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What to consider before buying a townhouse

Latin mother and twin boys outside townhouse

Don’t know if buying a townhouse is right for you? Here are important things to consider before making your decision:

Safety

Townhouses have one or two shared walls between you and your neighbors. It’s important to inquire about the construction of the walls and if they’re up to code. Having walls not up to the latest safety standard is not only dangerous but can also cost you a lot on repairs.

You should also ask if the shared walls are sealed securely to prevent any odors or smoke from seeping in through the walls.

Privacy

With the houses being very close together, having privacy is of the utmost importance. Inquire about soundproofing between houses or if the insulation material reduces any sound from next door. It’s one thing to hear everything happening in your next door neighbor’s house. It’s worse knowing they can hear you through the walls, too.

Find a townhouse community that gives you as much privacy as you want. There are some developments that maximize privacy by creating private patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces.

Ownership and maintenance

There are different ways to own a townhouse. You can have a condominium townhouse ownership, meaning you own everything inside the home but not the exterior. This option is best for some because maintenance of the homes’ exterior features falls on the condominium association.

Another type of ownership is the single-family townhouse with a homeowners’ association (HOA). For this, you’ll own everything including the exterior of the home and the lot it’s attached to. However, you have to follow the terms and conditions of the HOA on the upkeep of the home’s exterior.

Amenities

Choose a townhouse community with amenities that best fit your lifestyle. Many townhouse communities have amenities that encourage residents to socialize like recreational centers, pools, and sports facilities. More luxurious communities provide residents with golf courses, concierge services, and the like.

Discover great townhomes for sale in Phoenix, AZ with expert real estate agent Scott Selmer today! Get in touch with him by calling 1.480.353.0299 or leaving a message at scott(at)scottsemerrealestate(dotted)com.