you're looking for, you won't be able to turn your head without seeing them - assuming of course you have purchased your condo in a complex that boasts great views. Not all condos are on the water, there are plenty that are located in communities of similar condos. This can include golf communities, tennis communities, nature communities and so on. For the most part though, most people think of Condos in Florida and they instantly think, waterfront, and with good reason. That is where the bulk of Condo's are located, at least in our area here on the Emerald Coast.

There are also several types of waterfront you can choose from, the most popular being, Gulf Front, aka Ocean Front. Now there are also options to get on the Bay, the Sound, Coastal Dune Lakes, the Harbor, Canals, and more. Each with their own distinct advantage and unique views. For instance, the Sound, which is fairly inexpensive to purchase a Condo on, has great entertainment when it comes to the boats and activity that normally happens there. From small jet ski's zooming in and out of the Sound to large Barge's barreling through the dredged portion of the Sound. I personally fell that there is more 'action' to watch on the Sound but ultimately, nothing beats being on the beautiful white sands of our beaches. 

From the Gulf View Condo's you have options of full view, where it feels like the world is never ending, to partial and distant views. Prices will adjust according to the view, typically. 

Healthy Lifestyle

Another surprising thing that we see when somebody makes the switch to Condo living here along the Emerald Coast is that they start taking on a healthier lifestyle. From walking the beach to biking to eating healthier, it all comes so naturally when you are living your best life. Each day is a reminder that you want to do your best to have as many of these great days as possible and it flows into daily life. 

Great Investment

This one goes without saying but hey, let's go ahead and say it. A Condo is generally a great investment. How good of an investment it is really depends on what your main intention is with the Condo. Some buy them to rent them out and visit them once or twice a year, this will typically be the best use of your Condo you can find. You will use "owner days" to come down and repair something in the unit, or change something, say painting a few walls, or fixing some dings in the drywall. Now this entire trip could be a tax write off for your taxes - of course you need to consult your CPA to be certain, but this is where the real savings happen!

It could help pay for your vacation

Going along with what I was just mentioning, using your condo as an excuse to visit it for repairs is a great tool to help pay for the vacation through lowering your tax bill every year. Also, it gives you a consistent place to stay year after year.