The most important thing in a complex is the HOA and how well it is managed, does it have cash reserves enough to say, re-roof the entire complex? Usually larger complexes are better managed and if a major repair is required, the cost is spread across a larger number of units. I've seen small complexes that have a high "special assessment". So if you have 10 units and it cost $50K to re-roof, they would likely split the cost $5K per unit in a special assessment.

The owner may be selling because the real estate market (depending on where you are) has peaked and they want to get their money out while they still can. Or they know a major repair is coming and want to bail before a special assessment lien is put on the unit.

I prefer to own and do. I owned some rental properties which I've sold. I won't get back into the market until it has crashed.

No one answer. It depends on the area, do you want to live there for a long time, your finances, tax situation? How old is the home? It takes a great deal of homework.

Currently rent. On a different subject; haven't seen you on the site recently. Welcome back?

[forbes.com]

I found this calculator that might help you do the numbers easier...BTW, the new tax code makes it almost impossible to take the itemized deduction for many people, so be sure to consider that as well...I am excited that you love your home and hope you get to stay no matter what...

Owning is awesome and expensive. Worth it but I would be leery of the market right now

I own the condo where I live and there's nowhere on earth I'd rather be right now, but if I were ever to move somewhere else, my place is so desirable that I can easily rent it out for far more than my mortgage payment, allowing me to travel or live with my kids or a romantic partner for a while. So, I would say "rentability" might be one factor to consider.

You chose to rent it - think about the reasons why - and that might help you decide if you'd like to make it permanent or not.

Well, the first thing I would decide would be am I happy where I'm at ie, good friendly neighborhood, if you have kids or plan to are the schools up to your standards. Next, I would want an inspection of the property and make sure it isn't in a flood plain. If you've lived there for more then 4 years you should have a good idea. Just protect yourself when buying a home that may be older then you are. It's the biggest investment you'll make and is useful for your portfolio when retirement is in the picture. Excuse my noisiness but why did the owner offer you the opportunity to buy it?

It's one thing to afford to buy a home. It's another thing completely to afford upkeep, improvements and ordinary maintenance when things break, which they will. Then there are taxes to consider, and insurance. Are you ready for all that, mentally and financially? OK, then.

I bought my first home when I was 40 -- actually my only home -- which I still own. I wanted a place that was less expensive than renting with more space and the option to paint all the walls orange, if I wanted. I've been here 29 years and I now own it outright. So no housing costs (beyond upkeep and repair) in retirement. During the time I've lived here I have had several financial setbacks and refinancing saved me.
Now I am interested in selling this house because I no longer need 3 bedrooms with steep stairs to get there, and a yard on a corner lot (which is relevant for snow shoveling). I do want to buy again because I love not sharing walls with anyone so I can play the piano all night if I want or scream at horror movies without someone calling the cops. I love being able to paint or modify it however I want (and every single room in this place has been painted multiple times -- it's the cheapest way to redecorate). And I don't mind paying someone to help out. Take your time and think about it. If you are not sure you'll stay there for maybe five years, maybe buying is not the best (most economic) way to go.

Don't go house poor. It stinks.

I'm trying to do rent/lease option to buy. Renting sucks!

Get a good inspection done before you buy from foundation to roof. And you better be a saver because home repair can be in the thousands. But with me my home value increased from $64000 to $140000 in my liquidly I am happy. I also inherited my father's house an equal amount I wish him back RIP.

Do your homework. Look at all costs. If it makes sense then go for it.

Rent - (possible return of an application with the value of the house) - maintenance cost -(how much the stress of owing a house is worth) = D

If D>0, Buy
if D<0 Rent

I would love to build my own house. Some cob/earthship thing. Cob houses is like living in a sculpture. Something as off the grid as I can go without losing the majority of modern convenience.

As was mentioned previously, just make sure you’re going to want to be in the same place for several years. Is your job secure? Is your relationship status stable? Are you happy in this location? Good luck!

I have always been a renter until several months ago. Life put me in my current city, and was offered a great deal on a house. After years of renting and roaming, it's strange yet comforting to finally call a place home. (For now.) Sure, I am responsible for the place and the repairs, but at least now I know they will get done.

The biggest issue that comes to mind is maintenance. Usually town homes have a condo fee to cover major items as roof, and other structural areas. I would strongly recommend joining Angie's List and taking some courses on home maintenance and learn about how to spot warning signs. I have done major work on my first home and moved to the Island to be self-sufficient. Be careful what you wish for has hit me so there is a lot of work.

I have never bought a home, even though I could have used my VA loan. I moved too many times over the years and never new how long l would be in one place.

I own a farm with a house on it and live in an apartment in town. The farm house needs work. I'm headed back to the farm. Interpret as you please

If your payments go down, consider it...

What a great opportunity for you. To own the very town home you adore. If you can buy it, do it.

A home mortgage is a loan program under which the property purchased becomes the bank's collateral until the lender fully repays the loan and interest. After that, the borrower receives full ownership of the object and can dispose of it at his discretion, and that is to sell, donate, rent, and redevelopment. So take this into account when planning to buy a home with a mortgage. You can also take advice from a company or agency specializing in buying real estate or mortgages. I know one, it's Mortgage Broker Doncaster, they helped me a lot when I bought my house.

A home mortgage is a loan program under which the property purchased becomes the bank's collateral until the lender fully repays the loan and interest.

Why are you asking? Of course, you should buy it. I mean, if you enjoy it if it's reasonably priced and doesn't require any big repairs that aren't cost-effective, and so on. There are several factors that may modify the situation, but if the owner sells it for a reasonable price and you have the funds, why not? If you're not sure about everything, ask a specialist like [sjonessurveying.co.uk] to convince yourself whether it's worth it. Good luck and tell us what you decide in the end!