Mt. Pleasant Condos: Find Your Paradise in Mt. Pleasant SC

Are Home Owner Association Fees Good or Bad in Condo Living

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:54:20 +0000

It’s still part of the American Dream… being a home owner is something all people strive to do and it is worthy. Owning your own home is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make, even when the real estate market crashes.

One thing that many people don’t pay attention to though are all the additional fees that go alone with owning a home. For example… it’s not just the mortgage. You also have insurance costs, maintenance costs, repair bills, improvement bills, and much more. It can get very overwhelming very quickly. In fact, with insurance, you have to insurance the things inside your house… the inside of your house as in the wall and floors… and the outside of the house.

It gets expensive.

But it doesn’t have to be that way though. Purchasing a condo can help cut down your costs because there is an additional fee called a home owners association fee.

At first you may think that this fee would cost you a lot more over the course of a year, but when you look at what it really covers, it’s a great deal.

These fees usually cover:

All lawn maintenance
All driveway maintenance
All exterior maintenance on the buildings
Any emergency like new roofs, leaks, or anything like that
Additional upgrades for improvement.

These fees can save you thousands of dollars over the course of the time you own your property.

However, you want to make sure that the association fees are reasonable for your condo complex. Unfortunately if you really want to do that, you might have to get involved in the board of directors and see where the money is really flowing.

There are some complexes that are more “luxury” and have some pretty high costs associated with them. But that is the price of living in luxury.

Here’s a tip that might help you… consider paying the association fees upfront during the beginning of the year. Document that payment and that will help free up cash flow for the rest of the year and the rest of your purchases.

As you can tell, home owners association fees and owning a condo can really help you save money. It’s much cheaper than owner an actual house and much less of a headache. So if you’re in the market for a property then take a serious look at purchasing a condo.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

Charletson National Country Club: Condos & Retirement Living

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:16:42 +0000

If you’re looking into your retirement years then there are few places more perfect than Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. While you don’t necessarily get the seasons with snow or anything, it still gets nice and chilly which will allow you to bring out those winter fashions.

And if you’re a guy then smile because you’ll be able to golf year round and there is nothing to stop you when you live in Charleston National. This is one of the greatest subdivisions in Mt. Pleasant and has tons to offer you… from complete luxury to a little laid back. This video is a little commerically (that’s a technical term) but it really does show you what this great Mt. Pleasant neighborhood has to offer.

Enjoy the video:

We do not sell these properties so please do not contact Mt. Pleasant Condos & Properties about any showings or other information regarding buying or selling.

However, we do want to hear your reactions, questions, and comments… so leave them below or if you want you can just contact us through our contact page.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

The Battery at Park West… Great Mt. P Condos.

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:08:59 +0000

Park West is one of the most desirable and beautiful developments in the Mt. Pleasant area. This is a great video that really gives you the behind the scenes sneak peak at some of these gorgeous condos.

If you have any questions or better yet some comments then leave them down below. If you would rather not have your comments open to the public, then you can use our contact page and send us a private message.

Check these beautiful condos out:

We just want to say that we are not responsible for selling these condos. It’s just to let you learn more about what Mt. Pleasant has to offer you as a potential or current resident. We cannot answer any questions at this time regarding what is still on the market or about any of the number of great deals that might be going on right now.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

Renting My Condo To a Dad & Young Child?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:40:00 +0000

Reader Question:

Condo's & Messy Kids?

I’m renting a condo to a lawyer and he has a three year old son. What can I do to protect myself if anything were to happen?

- Jennifer Mt. Pleasant, SC

Answer:

Hi Jennifer, this is a pretty good question if I think what you asking is truly what you’re asking.

I thinking you’re worried if something were to happen to the kid then can you be held liable. It’s scary and that can happen… however make sure you have liability insurance incase something were to happen and the lawyer tried to sue.

On the flip side you might be worried that the young son will destroy your place. What I would recommend is having a solid lease and take pictures or a video of your place before they move it. That way you will all the proof you need so you can charge for any damage.

With before and after pictures, there is no way that this lawyer could come back at you and say he did now do the damage.

