Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
We are looking at two neighborhoods that are basically in the same neighborhood, one with 4 to-be-completed phases of townhomes, and the other a mix of single-family and townhomes that only has 2 lots remaining (single-family).
We would get about 350 more square feet with the townhome and a garage with slightly more material upgrades inside. Value wise it seems more bang for the buck (as the price difference is negligible), but we are concerned about looking at construction for a couple years and the possibility of the development stalling. We would be one of the first buyers into the development as it stands.
The single-family is enough space for us with a large yard and great mountain view but without the aforementioned bells and whistles. Also, the neighborhood carries an HOA fee even for single-families but it includes all exterior landscaping, gutters, etc for $50 more/month than the townhouse.
Anybody with any advice? We keep going back and forth.
Generally speaking, single family homes are a better resale because there are no shared walls. But you obviously see the appeal of the townhome based on more square footage and upgrades. Also, I would not be one of the first owner's in the townhome community as you have no guarantee that the community will be completed.
Also, just because something has 320 more sqaure feet doesn't make it more roomy. Those square feet may provide no added value, like making the dining room bigger (nobody uses their dining room anymore). Good layout with less square feet could be a lot more meaningful and livable than poor layout with more square feet.
We actauly use our dinnig room quite a bit.IMO;it's livingrooms that are seldom used with family rooms so common now. But I would always take a single family. Basically less comon caused problems that include safety;upkeep;como ulities that are used pretty much like apartment living to a large regree. Wiht Townhouses a HOA is almost a must.
I feel the same way. I am no fan of HOA. I believe people basically know how to take care of the property they buy, they do not need someone else to tell you how to plants and mow grass...and plus we have all heard the horror stories that go along with it.
The more expensive HOA for the single family house is the single biggest drawback for us. I have no problem mowing my own grass and keeping my plants and trees in good shape but the HOA seems to think paying for pristine lawns and gardens (landscaping company) is the best way to go. It ends up being around $150/month whereas the townhouse community HOA fee is about $95 for maintaining the common spaces and clubhouse with fitness center.
I'd vote for the single.... it is crappy to be forced to pay $150 for someone else to do something you could've done, but it's only 50 more than the townhouse fee. Not having to share walls and being a bit further away from who's next to you is worth that IMO.
I'd vote for the single.... it is crappy to be forced to pay $150 for someone else to do something you could've done, but it's only 50 more than the townhouse fee. Not having to share walls and being a bit further away from who's next to you is worth that IMO.
I agree for the same reasons.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
