I'm deciding on my next housing situation and I'm considering buying a new Townhome. I've read posts by other members about frustrations with their Townhomes and I'm hoping people could share insights in what to consider when looking at Townhomes.
I'm running numbers and considering my budget. But I could really use the insights and advice that come from experience.
Thanks!
Here's some information on the units and my housing options.
I'm looking at a new development. These have a 1200 sq. ft. main living level which is comparable to a nice "luxury" apartment (kitchen, dining room, living room, 2 BR and 2 BA). There is also a 500 sq. ft. bonus room with full BA, which could serve as a very nice master bedroom, library, or entertainment room. It has a full basement and a two car garage. The homes are typically in groups of threes: end unit, center unit, and end unit. The center unit has skylights to compensate for the lack of windows. The interior design is contemporary -- very attractive and uncommon around here.
There are a few end units available in the current phase. There are no south-facing units remaining. The third phase, to start later this year or early next year, will not have basements (on a flood plain, I think).
These are rather pricey, about $170k with the options I like a $165 monthly HOA fee. But I considered buying a house last summer and after looking at about 20 homes found that: a new build would be at least $180k and I'm not interested in the $150k homes made in the 1980s. There are some decent homes less than 10 years old for $160k to $200k but my experience tells me they are not really what I'm looking for. These townhomes are well suited my needs and desires for the next 3 to 5 years.
There are no other developments like this around here. The next comparable townhomes start at $300k. All other townhomes & condos are 10-20 years old and in scarce supply. The realtor at the Townhome model said other developers are considering builing similar neighborhoods in the future.
As for apartments: recently constructed 1100 sq. ft. apartments, with attached one-car garage, go far $1000/mo. I've found one that I like that would be about $850/mo for a 14 mo. lease.
I'm running numbers and considering my budget. But I could really use the insights and advice that come from experience.
Thanks!
Here's some information on the units and my housing options.
I'm looking at a new development. These have a 1200 sq. ft. main living level which is comparable to a nice "luxury" apartment (kitchen, dining room, living room, 2 BR and 2 BA). There is also a 500 sq. ft. bonus room with full BA, which could serve as a very nice master bedroom, library, or entertainment room. It has a full basement and a two car garage. The homes are typically in groups of threes: end unit, center unit, and end unit. The center unit has skylights to compensate for the lack of windows. The interior design is contemporary -- very attractive and uncommon around here.
There are a few end units available in the current phase. There are no south-facing units remaining. The third phase, to start later this year or early next year, will not have basements (on a flood plain, I think).
These are rather pricey, about $170k with the options I like a $165 monthly HOA fee. But I considered buying a house last summer and after looking at about 20 homes found that: a new build would be at least $180k and I'm not interested in the $150k homes made in the 1980s. There are some decent homes less than 10 years old for $160k to $200k but my experience tells me they are not really what I'm looking for. These townhomes are well suited my needs and desires for the next 3 to 5 years.
There are no other developments like this around here. The next comparable townhomes start at $300k. All other townhomes & condos are 10-20 years old and in scarce supply. The realtor at the Townhome model said other developers are considering builing similar neighborhoods in the future.
As for apartments: recently constructed 1100 sq. ft. apartments, with attached one-car garage, go far $1000/mo. I've found one that I like that would be about $850/mo for a 14 mo. lease.