What to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples

If you’re like many people, you’re interested in a Naples condo – who wouldn’t be? With panoramic views of sun, sand and spray, the condos here are nothing short of spectacular. But what should you look for when buying a condo in Naples? This guide can help you be on the lookout for the perfect place for your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples

First things first: When you’re buying a condo for sale in Naples, your “must-have” list probably isn’t the same as the next person’s. You may have individual wants, such as a guest room with a balcony, a kitchen with an island, or a garden tub with jets – or you may be looking for a condo with amenities that match your lifestyle, such as a fitness center, smart home features or concierge service.

Other than the items on your “must-have” list, you should look for a condo with:

Enough space to match your lifestyle
Good sound protection
CC&Rs you can live with
A decent reserve fund
The right location

Here’s a closer look at each.

#1 Thing to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples: Enough Space to Match Your Lifestyle

No two condo owners are exactly the same, but one thing’s for sure: You don’t want to be cooped up in a condo that cramps your style. If you’re downsizing and want a smaller home than what you currently have, that’s great – but you still need enough space to store all your stuff without feeling closed-in.

A good rule of thumb is to figure out whether you’re really looking for living space or storage space. If you simply want a large home to accommodate the belongings you’ve accumulated over the years – and if those items are things you no longer want or need – it may be a good idea to reevaluate what’s essential to your quality of life.

#2 Thing to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples: Good Sound Protection

You definitely don’t want to live in a condo where you can hear your neighbors’ TV sets, but you may be okay with hearing occasional footsteps. However, if you’re looking for a quiet life with few aural distractions, think about looking for a unit on the top floor of a building. Your Naples REALTOR® can help ensure you get what you want.

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#3 Thing to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples: CC&Rs You Can Live With

Every condominium association has covenants, conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs. These are the rules and property limitations of living in the condo complex. CC&Rs often address things like the number (and types) of pets you can have, whether you can hang political flags from your balcony or plant flowers on the walkway leading up to ground-floor units.

These rules describe all the responsibilities you have as a condo owner, as well as the limitations you have. They’re generally designed to preserve and enhance property values within the community.

When you find a condominium you’re interested in, ask your REALTOR to get you a copy of the CC&Rs. That way, you can make sure they’re all rules you can tolerate – or show you that you need to keep looking for a place that’s a better fit.

#4 Thing to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples: A Decent Reserve Fund

Every condo association holds on to the dues its members pay so it can repair, renovate and upgrade community amenities. Though there’s no minimum dollar amount that every condo association should keep in reserve, there should be enough that the property won’t fall into disrepair a few months after you move in. You can ask your REALTOR to find out when the last time the association performed a reserve fund study and to show you the results.

#5 Thing to Look for When Buying a Condo in Naples: The Right Location

As with any other type of property, location is essential. Look for a condo that’s near all the amenities you use frequently, whether you love shopping along 5th Avenue South or you spend three days a week on Vanderbilt Beach. Consider your doctor’s office, your favorite place to golf, and your favorite places to shop and dine as you settle on the right location for your new condo.

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Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Naples?

Selling your home is a big deal, so you need to work with a REALTOR® who can get it right. We know how to market your home to all the right buyers, regardless of its price point. We’ll help you sell your home quickly and at the best possible price!

If you’re looking for a home for sale in Naples, we’re here to help. We specialize in luxury real estate and can show you any listing. In the meantime, please feel free to explore what’s available now: