New townhomes in Rosenberg (Center, Briar: sale, 2015, rent)

[Jmfj2015]

Hey guys! My family will be first time home buyers and we are interested in the new townhomes called Villas at Brazos Town Center. Any thoughts on purchasing a townhome instead of single family home?

[predatorprey]

Don't buy townhomes in the suburbs. They will not appreciate as well as a single family home.

Also in a downturn, the value will fall faster and further, as well as take longer to recover in value.

[Jmfj2015]

Thanks for your response.

[LocalPlanner]

While it's likely true in general that suburban townhomes don't appreciate as well as single family detached, the investment angle shouldn't be your primary motivation for buying a house. If the townhome is the type of product you want, the location is what you want, and the price reasonably fits your budget, then go for it. Just don't expect the investment returns.

[t_marney]

There are usually a few different reasons people have for purchasing a townhouse rather than a single family home. If those are why you're buying and it makes sense for your family then it's not a bad decision.

If it lets you afford to buy in an area you couldn't afford otherwise.
If you're looking for a relatively maintenance free property.
If you don't want the upkeep of a large yard.

As far as buying one in the suburbs it probably won't appreciate as much as a SFH, but if the complex itself is zoned to good schools, is convenient to the community amenities and the management company is diligent about maintaining the grounds and exterior it will be in demand to other buyers for entry level housing.

[Jmfj2015]

Thanks for the feedback. We are interested in these because they come standard with a lot of the finishes we like and are in what we feel is a good location. We are tired of paying high rent on a house that isn't ours. We were attracted by the price because it would allow us to live off of one income while paying off our student loans with the other. We were a little reluctant because we would like to sale in about 5 years but we're worried about the potential to depreciate instead of it making money. There are some single family homes in a subdivision called Briarwood Crossing but we were concerned about resale value out that way since everything has been pretty much centered around the brazos town crossing area.

[ftbend06]

That's in a decent area and I personally like the townhome concept, whether it's in the burbs or not, although I don't personally live in one. It's in a better location than the other area mentioned. Seemingly well maintained by developer/hoa. Townhome allows you to own the land and not have to maintain it. A little less expensive, too, but check and make sure you know all the hoa, maintenance and/or management fees upfront. Those tend to be steep for townhomes (often 2-300 monthly) to account for the maintenance. Overall not a bad concept for the developer or homebuyer, but make sure you know what you're getting into.

[Lbjen]

You can expect a higher HOA fee for a townhome, and it's not tax deductible, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

[Jmfj2015]

Ya the HOA fee is $1595 which is quite a bit higher than some of the other subdivisions in the area, but we are okay with that. Lbjen we did not think about the HOA fee not being tax deductible so thank you for that information. I think the townhomes are run by the same management company as the Reserve at Brazos Town Center so I am guessing that they will be taking care of the property. I really appreciate everyone's point of view.

[sullah]

Originally Posted by Jmfj2015

Hey guys! My family will be first time home buyers and we are interested in the new townhomes called Villas at Brazos Town Center. Any thoughts on purchasing a townhome instead of single family home?

I live around the same area . Towns homes build by DR Horton looks pretty good but little pricey. This area is expending nicely but since 59 (69) is in under-construction traffic is bad .

HOA, we are paying is 950 . not sure what we will be for town homes.