So I'm in the position to buy a 220k condo for 180k, but it includes a 45-60min drive to work. It wouldn't be any more traffic than what I drive now, since I live in the town that the traffic would happen in; I would have smooth sailings until I got into town, and would then have my "normal" drive to work. I'm basically adding 25 minutes to my drive. I'm looking for suggestions from previous homeowner experiences.

The HOA dues is $123/mo, and that will include any future upgrades done to the building (new roof, etc), as well as paying for the maintenance of the property. The building was built last year; it is a 2br 2ba that is wired for a security system, and all the cable outlets and phone jacks are preinstalled. I would have hardwood floors everywhere except in the bathrooms (tile, not linoleum) and bedrooms (carpet, of course).

Take a look here, the floorplan is the Brooke ADA.

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weird... i just get them for free from planned parenthood

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When I was a boy I spoke as a boy, I understood as a boy, and I thought as a boy; when I became a man I took that boy outside and shot him.

Don't have experience in the condo market, so I'm not sure how helpful I can be. It would seem that at a 40k discount it would be a decent deal assuming others are selling in the $200s.

I'm guessing in this housing market you don't want to be stuck with a condo you can't sell should something unfortunate happen.

Oh no, you di'n't!

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[ERROR 404: User brain not found - Try again later]
"Sarcasm and cynicism: Just two of the many services I provide."
"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them."
"You can't polish a turd."

Well, the mortgage will be about 1200, which is pretty standard for a 2br/2ba apartment in the area...worse comes to worst, I move in with my parents and rent the place out ;P

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Cut your own grass. It's nice to drive the tractor around "your" own property on a nice summer day anyways. Good down time. It would also be nice to make your own "upgrade" decisions. I'm not really trying to sway you, but I wouldn't do it. I've become a country boy fast.

You have to treat it an an investment. As mentioned already, what are the other Condo's in the area going for? Are property values on the rise? If not on the rise, are they maintaining value?

Personally, are you pleased with the neighborhood? Are you comfortable with the layout, and are you comfortable with the payments.

Good luck with this matter!

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

Howie,
I'm definitely looking at it as an investment. Property values are going up (it's located in Northern Virginia, within commuting distance to DC, Manassas, and a few other large cities).

daz - I DON'T want to cut my own grass. No desire whatsoever. I grew up doing it over the summer (5-6 lawns a DAY, EVERY day). Even if I had my own lawn, I'd hire a landscaping company to do it.

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Personally speaking, I wouldn't ever want to "own" a wall I had to share with a neighbor.

Having been in my fair share of apartments and townhouses, the wrong neighbor can make your life a hell and you'd have no control over that or an easy way out.

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Hold my beer and watch this...

my sister owns a condo... i love it. but it is in florida with a beautiful pool and palm trees....

my advice? do it, man. maybe a house is a better route, but maybe you want to live in a more urban environment. either way, you cant do wrong, IMO.

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