So, you’re thinking about moving out of your apartment and purchasing your first home. While there are many things to think about, have you thought about the exterior maintenance and the upkeep you will need to do as a homeowner?

If mowing your own lawn or scooping snow off your driveway before work makes the top of the list as to why you don’t want to move, then maybe a townhome or condo fits your lifestyle. Keep reading as I compare the two and provide you valuable information as you decide which type of house is best for you!

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE: OWNERSHIP

Condo

A townhome is a residence that is attached to other homes with one or more walls shared. Townhomes are commonly multileveled and situated in a row along a street. As a townhome owner, you typically own the land and sometimes the exterior of the home.

Townhome

A condo – short for condominium – is similar to an apartment in that it’s an individual unit residing in a building. You own your unit and share ownership of the building with the other owner-tenants. This joint ownership also includes common areas such as the gym, pool, and grounds.

HOA

Condo

In a condo, you pay monthly dues to the HOA (home owners’ association) which manages the building, the grounds and exterior maintenance, and the interior common areas. HOA fees may be higher than a townhome because it covers things such as elevators, parking structures, workout equipment, and pools. The HOA also includes trash and snow removal.

Townhome

Townhome communities generally have homeowners’ associations as well. Dues will cover the cost of insurance and maintenance of the common areas as well as trash pickup and snow removal. The HOA also enforces rules for all homeowners including renting out your home, the colors of exterior paint, whether or not you can have a fence or shed, and many others.

COST

The cost between a townhome and condo can vary since many factors are included in the price. The location, upgrades, HOA inclusions, and much more are used to determine the price.

Compared to a single-family detached home, townhomes and condos are typically more affordable. With that said, there are various costs that can affect the affordability. For example, a condo may be cheaper to buy but the HOA fees are significantly higher than a townhome. Property taxes, home insurance, and home inspection costs can also vary so these factors can affect your mortgage rate.

STILL UNSURE?

If you’re still confused whether or not a townhome or condo is right for you, ask yourself these 3 questions:

  • 1. Do I want to have a yard for my kids or dog to run around in?
  • 2. Do I need a lot of extra storage like a shed or third car garage?
  • 3. Do I want to have full control over all aspects of my home including what I do to the exterior of the home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a townhome or condo may not be the style of home that will best fit your lifestyle.
If you’ve answered no or you’re still undecided, consider adding townhomes and condos into your home search. It’s important to work closely with your Realtor and gather all the necessary information about the property. This includes but is not limited to: the HOA (fees, rules and restrictions), ownership defined (if it’s a townhome, is exterior included?), insurance policy (carefully check what’s covered in the condo association’s insurance policy), common areas and amenities (know what’s available to you and if this sways your decision one way or another).
Don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions or if you’d like more information about purchasing your first home – whether it’s a townhome, condo or a single family dwelling! You can even start your new home search today – call, text or email me! (402) 706.2901 or creeve@npdodge.com