{"id":25106,"date":"2026-02-17T02:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T10:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=25106"},"modified":"2026-02-17T20:20:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T04:20:44","slug":"buyer-questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-condo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-condo\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid HOA Horrors: 25 Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve done your research, crunched your numbers, and laid out what you\u2019re looking for in a home. It\u2019s all led you straight to condo living<\/a>, and you can\u2019t wait for the maintenance-free lifestyle and simple conveniences that come along with it. The only problem: You\u2019ve heard one too many horror stories about controlling homeowner associations<\/a> and excessive monthly fees.<\/p>\n

Condominiums can be low maintenance, offer luxury amenities, and provide the easy living you might want. For many first-time buyers, a condo may be the manageable first home you need or, for retirees, the best option for downsizing<\/a>. But they also come with different considerations you might not be aware of, especially if you\u2019re used to single-family homes. Most HOAs have strict monthly fees and rules for your unit that, for some buyers, might cause more headaches than happy nights.<\/p>\n

So, how do you know you\u2019re finding the right condo for you? With the help of a veteran real estate agent, we\u2019ve compiled a list of 25 questions to ask when buying a condo. With these answers in hand, you should be able to find the perfect condo that matches your needs and provides more conveniences than hassles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Find a top real estate agent near you<\/h3>\n

We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. It takes just two minutes to match you with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process.<\/p>\n \n

\n Get Started<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n

1. Does your condo qualify for the type of financing you need?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s imperative to find out right off the bat if your condo qualifies for the type of financing you need, according to Colorado real estate agent Robert Hryniewich<\/a>. Some buildings might not be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD<\/a>) and might not work with FHA<\/a>, VA<\/a>, or even USDA loans<\/a>. Hryniewich, a HomeLight Elite Agent who has sold 87 more condos than the average agent in his area, estimates around 50% of condo properties aren\u2019t HUD-approved and won\u2019t qualify for an FHA loan. HUD wants to make sure an HOA has sufficient funds, is well-managed, and has an acceptable renter-to-owner ratio.<\/p>\n

Check with the HUD website<\/a> to see if your condo meets their requirements or ask the condo\u2019s HOA board. Ensuring your condo meets your financing requirements early on will save you plenty of time and stress.<\/p>\n

If your condo doesn\u2019t qualify under HUD\u2019s guidelines, you still may be able to find financing under a conventional program, but you\u2019ll want to talk to your lender early to ensure it will qualify under their guidelines as well. Asking these questions in advance can help you find the lender and loan that will work for you.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

2. What are the HOA fees?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s also best to know early on what extra money you\u2019ll have to budget for on top of your mortgage. Most HOAs require a monthly fee<\/a>, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to over $1,000, in order to cover communal expenses. The average monthly cost for an HOA fee is between $150 and $300<\/a>, but the exact amount will depend on your location and what the HOA provides.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

3. What do the HOA fees cover?<\/h2>\n

Of course, this will vary between every association, but generally, HOA fees will cover:<\/p>\n