When listing properties in the MLS, accurately identifying whether a home is a condominium (condo) or a planned urban development (PUD) is crucial for compliance, marketing, and financing purposes. While the two can look similar on the surface, they differ significantly in ownership structure and legal classification.

A brief summary of the differences:

A condo is about shared ownership of the property structure.  Ownership is usually limited to the interior of the unit. The land and exterior structures (roof, walls, common areas) are jointly owned by all residents through the condominium association.

A PUD is about private ownership within a planned community that shares amenities and design standards. Ownership of both the home and the land it sits on, including the exterior and yard, is typical.  However, a homeowners’ association (HOA) maintains shared amenities (like parks or pools).

Tips for listing PUDs in the MLS:

• Under Add/Edit make sure to select Single Family (not Condominium)
• Under the Property/General Info tab, make sure to fill out the Association Fee and Association Fee Per fields
• Under the Site & Building Info tab, make sure to indicate the appropriate property type in the Type box.  For example, Single Family-Attached.
• In the Public Remarks field, it is recommended that you make mention of the fact that the property is part of a PUD.