For many buyers, condos are the sweet spot between renting an apartment and buying a house because they offer the best of both worlds. They provide the potential return on investment of traditional homeownership but with the amenities and maintenance benefits of renting.

Cheri Long, the owner of Priority Properties, understands this appeal, but she also stresses the importance of understanding the full reality of a condo purchase. According to the Aurora, CO, real estate, nearly every condo for sale on the market is accompanied by rules and fees, so it's vital that you find one that matches your preferences.

Top Questions to Ask When Looking at Condos for Sale

While you may not be responsible for maintenance, condo ownership requires that you abide by rules and regulations as well as pay additional fees on top of your mortgage. Such restrictions vary between locations, so it's important to research each unit individually to avoid surprises down the road. To accomplish this process, there are specific questions that you should ask your real estate agent when looking at condos for sale to determine which ones match your circumstances.

What Are the Amenities?

When you begin vetting a unit, you should first ask about their amenities. One of the many benefits of buying a condo is extra perks like access to swimming pools and recreational areas. If you desire specific amenities, make sure that they're offered at each condo that catches your interest. Also, remember that amenities aren't free, so be sure to ask about their associated fees and whether you'll be required to pay them monthly or in a yearly lump sum.

Is There Around-the-Clock Maintenance?

Before you delve into a real estate purchase, you need to make sure that the unit is accompanied by convenient maintenance options. An on-site attendant during traditional business hours is common among condominiums, but it's also important that you have access to assistance overnight. For instance, if you're awoken by a burst pipe, it needs to be fixed immediately. If there's isn't a maintenance worker available at night, you'll be forced to call a plumber and pay out of pocket for emergency repairs.

Are There Regulations?

Nearly every condominium has its own list of rules, but the extent of the regulations vary between complexes. While one condo may restrict the times of pool usage, another one may go to the extreme and regulate the items you're allowed to store on your balcony. Be sure to review the full list of rules before you move forward.

To learn more about the condo buying process, contact Cheri Long, owner of Priority Properties, Inc. With more than 24 years of experience, the knowledgeable real estate agent offers a pressure-free environment that encourages clients to ask questions and learn more about the real estate process. You can view the condos for sale in the metro Denver area online, and get assistance finding a condo that matches your needs by calling (303) 263-2072.