If you have not already, make sure you visit another lawyer and get a lease that is rock solid. A real estate lawyer would be best for this.

You can always learn more about Mt. Pleasant condos and renting them. Be sure to ask questions and get what you need answered.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

What If I’m Renting From a Guy in Foreclosure?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:35:09 +0000

Reader Question:

Renting & Property in Foreclosure?

Here’s a question that I bet a lot of people might be dealing with… and I know I don’t live in Mt. Pleasant, but I do live downtown and I found your site and though I would ask anyway.

The condo that I’m renting is in foreclosure and the owner just posted a three day notice on my door. Is that allowed?

- Benjamin Charleston, SC

Answer:

Hi Benjamin… sorry I can’t help you if you don’t live in Mt. Pleasant.

Just Kidding!

That is actually a really great question and unfortunately you are not really going to like the answer. When the foreclosure sale takes place, you will have to move because the property is no longer the owners… and all leases and agreements are void.

I don’t know for sure and you will have to check on this, but if you find the new buyer… even if it’s a bank, you still might be able to rent it out. I doubt it though because a bank probably can’t collect rent and make income like that.

I bet a lot of people are going through situations like this and I hope the whole real estate situation in the country gets better real soon.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

How Do I Kick Out Bad Condo Neighbors?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:28:59 +0000

Reader Question:

Bad Neighbors?

Ok here’s the deal… I love my condo to death, but the new people that just lived below me moved in and so far they are terrible. They have the worst dogs and are just loud.

I need to get them kicked out… how can I do this?

- Maci, Park West

Answer:

Hey Maci… first off I have to say I love Park West. It’s a beautiful area of town and I really love playing golf out there.

Ok this is a very interesting question and will require some sleuthing on your end to successfully accomplish this goal.

First I would get a copy of the rules of your association and see if they are breaking any of them. If they are then I would contact the association and tell them to enforce the rules.

If they are clean in that department, you can always make an anonymous call to the police and make a complaint. If you do that enough times you can eventually get the person to leave. But if they stick tight and continue to make your life a living hell then you can get creative.

Advertise your place for rent but when you get people contacting you, say that it’s actually the unit below you. And if you can find a good renter who wants to take it then offer your neighbor money to move.

You will be surprised at how many times offering money can get things done. I did this once to one of my renters and it worked like a charm. And it was only an extra $100… so it was nothing off my back.

Try it and let me know how it goes if you don’t mind.

Get the truth answered about Mt. Pleasant Condos and you can even submit your own questions.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

Do I Really Need a Rental Deposit with an Individual Owner?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:14:35 +0000

Reader Question:

Do I Need a Deposit?

Hi, I’m moving to Mt. Pleasant… well I actually want to live in Mt. Pleasant rather than anywhere else in Charleston and I was wondering if you could help me. I’m looking at this one condo that is right at the base of the bridge, but owner is asking for a deposit.

Do you have to pay a deposit when you’re renting straight from the owner?

- Ashley Jacksonville, FL

Answer:

Hi Ashley! Welcome to Charleston and Mt. Pleasant in particular. I hope that you have a great time. I’ve actually been to Jax and love it there, but Charleston is very similar climate wise and a great place.

In regards to your question… It depends.

It’s really up to the owner whether they want to charge a deposit on their condo. Most of the time you will find that they will demand it… and that’s because it acts as protection incase you end up just leaving and never paying.

I know you’d probably never do that, but you would be surprised at how many times it happens to landlords. And when they collect that deposit, it puts a little pressure on you to stick around and keep the place clean and in good shape.

However, you can talk with the landlord and see if you can strike a deal where you pay the deposit over a length of time rather than all at once. It’s really important to know that you can negotiate with the owner.

Just don’t be surprised if they stick tight on their demands.

I hope you can work it out and get the condo that you really want. Again welcome to Mt. P and have a great time.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

I’m Thinking of Renting my Condo… But…

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:09:03 +0000

Reader Question:

Renting My Condo?

