More and more homeowners in the Roanoke Valley are opting for condos. Over the past several years, a number of renovation and new construction projects across the region — but especially in downtown Roanoke and Southwest Roanoke County — have added hundreds of top-tier units to the already sizable condo market. Retail shops, restaurants and other businesses have cropped up around the condos, bringing valuable traffic and revenue to surrounding communities.

Many homeowners who opt for condos do so because they love the convenience of condo living combined with the amenities condominiums often include. But is a condo right for you? Consider these advantages to owning a condo:

Someone else will mow the lawn.

Condos are perfect for people who don't want to do yard work or mess with snow removal. Your homeowners association fees will cover exterior maintenance, common areas and most major structural components of the building. Maintenance agreements vary, but in most cases, your responsibility for maintenance is limited to the interior of the condo. As you're looking at properties, I'll help you firm up the details about each one.

Condos come with amenities and a community.

Condominium owners often have access to amenities such as health clubs, pools or other facilities that add so much value to the condo lifestyle but wouldn't be affordable otherwise. And condos boast ready-made networks of other homeowners who are as invested in the property as you are. Getting involved in your homeowners association is a good way to meet neighbors and have a say in the overall quality of life of your condo's community.

You can make it your own.

Unlike renting an apartment, in general, you can decorate the interior of your condo to suit your taste. The homeowners association bylaws will spell out any particulars about renovations that need to be approved. Restrictions typically refer to only those improvements that will have impact on other homeowners, such as changes to the condo's exterior or structural and architectural changes. Otherwise, you can paint, hang pictures and otherwise style the space however you please.

Condos are conveniently located.

In the Roanoke Valley, condos are centrally located among all the community amenities homeowners want. For example, condos in downtown Roanoke provide instant walking access to the heart of the city, including the city market area, Elmwood Park and a broad spectrum of galleries, restaurants, bustling nightspots and other businesses. In desirable Southwest Roanoke County, you're surrounded by shopping and restaurants, schools and lots of green spaces.  

You'll build equity in your home.

Condos combine many of the conveniences of managed property with the financial incentives of homeownership, including equity. Live in an apartment for 10 years, and you've got a stack of rent receipts. Decide to move out of your condo, and you've got equity to put toward another home or a property that's easy to rent because it's already partly managed. One note about renting out your condo: Check the homeowners association bylaws before you buy with long-term plans to rent. Your association will stipulate how rentals are to be handled.

So are you ready to take a look at condos around Roanoke and find the home that's right for you? My team has two condo listings right now:

Check out this downtown property that's filled to the brim with luxury appointments and stunning architectural details.

Appreciate everything this condo at The Peaks has to offer with its gorgeous mountain views, high-end fittings and gracious lifestyle.

I'd love to show you either of these properties or explore other condos around the valley. Contact me at (540) 353-0123 or sonya@sonyadickinson.com. Browse my listings here and be sure to like my Facebook page.