When you think living in a townhome, what comes to mind? In the minds of certain people, they have a kind of stigma attached to them. Some people seem to carry on the misconception that townhomes take the least desirable elements of apartments and homeowners associations and smush it all together. But many of these ideas are flat out wrong. Townhomes are a whole different ball game from other living spaces.
A key differentiating factor between a condo and a townhome is the matter of land ownership. In buying a condo, the deal usually only includes four walls and the air inside. The land it rests on doesn't change hands. But in buying a townhome, the plot of land usually comes as part of the deal. Admittedly, it won't be the largest, most luxurious yard you'll ever see. But it's your yard, and with that claim to land ownership comes a large number of freedoms that aren't present on rental properties.
The most common reason some people opt for a townhome over a single-family home is the more reasonable price. But you might be surprised by how many luxury features can be packed into the smaller scale of a townhome that would be too expensive in a full-size home. For example, with the larger surface area of a single-family house, luxury stone countertops might not be affordable, but it might be possible in small scale of townhome.
Homeowner's Associations, or HOAs, are probably the factor that initially turn people off of townhomes. However, HOAs were created for a reason, and they seem to have an undeserved negative reputation. There are great benefits to be had from being a part of an HOA. By following the rules and keeping up with the dues, you can qualify for various benefits specific to your community. Commonly, this includes having snow removal and yard work dealt with for you, as well as covering smaller exterior maintenance jobs.
Townhomes are usually built as a community. Often included with belonging to a community is owning a small part of the amenities that are part of the property. Most communities will include things like swimming pools, jungle gyms for the kids, exercise areas for adults, sporting areas for tennis and basketball and a clubhouse. If community members are willing to support it, and there is enough space on the property for something new, most communities have ways to add new amenities. When you buy a townhome, you also buy a piece of the community and all that's included in it.
The advantages of buying a townhome over renting an apartment or buying a larger home are often surprising, and many townhome-owners can lend credence to their upsides. Everyone has different needs and tastes, but for many, townhomes are a great option.
A key differentiating factor between a condo and a townhome is the matter of land ownership. In buying a condo, the deal usually only includes four walls and the air inside. The land it rests on doesn't change hands. But in buying a townhome, the plot of land usually comes as part of the deal. Admittedly, it won't be the largest, most luxurious yard you'll ever see. But it's your yard, and with that claim to land ownership comes a large number of freedoms that aren't present on rental properties.
The most common reason some people opt for a townhome over a single-family home is the more reasonable price. But you might be surprised by how many luxury features can be packed into the smaller scale of a townhome that would be too expensive in a full-size home. For example, with the larger surface area of a single-family house, luxury stone countertops might not be affordable, but it might be possible in small scale of townhome.
Homeowner's Associations, or HOAs, are probably the factor that initially turn people off of townhomes. However, HOAs were created for a reason, and they seem to have an undeserved negative reputation. There are great benefits to be had from being a part of an HOA. By following the rules and keeping up with the dues, you can qualify for various benefits specific to your community. Commonly, this includes having snow removal and yard work dealt with for you, as well as covering smaller exterior maintenance jobs.
Townhomes are usually built as a community. Often included with belonging to a community is owning a small part of the amenities that are part of the property. Most communities will include things like swimming pools, jungle gyms for the kids, exercise areas for adults, sporting areas for tennis and basketball and a clubhouse. If community members are willing to support it, and there is enough space on the property for something new, most communities have ways to add new amenities. When you buy a townhome, you also buy a piece of the community and all that's included in it.
The advantages of buying a townhome over renting an apartment or buying a larger home are often surprising, and many townhome-owners can lend credence to their upsides. Everyone has different needs and tastes, but for many, townhomes are a great option.
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A quality townhome can be a lovely place to settle down. For amazing townhomes in Salt Lake City UT, take a look at Sego Homes.