Buying a Condo? What Every Smart Buyer Needs to Know First
Donald Horne, Broker / Owner, Team Success Listing LLC
Thinking about buying a condo? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizing, or looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, purchasing a condo is different from buying a single-family home. Here’s what you need to know to buy with confidence and avoid surprises.
- Know What You’re Really Buying
When you purchase a condo, you’re buying a unit—and shared ownership of the building and amenities. That means HOA rules, shared maintenance costs, and bylaws play a huge role in your ownership experience.
- Get Pre-Approved with a Condo-Friendly Lender
Not all condos qualify for traditional financing. I connect buyers with experienced lenders who know how to get condo deals approved quickly and smoothly, especially in buildings that might have financing restrictions.
- Budget Beyond the Purchase Price
Besides your mortgage and taxes, you’ll pay HOA dues. These cover things like maintenance, amenities, insurance, and reserves. I’ll help you understand what’s included, what’s not, and how that affects your monthly payment.
- Review the HOA Docs Carefully
The HOA’s financial health, rules, and meeting minutes can reveal red flags. I’ll guide you through these documents so you’re not blindsided by future special assessments or restrictions on pets, rentals, or renovations.
- Focus on Lifestyle and Location
Condos offer convenience—but make sure the building and location match your lifestyle. Is it close to work or transit? Are the neighbors quiet or mostly short-term rentals? I’ll help you find a unit that aligns with your priorities.
- Partner With a Condo-Savvy Agent
I specialize in helping buyers navigate the unique process of purchasing a condo. From finding the right unit to negotiating smartly and understanding the fine print, I’m here to make your purchase smooth and stress-free.
“Donald Horne did an excellent job on both the finding & closing on my condo as well as the sale of my old condo. I am more than happy to recommend his services to my family & friends!” – Christine M.
“Thank you Don and Shirley for selling our house so quickly and finding us the perfect condo! You are a great team! We would highly recommend you to anyone selling or buying!” – Matt & Wendy C.
“Thank you Donald Horne at Team Success Listing LLC for all of your hard work, dedication and continued marketing until our home was sold!” – Gail G.
Thinking of buying a condo ? Contact me for a free condo buyer consultation and get a step-by-step roadmap to ownership.
Condo Community, Perfect Dream Home
Condos North Oakland County
Condos Genesee County
Condos Lapeer County
Reach out to us today for all your real estate needs and move one step closer to your new home.
Donald Horne / Broker-Owner
Team Success Listing LLC
teamsuccesslisting@gmail.com / 1-810-338-0628
https://www.teamsuccesslisting.com
https://bit.ly/WhyClientsChooseUs
https://bit.ly/m/DonaldHorneTeamSuccessListing (Digital Business Card)
For best finance options contact:
Linda Sinacola, Mortgage Broker, PLB Lending
1-248-931-9600 / linda@plblending.com