First thing’s first. Before you can choose the style of home you want, you have to determine where it will be. Once you know the city you want, it’s time to get more specific.
With so many housing options out there it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. So how do you know?
Let’s take a look at the most popular home options, their pros, and their cons to help shed some light on the right home style for you.
Condo
Not an apartment fan? A condo might not be the right thing for you if you have neighbors on multiple sides. With shared walls, a shared parking garage, and common areas, you might feel boxed in since you won’t have much control over your property. There’s also the matter of those pesky homeowners’ association fees and rules that can impact your budget.
If you’re a person who can get along well with others and apartment life doesn’t bother you, then you may want to consider condo life. Once you get past the monthly association fees and shared space, you benefit because you don’t have to maintain a yard or the exterior structure of the property. If you live alone, then you have the added security of having others around you. Condo life is also beneficial for those who travel a lot because it’s not like your house is sitting empty and isolated while you’re gone. Condos are usually more affordable for first-time buyers, so give it some thought!
Townhouse
A townhouse or townhome is a cross between a condo and a house. These homes are usually two to three stories, which means you don’t have neighbors above or below you. A lot of people enjoy townhouses because of the added privacy and peace and quiet. Most townhouses have attached garages on the ground level, making it easier to get to the car and store your items. Townhouse developments often have fewer units than condo buildings do.
Just like condos, townhouses have monthly association fees but again you don’t have to maintain the building’s exterior. As far as pricing, townhouses are typically similar to condos of the same size. If you’re in the market for something that’s strictly entry-level pricing, a townhouse probably isn’t the way to go because they’re usually larger in size. You might even find one with a small yard.
The differences between townhouses and condo tend to blur. You’ll discover that what’s referred to as a condo in one area is a townhouse in another, so don’t box yourself in by paying too much attention to labels.
House
Of the various styles of homes, houses tend to be the most expensive option. The total price and ongoing maintenance add up, but it’s hard to beat the level of independence and privacy they offer.
No more shared walls, floors, or ceilings. You’ll have a yard and a fence to keep your neighbors from getting too nosy. A yard is the perfect place for your kids to play in, have a barbecue with the family, or put your pool, or hot tub. And most homes are larger than condos, which means you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and decorate!
The biggest downside is that whatever challenges the structure throws at you, it’s your responsibility to fix it. You’ll be the one maintaining the yard unless you can get one of the kids to do it. Your monthly mortgage will be higher than it would be if you had an apartment or a condo, but you’ll be the one calling the shots.
Regardless of which home style is right for you, having your own space is exciting. If you need some help with the moving process, White Glove Movers is happy to help! Give us a call today regarding your next residential move and we’ll be there.