Condo vs. House: Which is Right for You?

If you are shopping for a home in Florida, you have no doubt noticed the popularity of condos in this state. Not sure yet if you want to live in a condo or a single-family home? This post will go over the different advantages each option offers. First, here are some quick definitions.

House: A single-family home is standalone house that includes its own land, street access, entrance and utilities.
Condo: A condominium may be a detached unit or a unit that is part of a multi-family complex such as an apartment building. You own the interior, but not the land.

Now let’s compare these two housing options.

Advantages of a Condo

When you live in a condo, you do not have to take care of the exterior or landscaping. You pay a homeowner’s association (HOA) fee, and the HOA takes care of it for you.

The HOA can also handle some of your utilities.
Insurance costs for a condo are often more affordable than those for a single family home.
A condo may include facilities such as a parking garage, a pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and so on.
Close proximity to your neighbors as well as these shared facilities may make it easy for you to meet new friends and spend time together.

Advantages of a House

In some cases, there may be no HOA fees to pay.
A single family home offers you more privacy than you would experience living in a condo, especially a condo with shared walls.
Your freedom is greater when you own a single family home. There are fewer rules to abide by.
You can personalize your outdoor spaces when you own a single family home, because you own the land as well. That is an opportunity you miss out on when you own a condo.

Consider a Condo If …

You enjoy communal living, and want to be close to your neighbors and take advantage of amenities.
You want to keep your insurance costs low.
You want to enjoy simple, carefree living with fewer maintenance requirements.
You do not mind the loss of privacy and autonomy that comes with condo living.

Consider a House If …

You highly value your privacy and autonomy, and want other people to stay out of your business.
You do not want to deal with an HOA (just keep in mind that there are still HOAs for some single family homes) or its fees.
You do not mind being responsible for your own utilities and maintenance.
You are excited to customize your yard, garden, patio and other outdoor spaces.

Move Into Your New House or Condo with a Competitive Mortgage

Whether you decide to buy a house or a condominium, Florida State Mortgage Group, Inc. makes the process fast and easy. To schedule your free consultation, please call (954) 359-3000.

Do you know how much home you can afford?

Most people don’t... Find out in 10 minutes.

Today's Mortgage Rates

What Our Clients Are Saying

Florida State Mortgage Group, Inc.

5.0

Based on 30 reviews

Write a review

AUWAL ADAMU H.

15:26 28 Sep 23

I can't thank Steve at Florida State Realty Group enough for helping me purchase my Fort Lauderdale condo. He made the entire process smooth and efficient. Highly recommended!

Nkechi G.

15:13 28 Sep 23

Betty at Florida State Mortgage Group is a true professional. She helped me invest in a great property in Fort Lauderdale. Her expertise and dedication are top-notch. I couldn't be happier.

Art K.

15:30 27 Sep 23

Once our regular bank delayed our loan application, we became exceptionally nervous. We were in jeopardy of not only losing our new home but our deposit. We are eternally grateful that we were referred to Steve McWilliam. We had initially Googled Fort Lauderdale Mortgage Broker and he was the number one mortgage broker but we had already started the process with our local bank which was a horrible experience and mistake. We can highly recommend Steve as he delivered above and beyond what we had expected.

Harry K.

20:07 15 Sep 23

Stephen is an expert in this bussiness.Excellent attention, fast respond to all our questions.

Scott M.

02:17 22 Oct 22

Steve and his team did a fantastic job with my loan and I would highly recommend! They are extremely knowledgeable and professional and will certainly use them again! I have had a few other friends use Steve and they all have positive things to say. 5 stars!

Isabel E.

13:54 08 Oct 22

Stephen and Betty over delivered not only my needs in securing a loan to purchase my dream house but we’re profferesional and courteous every step of the way. I am blessed to have had met them. Thank you GOD

James B.

03:11 20 Nov 21

From my first call to Steve Mc William to the second we closed, it was the best service ever. I felt as if I were their only customer. Everything was top notch and professional.

Stephen B.

