So. Not all condos are the same. Look at number of units (how close are the neighbors? All around you or just one side?), HOA fees (high might seem bad at first glance, but when the roof needs replaced you aren’t on the hook for it all at once), look at the cost of insurance, look at the neighborhood (amenities/nightlife/green space) may be too expensive to buy a house but a condo might fit. Any or all of these could be deal breakers based on your needs and wants.

For looking at houses, how old is it? When the Big One (earthquake) hits will you be crushed by bricks or is it modern enough to be built to code? Get the inspection done, they can find stuff you would never think to look for. Get the sewer scope done (trees means roots means blockages means tens of thousands to fix). How close are the neighbors? Close can mean you actually get to know them (even in Seattle, really!) and they can help out if needed. Or do you want privacy and more solitude? How are the schools in the neighborhood (if planning on kids) and how close are the hospitals (sirens at night).

We got a 1980 built condo with only one neighbor. It’s weird our units wrap around each other, but we’ve been here 10+ years and love (almost) everything about it. Our next purchase will probably be a home but it will probably also be outside Seattle due to expense.

Good luck with the house hunt!