biz,

law varies from state to state but def check with your local real state lawyer....besides it is you who has to decide what you want to buy a house or a condo.  If you have HOA...make sure what HOA can and cannot do besides the local law...HOA has a lot to say in what you can and cannot do. 

I think buying condo is good if you plan to move out in 4 - 6 yrs.  --paying 400-500 a month for maint. should not be a big deal as oppose to buying a house bigger mortgage-- more money in interest and higher taxes and this still does not include the maint.  Maint. in houses are expensive.  There is only so much of handy work you can do if you are not a full time handy man.

Dont get sucked into the 60 yr ..stats say ppl in US live 3-5 yrs in their first homes.  I would suggest get interest only loan for 7 yrs...sell the property in 5 yr...make some greens and buy sth again..