15:59 19 Nov 21

J C

21:36 13 Nov 21

Mr McWilliam was extremely thorough and informative. He even provided excellent advice on some other non related mortgage questions I had. He listened carefully to my goals and provided me with the best product for my financial situation. I have never met any one so thorough. Thank you.

Crystal T.

14:04 12 Nov 21

angelo C.

21:26 08 Nov 21

Linda R.

19:27 18 Jan 21

Steve did a great job on our refi. Thanks for making it happen.

12:15 30 Jul 20

Steve and his team at Florida State Mortgage Group, Inc. went above and beyond to help me get my mortgage for our families new home. Steve is very professional, experienced, and the company offers excellent customer service. I highly recommend anyone in the need of a mortgage to contact Florida State Mortgage Group, Inc.

Lana M.

16:22 13 Feb 20

Stephen McWilliam was an amazing person to deal with. Our deal was pretty complicated on all aspects and he was so professional, he got it done !!! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this deal!!!

Erica Bethe L.

16:21 22 Jan 20

Working with Steve and Florida State Mortgage Group was singlehandedly the best and most seamless part of buying our home. I could not recommend them more highly.

Charlie C.

14:45 14 Jan 20

Stephen went above and beyond to help me in my situation. Thank You 👍

Brian M.

15:02 13 Jan 20

Steve did a wonderful job securing a mortgage for me based on the parameters I gave and seeing everything through to completion. No hiccups for me along the way in a process that can be very painful if not managed well.

Shannon D.

01:34 12 Jan 20

Steve and the team at Florida State Mortgage Group are exceptional. I was looking for a townhouse for my family when Steve and his team were referred to me. Florida State Mortgage Group showed me I could easily afford a single family home. Steve handled everything from providing a list of homes, securing the home loan, insurance options and closing.I’ve referred Florida State Mortgage Group to friends and family. Each person has experienced the same level of knowledge and quality of service.5 STARS

Florida G.

19:08 11 Jan 20

I was very pleased with Steve and the ease of the process. No hiccups or surprises. Highly recommended for mortgage services.

Michelle V.

17:20 08 Jul 19

I worked with Betty to buy my first house here in South Florida and I could not be happier! She was amazing. She was always available to answer my questions and she was very patient. She was extremely knowledgeable, even getting me approved for a HUGE tax exemption I will receive annually . She always had all the paper work ready on time and explained everything in detail. I could not image a better agent. I'm SO glad we made the decision to work with her. Thanks Betty!

Justin P.

16:01 08 Jul 19

Betty did an amazing job originating our loan. She is knowledgeable, accessible, and eager to provide the best for her clients. I HIGHLY recommend her!

Ganel A.

00:59 26 Feb 19

you guys are doing a great job keep it up.

Mike H.

17:15 20 Feb 19

Natalie R.

20:59 12 Feb 19

We had a great experience with Florida State Mortgage Group. Would recommend them and will use them again in the future.

Sean Z.

18:28 05 Feb 19

Steve McWilliam was a tremendous help in securing my mortgage a few years ago. He’s also been a great source of knowledge in the time since. I highly recommend him as someone you can trust.

Scott Y.

17:42 04 Feb 19

The smartest, most helpful and insightful mortgage loan person I’ve ever used. On our first attempt to buy he saved us from disaster. On our second attempt he was finished and ready to close before everyone else! Our loan was a VA so we expected it to take extra time...nope. For our next loan we won’t use anyone else.

Mike M.

03:25 03 Feb 19

Knowledgeable, Professional and results oriented!!

Hugh B.

19:22 02 Feb 19

If your looking for a highly professional, easy to work with and lightning fast mortgage team, then Florida State Mortgage is for you.I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my mortgage needs.Hugh B.Davie, Florida

Madison C.

00:53 30 May 18

They were a pleasure to work with and they helped us get through the financing of our first home in Florida. Highly recommended!

Peter P.

07:26 22 Feb 18

They helped me get a loan for my first-home purchase. At first I wasn't sure what to expect working with them, but they quickly put those worries to rest! They were very patient with us every step with professionalism.

‹

›