Buying a condo is the perfect way to get started with homeownership. You get to build equity in a home you own without having to worry about many of the responsibilities you take on when buying a single-family house. If you’ve been thinking condo living is too much like apartment life, it’s time to learn more about what condos have to offer. Once you see the amenities available to you, we think you’ll start to get excited about it.
1. Modern Style
Rentals are set up for owners to make a profit. You might be stuck with neutral colours on the walls and cheap materials in the construction of the home. When you purchase a brand-new condo, though, you get to look forward to beautiful countertops, cabinetry, and flooring. You might even choose to have things like a brick accent wall or stainless steel appliances. You’re truly able to make the space your own when you’re owning vs. renting.
2. On-Site Convenience
Most condos are equipped with the types of amenities you really want in a home you own. For instance, having your own laundry allows you to conveniently wash your clothes instead of lugging them down the hall. Many modern condos have walk-in closets and most have attached ensuites. Built-in cabinet pantries and full size laundry rooms can be seen in some of the floor plans as well. In your own condo, you really do get a lot of the same benefits you’d get in a more traditional house. Fortunately, it comes with a lower price tag.
3. Open Spaces
Some smaller condos are designed for single people, but it’s also possible to purchase larger condos with a lot of space for living. The McCarran floor plan, for instance, offers a generous 1,160 square feet with two bedrooms and a very large open living area. The Olympia floor plan at Aloft Skyview has 1,100 square feet, two bedrooms with walk-in closets, an open living area, and a separate den area. This might be a good choice for a single professional considering a roommate to help with their mortgage payments. When you tour a StreetSide condo, you’ll soon see condo living doesn’t have to feel small.
4. Community Places
Many condo communities offer building amenities. These might include fitness rooms or large spaces you can rent for parties. At Aloft Skyview & Aloft Tamarack, for instance, there are communal rooftop terraces you can use when you want to have a barbeque with friends. Ask about the rules for reserving space, though. Some spaces operate on a first-come-first-served basis, and many require reservations.
5. Convenient Locations
You’ll almost always find condo communities are in convenient locations. You’ll be close to major transportation ways, like the Anthony Henday, and close to other amenities like grocery stores, movie theatres, hospitals, and malls. Condo life is meant to be convenient, and you won’t regret living in such a bustling area. These prime locations also make it easier to sell.
6. Designated, Covered Parking
Parking is a concern in almost any shared living area, but you won’t have to worry much when you buy a StreetSide condo. We offer heated, underground parking garages or designated stalls, so you’ll never have to worry about driving around searching for a parking spot. Guests have separate spaces as well.
7. Walking Trails
Condo neighbourhoods are typically planned for those who enjoy an active lifestyle – with plenty of nearby green spaces and walking trails. You’ll love stepping right out of the building and onto a trail that meanders around lakes and through rows of trees. Those who have small children are often pleased to find playgrounds nearby as well. These are good areas for meeting neighbours.
8. Landscaping and Snow Removal
Best of all, those who live in condos don’t have to deal with mowing the lawn or shovelling snow out of the driveways. Those menial tasks are all handled by the condo board. This way, you’re able to relax and enjoy the weekends.
Condo life is ideal for those who are just getting started. You get your own space, build some equity (rather than throwing money away on rent), and you don’t have to worry about maintenance. Stop by one of our locations and talk to an Area Manager about buying a condo of your own.
