Over a 30 year period, is it usually less costly to live in a condo than a SFH?

[jghorton]

Originally Posted by lurtsman

Any good realtor is going to have those areas inspected and check the funding status of the condo before putting in an offer. The offered price will reflect the anticipated costs, or lack of costs, that will be incurred as a result of the funding status.

You are probably right about a 'good realtor,' but, the buying and decision responsibility ultimately lies with the Buyer, regardless of the realtor's competence.

How would one go about building an 'under-funded' reserves allowance into their purchase offer? (Other than, I suppose, by simply reducing the price offer). Generally, this is more of a 'Buy/Don't Buy' decision based on the condition of the major replacement items vs whether it seems like the reserves are fully and adequately funded.

[Miss Crabcakes]

Originally Posted by lurtsman

If you want to save money, SFH in a good area with no hoa or a low cost hoa.

This is our scenario.

Our HOA fee is about $22 monthly and covers maintenance of common lawn areas, snow removal, trash and recycling removal.

We have to care for our own yards and lawns but truthfully they are so small, its not a big deal at all. And there are several townhome developments, now and springing up, that have NO back yards or grass to cut.

We've been at our place only a year and change but have only spent a few hundred dollars on repairs so far. Where with many condos in the area you can easily spend $200-400 a month regardless of repairs. We are also DIYers.