Choosing Between a Home and Condo in Boston

When you decide to buy a home in Boston, there’s so much to consider. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms are important details, as is making sure you choose the right neighborhood. But before making any decisions or beginning your search, you’ll first need to decide if a single-family home or a condo will be the right fit for your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Both a home and a condo offer different perks and drawbacks, so it’s important to examine both options closely before taking the next steps.

Location

If you place value on outdoor space, a neighborhood feel, and ample room for hosting guests, you may want to start looking at single-family homes in the more residential areas of Boston. If living in the middle of the action where restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are steps from your front door, a condo in one of Boston’s bustling neighborhoods will better suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Responsibility

How involved do you want to be in the upkeep of your property? Opting for a single-family home places all maintenance and repair responsibilities on your shoulders. If you choose to buy a condo downtown, then everything from snow removal, to landscaping, to garbage pick-up is usually covered by a monthly fee paid to the association.

Privacy

Living in an urban environment, you’re likely to bump into neighbors in the hallway and share an outdoor space. If you’re the outgoing type who doesn’t mind sharing a wall or two, condo living will be the perfect choice. However, if you relish alone time and prefer the privacy of your own backyard and garage, a single-family home may be a better choice.

Affordability

Take a careful look at your finances and determine how much you can afford to spend on a new property. Condos are typically move-in ready and less expensive, but often require homeowners to pay monthly association fees. Single-family homes are free from the jurisdiction of a homeowners’ association, but may fall outside of your price range. It’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your search so that you have a rough estimate of what you’ll be able to afford.

After taking a look at the above considerations, I hope you feel prepared to make a decision between buying a single-family home and condo in Boston. If you have any questions that I haven’t covered here, please reach out to me! As a Boston real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to help home buyers realize their dreams and guide them towards owning a property they’ll love to call “home.” I look forward to connecting with you when the time is right!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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