Are you looking for a new home, but not sure which property type suits you best? Choosing the right type of home for you is important, and there are many factors that go into making the decision. Where are you in your life? If you’re single, you may want to find a place that has the opportunity to grow into if you should get married and/or have children. If you have young children you’ll be concerned about the quality of local schools. If you’re married empty nesters, maybe you’re looking to downsize, or to a home that offers a different lifestyle, such as a main floor master or located near your favorite golf course. Or maybe you’re ready for a second home in the mountains. Here are some things to consider before you make the big investment.
Single Family Homes (SFH)
Single-family (detached) homes are a great option for many people and have long been the most popular type of housing in America. Single- family homes offer a yard for children and your four-legged family members! On the other hand, single-family homeowners need to maintain the entire home and yard, including landscaping, fences, sprinkler systems, roof and exterior, and the deck or patio. As an investment, single-family homes also offer a bit more reliability in resale value compared to condominiums and townhouses.
Condominiums (Condos)
Condominiums are a great place to start when buying your first home. They’re also a great property type for a vacation property. Though they still have close neighbors, there are a number of positives for this option. One perk to a condo compared to renting an apartment is that many come with carports and/or garages. Living in Colorado, this is a huge perk. Not having to clean snow and ice off of your car in the winter is a bonus. Frequently condos have a fitness center and pool, which is not only convenient, but you won’t need to pay for gym membership. Like apartments, much of the maintenance is covered by the HOA. For example, snow removal and disposal may be included. Costly expenses like the roof are often covered by the association fee as well.
Townhouses
Townhouses are the alternative to both condominiums and single-family detached homes. A townhouse is much like a single-family detached home; the difference is that they’re attached to other units. Frequently townhouses have multiple stories and garages, either attached or not. Townhouses are great because they give a decent amount of square feet without the hassle of caring for a yard, though they sometimes come with a small patio area and maybe even a small patch of grass. Another perk to owning a Townhouse is that the HOA usually covers expenses related to the exterior of the building. This can be a great starter home for a new family with small children. Additionally, for empty nesters looking to downsize and reduce responsibilities in upkeep, this is a great option. We live in a townhouse and love the ability to “lock and leave” when traveling.
What is the difference between a condo and a townhouse? Ownership of a townhouse includes owning the land. Condo ownership does not include the land.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right property type comes down to your desired lifestyle. If you have a family and need multiple bedrooms and a yard for playing, a single-family home will probably be your best option. If you travel a lot for work or vacation, or simply want to minimize the hassles and costs of maintenance, a single-family home may not be for you. You might like a condo or townhouse more where much of the maintenance is done by the association. Whatever you choose, be sure you have everything ready to go when you want to make a purchase because houses are selling fast. Even if you haven’t yet worked out which property type you want, we can help you prepare so that you’re ready when you find your new home.