I’m thinking of renting my condo, but I was wondering if their are any restrictions on renting it either on a short term or long term basis.

Just so you know, it’s close to the beach so I figure I can get a lot of money for it!

- Doug, Mt. Pleasant SC

Answer:

Hi Doug… yeah I’m telling you, living close to the beach will really help your rental rate. So I think depending on your mortgage, you can probably make a nice little profit.

You might have to check your association rules and see if there is anything that you have to do with them before you can officially rent your condo. Most of the time there is nothing, but depending on your specific condo association regime… you might have to jump through some hoops.

And you don’t want to rent it out without their permission and then get slapped with a big fine.If this is your firt time renting then I hightly suggest you brush up on the south carolina renting laws and the eviction laws. I can actually tell you from experience that evicting should be pretty easy… although you might want to double check what it’s like in Mt. Pleasant.

Other than that I really suggest you get this book on being a landlord because you need to be prepared. It can be a real pain in the butt.

The book is called The Landlords Survival Guide. It’s a great book and I actually own three of them. And I still hate all my rentals… haha.

Oh well I wish you luck Doug and hope that you can make this into a profitable venture.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

Who Else Loves Living in a Condo Rather Than a House?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:03:40 +0000

Reader Question:

Lovin' Condo Living

Hey everybody, this is not your typical question but more of an observation about condo living. First off I totally love living here in Mt. Pleasant. I’ve been living here for about 5 years and don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.

I use to own a little house and I hated it! Every weekend, I would spend either the majority of Saturady or Sunday taking care of all the yard work. I literally had zero time for myself or my family…

Well with the blessing of my wife, we found a great condo that’s really close to the beach and now live is as close to a perpetual vacation as it can get.

We have time to do everything because living in a condo is so easy.

Who else feels this way?

- Jacob Mt. Pleasant SC

Answer:

HAHAHA… heck yeah Jake! I had to post your comment/question because I feel the same way. But I wanted to be fair and just present a couple things that people should be cautious about…

1. HOA fees. Some condo places have crazy condo fees and this can just be a complet hassel on your pocket book. However, make sure you do a fair comparison because even though it’s expensive for HOA fees in a condo… see what you’re saving in insurance and maintenance.

2. Board of Directors. The first condo I lived it was pretty darn good, but the board of directors was terrible. They got nothing done and then wastes so much of our money.

If you really love your condo and the live it provides then get involved and make sure that you board of directors is competent.

Home Owners Associations used to be only for condo living, but these days not all the neighborhoods have them it seems so that just makes condo living all the more attractive.

Great comment Jacob and keep living the live!

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.

Is a Condo Still Good Even If I Have a Baby?

Mt. Pleasant Condos — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:24:41 +0000

Reader Question:

Condo's & Babies

Do you think it’s okay to still live in my condo here in Mt. Pleasant and have my baby? Or should I consider moving to a house or at least renting one.

Just so you know, my condo is a three bedroom and two bath.

- Susan Mt. Pleasant, SC

Answer:

Hi Susan! Well I’ll tell you one thing right off the bat… it certainly seems like space is not an issue unless those are all really tiny rooms.

But seriously you should be perfectly fine having a baby in your condo. I know you might be thinking you don’t want to be loud and have a bunch of people complaining, but you’ll have nothig to worry about.

In fact I know more people who live in condos that have the worst behaved dogs that I wish would just move out… and I know for a fact that no baby at it’s loudest can compare to these dogs.

However, maybe you might live in a condo complext that is filled with people who are all very young and have lots of parties. Or maybe you have terrible neighbors that might affect your babies sleep.

If that’s the case then maybe you are right to be considering a possible move. But only you can make that decision.

Just so you know… I have a neighbor that lives below me and she has three children and then live in a two/two condo. So you will be perfectly fine!

I hope that answered your question Susan and good luck with your pregnancy and good luck with making your final decision. I hope it comes easy.

If you enjoyed this article, you might really enjoy these other articles we have to offer you:

Mt. Pleasant Condos keeps bringing you more great content to help you learn about living in a condo and how to buy, sell, and successfully live in one.