Buying a home is a big decision, and choosing the right one that suits your lifestyle and meets your needs should be a top priority. Especially for first-time home buyers, this financial decision will dictate where they will live for the next 5-10 years and maybe even more.
However, executing the process of selecting and purchasing a home is much easier said than done. And one wrong decision could leave any person unsatisfied and dreading their choices. So today, we will be taking a look at townhouses, those beautiful 2-3 story row homes that we see in movies, or maybe even pass by. And why you should consider adding them to your options.
Why Not Get a Single Family Home?
While the prospect of owning that dream single-family home might seem appealing, the reality of that option comes with many financial obligations and drawbacks that you wouldn’t want to shoulder. Especially for a first-time home buyer, stepping up to this residential property level might not meet your expectations or needs. On that note, a townhouse offers the perfect balance, and among the following are the benefits you can expect:
Budget-friendly
First, we cannot deny that there are cost differences at play when choosing a townhouse over any other option. And while it might have its fees from homeowner associations and maintenance, the home’s overall cost is significantly less to that of a single-family house.
While some luxury townhomes can get very expensive, the majority aren’t harsh on the wallet. So go over your choices and consider the budget-friendly appeal of townhouses.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Second, if you live quite an active lifestyle and can’t be bothered with keeping the place in top shape, you can rely on the maintenance and upkeep of townhomes. Unlike single-family homes, ranchers, and even bungalows, these residential properties depend on your capability to maintain them and keep them clean. Meanwhile, townhouses are managed by a homeowner association that will ask for fees to keep your front yard tidy and any other general maintenance work required.
Convenient Location
Third, most townhouses are located near the heart of all the action like shopping areas, entertainment, and the busy city life. This location makes it very convenient for people who need to get to places quickly or just enjoy easy access to different amenities. On the opposite end, other residential properties are located much farther out and can’t offer that quick access to everything you need. In general, it would take a considerable amount of time to get from your single-family home to your destination, which makes townhouses better on that aspect.
Homeowner Association and Community
Finally, we can’t forget to mention the homeowner association and community that town homes bring. In contrast to living alone and undisturbed in most residential properties, townhouses offer a sense of community among your neighbors. With each of you sharing common walls, it’s easy to make good friends with those on the other side. Overall, no other home can replicate the bonds you can build and belongingness in a townhouse.
Potential Downsides?
Just as you would weigh your options at a car dealership with pros and cons, townhomes aren’t perfect as well and have drawbacks for certain people. Some of the benefits and upsides we’ve mentioned could work against them. So take note of these potential downsides:
- Privacy: Although sharing a common wall with your neighbors might sound like a fun concept, there are some privacy issues you’d need to deal with in the long run. Especially for townhomes that have thin walls, you might be stuck hearing the sounds from your neighbors and vice versa. So if privacy is a big deal for you, then you must weigh in this drawback.
- Space: We can’t deny that townhomes are quite restrictive when it comes to space. And once you compare their size to the general family home, bungalow, or cottage, they lack in comparison. So if having plenty of room, a vast backyard, and front lawn are essential to you, then think this decision through.
Townhouse Verdict
Townhouses aren’t the perfect home and also come with their drawbacks. However, if you can work around them or maybe even enjoy that type of lifestyle, then it could be the best option for you as a first-time homebuyer. Especially if it’s just you staying, then there’s more than enough space to live out your life. So before you commit to one residential property, we urge you to give townhouses a chance and see whether you like them!
