Wondering what your thoughts are about condos vs houses? I can't imagine myself living in a condo, as I don't think I would like that many people around me all the time! I would think there would be a lot of new people all the time too, as often they are rented out. And then you may have a problem with people who don't pay the monthly association fees so the association doesn't do the ongoing upkeep like they should, which is not a good investment, especially if you are one of the only few paying. Plus I have dogs that bark occasionally, which likely would be a major issue. I would not want to buy something and then get thrown out because I have little dogs that bark! (A house with a fenced yard that the dogs could just run out would be much easier and practical too). A condo may allow me to purchase something on the beach for less money than a house, so that is appealing. And being on my own, someone doing the upkeep may be easier, vs a house. Plus it may be safer to secure than a home if you lived there part time vs full time.
Any of the part-timers, how do you assure that your home is safe if you are not there? Or that people aren't using your house or utilities without your knowledge? And although it would help financially to rent it if I was not there, I don't think I would want strangers in my house. Plus I have an obsession with mid-century modern furniture, and have pieces that I would not want damaged, as you can't replace them. It is not that they are so valuable, but they are to me, and renters would not take the same care. I would also hope I could grow things at my house, such as fruit, etc, which you can't do in a condo. I am sure there are a myriad of other issues, but these are just the ones that popped into my head right now.
Throw some opinions, thoughts out there! Would love to hear what you all think!