There are definitely advantages of buying a condo versus renting, in fact buying a condo 101 probably could break down a lot of the financial benefits in the long term. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may be able to find the perfect new condo designs to consider that would not be available in apartment townhomes for rent.
First before buying a condo, the search for buying condominiums can take you on many different paths in multiple neighborhoods, but it allows you to find the exact, perfect condo for you. In buying a condo 101, whether you have a particular neighborhood in mind, or are considering condos across a varied region, purchasing a new condo allows you to customize your specifications. Doing your due diligence will also allow you to find the best rates and mortgage options to keep your purchase affordable, including association fees.
One of the first steps to buying a condo, is to keep in mind the relative advantages of being able to change, update, renovate or redesign as you desire. With that flexibility you will have to plan ahead for any unexpected issues. You can integrate your own stylistic changes to any of the rooms, or the exterior and landscape. While this freedom is paramount for many people that were previously beholden to landlords regulations on paint or decoration, it can be overwhelming. That being said, condos and townhouses may have certain association restrictions that you will want to research.
To prepare for changes and updates to your new home, you should document your design preferences so that they are not lost in the process. Knowing that you are gaining new responsibility along with the advantages of buying a condo, it is advisable that you start an emergency fund for unexpected repairs or issues. It may only be a remote possibility, but there is always the chance that the hot water heater or heating and cooling systems could suffer a mishap.
Regardless of what type of condo you purchase as your new home, it will go a long way to helping establish even greater credit. A mortgage represents a major purchase that inherently gets tracked through your financial history. By establishing some good baselines, making timely mortgage payments will help sustain or improve your cumulative credit score. Great references here.