For many
homebuyers, a detached family home is the dream, which is why it’s often
considered the default. However, others might prefer the convenience of
attached housing or condominiums. If you don’t want or need the space of a
detached home and yard, you can find a space of your own within a shared
complex and less responsibility when it comes to yard work — if any
responsibility at all. They also tend to be more affordable than detached
family homes, and more available in urban areas for those who want to stay
close to the heart of the city.
The question is,
which kind of attached housing is right for you? The three most common types of
living spaces like this are apartments, condominiums, and townhouses.
Apartments
Apartments tend to
be most popular with single residents, a group of friends, or couples who
haven’t started a family. However, there are still smaller families who make
apartment living work and in fact prefer it to other kinds of housing.
Apartment complexes are typically owned by a landlord and particular units are
leased to individuals. This is the most affordable option, as well as the
lowest maintenance option. You don’t have to worry about yard work, and
typically maintenance is handled by the landlord at no extra cost to you. The
downside is that you won’t have a yard of your own and any maintenance issues
you might have are essentially at the whims of your landlord.
Condominiums
Condominiums, or
condos, are very similar to apartments on a superficial level. They often look
identical in some cases to apartments, but the experience of living in a condo
is very different from the experience of living in an apartment. The primary
difference is that while apartments are owned by a leasing company or landlord
and rented to individuals, condominium units are typically individually owned,
while the complex is grouped within a homeowners’ association. The lawn and all
shared spaces are communally owned. Thus those who want to avoid an HOA fees or
regulations may not be interested in condos, but ownership is an appealing
feature to many, particularly single professionals and young families.
Townhouses
Townhouses or
townhomes are individual, privately owned homes, but attached to neighboring
houses by one or two shared walls. Though these types of homes tend to be more
common in New England or on the coast, you can find townhouses in Bryan-College
Station. Like condos, they tend to fall under an HOA. However, HOA fees for
townhouses tend to be lower than HOA for condos. This is because maintenance for
the exterior of the home, including the surrounding lawn, is the responsibility
of the townhouse owner, while maintenance is covered under the HOA of condos.
The design is also distinct, as townhouses tend to be uniquely vertical.
Bedrooms are upstairs while living spaces are below.
If you’re looking
for something low maintenance, you might prefer condos or apartments. However,
some homebuyers prefer the freedom of townhouses compared to the other two. A
townhouse is essentially the closest you’ll find to a detached home without
actually purchasing a detached home.
House For Sale in College Station
Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065 |
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