When looking for a home, you have many options to choose from. You can choose to stay in an apartment, or a condo, or a single-family home, or a townhome. There are many things to look for when trying to find the right townhome to fit your family’s needs. While different from a single-family home, a townhome rental is a great option for first-time buyers who live active lifestyles.
When looking for a townhome, you want to find one that has low HOA fees. Homeowner Associations can have a say on many things that you do with your townhome, from exterior paint color, to what you do with the lawn. The fees can get expensive, so it’s important to do your research first. Find out what the HOA requires, what the fees will be and if it’ll be a good fit for you and your family.
One of the perks of getting a townhome over an apartment is that you’ll have actual garage space. But, keep in mind that you share walls of your townhome with your neighbor, meaning you won’t have as much space as you would in a single-family home. Because of that, you want to make sure that the garage space fits your family’s needs. If you only have one car to park there, then you might be good, but if you have multiple cars, you’ll need to consider your options. Many HOAs don’t allow residents to park on the streets, and you’ll want to use your garage for storage. Keep that in mind as you look for townhomes.
You’ll also want to see if your townhome comes with a basement. Basements add extra storage space, extra bedroom space, and a space for the family to get together if there’s not enough space upstairs. There are many benefits to having a basement, but not every townhome will have one. You should decide whether your family will need a basement for your townhome as you search for one. Just keep in mind that townhomes are smaller than a single-family home.
You’ll also want to look for a washer and dryer—or at least the hookups for a set. Some townhomes may have them, and some may not. But for your family, having a spot for a washer and dryer is a necessity because taking clothing to the laundromat can get expensive, especially if you have a growing young family. You can save on money by having a washer and a dryer directly in your home where it’s easily accessible, no matter the time of day, and doesn’t cost any quarters to operate.
One of the perks to townhomes over an apartment is that they come with an outdoor space, which is perfect for families with small children. Some townhomes come with really nice backyard features, including decks and firepits. Decks have many uses for large family gatherings and parties. Your extended family can gather on the deck if there’s not enough space in the home. Having a backyard is also good for kids who need a place to play outside that’s safe, and a backyard is a perfect place to sit and read on a summer day while watching the kids splash in a kiddie pool. Backyard features are a really nice feature for families, so make sure to put it on your list of necessities when you go looking for a townhome.
One of the reasons why many people are drawn to townhomes is that they are closer to city life and shorten the commute to work. They tend to attract people with busy and active lifestyles, which is why it’s important to scout out the location around your townhome. Just like with a single-family home, you want to know the location of nearby schools, the restaurants, the church buildings, and anything else you may need. The location may be a determining factor of whether you decide to move into a townhome.
You’ll also want to get an inspection of your townhome to make sure there aren’t any serious issues. You want to make sure the foundation is solid and that there aren’t any cracks. You want to make sure the doors of the house work properly because any stuck doors usually means there’s a problem in the foundation. The foundation is central to the support of the house, and if it has problems, that means you will likely have to deal with problems inside the house as well. It may be beneficial to get a house inspector to come by before you buy it to make sure that it is sound.
Look for the amenities a townhouse has to offer. Sometimes they will come with a common area that all the tenants can share, which can include anything from an indoor party room to an outdoor playground, to even a general garden area. Some townhouses may even have a pool area. The use of these amenities is included in the HOA fee that you pay. Your family may want certain amenities for your townhome, so ask about the amenities as you search for a townhome.
Most townhomes do tend to be more affordable than single-family homes, but this is not always the case. Sometimes they’ll be more expensive due to the high cost of living in the area, or their location. You will also want to be aware of how you will pay for the townhome. As a renter, you will be paying out of pocket, but if you ever look to buy a townhome, be aware that many lenders won’t lend to you because you’re buying a townhome rather than a stand-alone home.
There are many things to be aware of when you’re searching for a townhome. It helps to have a list of all the required features your townhome must have so that you can narrow down the list of contenders when you search for a home that fulfills your family’s needs.
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