3 Advantages of Condo Living

Many times when homeowners are thinking about downsizing and selling their home they raised their family in and buying a smaller home for their empty nest years, homeowners consider condo living. Condo living has gained popularity in and the choices are abundant in Oakland County including in Bloomfield, Birmingham, Oakland Twp, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Troy. Let’s explore the 3 advantages of condo living. 1. Low Maintenance Lifestyle One of the major advantages of living in a condo is the low maintenance lifestyle it offers. We call this the lock-and-go lifestyle. Condo communities typically have homeowner associations (HOAs) that take care of many maintenance tasks, including landscaping, snow removal, and exterior building upkeep. You are now free from the heavy burden of maintaining a house. Now you can enjoy the lock-and-go lifestyle and do more of what you enjoy. You'll have more free time to focus on your family or friends, hobbies, or simply relaxing. In addition, condo living often includes shared amenities like a clubhouse, swimming pools, and common areas, providing you with access to recreational facilities without the hassle of maintenance. Two popular condo communities in Bloomfield include Adams Woods and The Heathers. The lock-and-go lifestyle is especially appealing to empty nesters, and those who prefer a hassle-free living arrangement. 2. Cost-Effective Living Living in a condo can be cost-effective in many ways. First, condo prices tend to be affordable than single-family homes, making them an attractive option for empty nesters and those looking to downsize. Moreover, you can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle without the price tag that comes with maintaining a larger property. Condo associations typically pool resources to cover expenses, such as building maintenance, landscaping, and insurance. This shared responsibility helps distribute the costs among the condo owners, making it a budget-friendly option. In some cases, utilities and other services may also be included in your monthly dues, simplifying your financial planning. Regardless, having one set association fee is easier to budget for and eliminates surprise expenses. 3. Community and Security Condo living often fosters a strong sense of community, which may be important to you and other empty nesters and downsizers.  The condo communities in our area are diverse and offer a unique opportunity to build connections with your neighbors. Shared spaces and common areas like clubhouses, swimming pools, pickleball courts, and courtyards provide a chance to interact with other residents, which can lead to lasting friendships and a strong support network. Condo living offers several advantages that cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. From the lock-and-go lifestyle and cost-effective living to the sense of community and security, condo living has much to offer. If you're considering a move to a condo, be sure to explore the various condo options available to find the one that best suits your needs and desires. Whether you're an empty nester, a retiree, or thinking about downsizing, the advantages of condo living can enhance your overall quality of life. If you are thinking about downsizing, ask about our exclusive downsizing process The Rightsizing Method.

The Downsizing Two-Step

Downsizing is not always a one-step process. Recently we are seeing our clients view downsizing as a long-term process that may involve two or more moves. We are having more and more consultations with clients that involve selling their large home and then planning on buying a smaller house and then a condo. Each homeowner’s needs will vary but the bottom-line is that downsizing is a fluid process based on your needs and that may involve multiple moves. Here is a recent client story which outlines what we are seeing as a common downsizing journey. A Bloomfield Hills, Michigan couple raised their children in a beautiful house. For 30 memorable years, their home had been the epicenter of their family life. But as time passed and their children grew up and left the nest, the couple found themselves at a crossroads. After the last child had flown the coop and the echoes of laughter faded in the not too big family home, the couple decided it was time for a change and decided to sell. They were looking to travel more and didn’t want to be tied to their large home that was now too big for just the two of them. They bid farewell to their cherished family house and embarked on a new adventure. Their destination? A two-story condo not too far from their Bloomfield Hills neighborhood. The couple loved the lock-and-go lifestyle of condo living. They met new neighbors and settled in nicely. Their condo was large enough for them to cook and entertain family and friends. Life was great and got better with one of their daughters moving back to Metro Detroit and settling into a new home in Oakland Township. The best part was their daughter was expecting twins. While condo living was great the couple was enjoying their home, eventually their hearts led them on yet another downsizing – or rather – rightsizing journey. They made the life-changing decision to leave condo living behind and embrace the comforts of a house once again. They thought they would never live in a house again and all of the maintenance and care a house needed. They chose a charming ranch house in Rochester Hills. The ranch house was close to their daughter and their soon to arrive grandkids plus it was on one-level. As they aged, the couple would not have to navigate stairs. The open floor plan allowed them to enter family and friends just as they did in their condo. The best part was being close to their grandkids. This couple didn’t think they would be doing two downsizing moves, but their lifestyle and desires changed. We always remind our clients not to put too much pressure on downsizing. Think about what you want and your current and near-term future lifestyle but be flexible enough to move again if your lifestyle changes. If you are thinking about downsizing, check out The Rightsizing Method today. The Rightsizing Method is our proprietary process for downsizing or rightsizing your home on your terms and in a stress-free way. 

Buyer's Agent | Why You Need One

1.  PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION You don’t want to go it alone buying a home today. Simply put, it’s just too much work and there is too much at stake not to have representation. Whether it’s your health, your taxes or any financial matter, it is always wise to hire a specialist. You will find like with any specialist you will save time, make a better decision and save some money in the long-run. Buying a home is no different and that is why it is wise to engage a Buyer’s Agent for your homebuying needs. 2.  PERSONALIZED SPECIALIST Your Buyer’s Agent will understand your real estate needs, goals and concerns. Having this personal relationship in buying a home with a savvy Buyer’s Agent leads to a better decision. This tight bond is built through open communication throughout the process. Your Buyer’s Agent will save you time by providing you all the details about the home before you see it so you don’t waste any of your precious time. In addition, your Buyer’s Agent will listen to your feedback and and concerns about each home. 3.  GREAT HOME FASTER & WITH LESS EFFORT With an experienced Buyer’s Agent by your side, it will be much easier to find a home that meets your needs, negotiate a contract, and close the transaction. You won’t need to spend endless hours running around looking at homes that don’t meet your needs or trying to search online by yourself. The best Buyer Agents will be proactive and not just rely on the MLS to send you homes. What does this mean? The Buyer’s Agent will network and search for properties that are not currently on the market, helping you uncover gems. These gems may just be your next home. 4.  STRESS-FREE HOME BUYING Buying a home today is not an easy process. Finding the right home is just the beginning and often the easiest part. Negotiating the purchase agreement is challenging and a seasoned Buyer’s Agent can save you thousands if he or she is a skilled negotiator. From title issues to inspection problems to appraisal shortfalls, the right Buyer’s Agent can expertly handle these issues enabling you to have a stress-free, fun home buying experience. If you are planning on buying a home in the next 12-18 months, contact Jeff Higgins today. It's never to early to start strategizing around the home buying process.