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Tips for Buying a Home in a Gated Community

Posted by Tracy Jones on Thursday, March 31st, 2022 at 11:05am.

Aerial view of a gated community in Venice, Florida

There are countless benefits to living in a gated community in Venice, Florida. Not only do you get round-the-clock security, but you can also enjoy low-maintenance living, community amenities, and a sense of community. If you’re planning on buying a house in a gated community on Florida’s Gulf Coast, these are some tips to help you find the perfect home.

Be Clear About Your Ideal Property Type

Gated communities in Florida offer an abundance of housing options, from single-family homes to condos, townhouses, and villas. You can save yourself a lot of time and energy by making a firm decision about which type of home you want to buy. Single-family homes will offer more space and privacy, but they can be more expensive than condos and townhomes. On the other hand, condos and townhomes often require far much less maintenance.

Factor in HOA Fees

It’s very rare to find a gated community that doesn’t have a homeowners association. The HOA will typically manage tasks like grounds upkeep and maintenance of public areas. They also ensure the community is secure and looking its best. In return, homeowners must pay fees either monthly, quarterly or annually. It is important to factor this into your budget, as the fees will add to your overall cost of living.

Do Some Background Research Into the HOA

No two homeowners associations are the same. Some may be excellent at getting things done, managing funds, and keeping residents happy, while others may not be so efficient. It’s always a good idea to look into the HOA before you buy a home in a Florida gated community. You can search for information online or ask other people in the community what they think of the management and general upkeep of the property.

Understand the Rules and Regulations 

HOAs are also responsible for setting the rules and regulations for their communities. These could encompass building restrictions, color schemes, landscaping and more. It is important to be aware of these rules, as they will dictate what you can and cannot do with your home, primarily on the exterior. For example, if you want the freedom to remodel, paint or decorate your home however you like, you’ll need to find a community that will allow you to do so.

Check the Amenities

Gated communities in Venice, Florida often have shared amenities including pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses. Some gated communities are set up like resorts, while others are more low-key. Think about what amenities will best fit your lifestyle and then seek out communities that offer those features. Have a walk around the property to see what the amenities look like in real life and how well they are maintained.

Get to Know the Neighbors

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a home on a gated property is that you can become part of a community. Ideally, you want to be surrounded by like-minded people with common interests. Do some research into the community to find out who lives there. Is it mostly young families? People in the active 55+demographic? If you can, strike up a conversation with some of the residents to get a sense of the community atmosphere.

Are you interested in buying a home in a Venice, FL gated community? If so, we can help! Contact us online or call 941-488-6644 to speak to one of our Gulf Coast real estate experts today!





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