NEWS

Deciding to move is a big decision for any family to make. But how do you decide if you’re ready to own a home? Imagine a single-family detached home with a big backyard, beautiful trees, your own personal garage, and a neighborhood that makes you feel at home. Now, think about who is going to trim those trees and organize that garage. Not everyone is ready or willing to have the responsibility that comes with owning a home. A townhouse offers many of the same benefits of a detached home, but you’ll probably share a wall with your neighbors. 

 

What is a townhouse? 

 

A townhouse is a single-family home that usually shares one or two walls. Each townhouse is owned by an individual tenant. Townhomes are usually built-in long rows with two or more stories. A community management company oversees a townhome community and typically sets maintenance costs for shared spaces, like parks or pools. 

 

While there are advantages to owning both a house and a townhouse, this quiz will help you decide which one you should buy. 

 

Are you willing to do yard work and exterior house maintenance? 

1. Yes
2. No, I’d rather have someone else deal with that. 

 

Do you have kids that live at home? 

1. Yes 
2. No

 

Do you have large pets? 

1. Yes 
2. No

 

Would you consider living in a community with an HOA? 

1. I’d rather not 
2. Yes

 

How much homeownership experience do you have? 

1. A few years 
2. Little to none 

 

What type of setting do you currently live in? 

1. House 
2. Condo or apartment 

 

If you answered mostly As 

You’re ready for homeownership! Moving into a detached home is a great step towards building your family’s future. Sure, you may have to mow the lawn and trim the bushes on the weekends, but you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when friends and family come to visit. Owning a home means you don’t have to answer to a landlord or management company, as you would in a rental or condo. While some home communities have an HOA designed to keep the community looking sharp, owning a home means you’re in charge of designing, upgrading, and, yes, fixing the toilet when your toddler flushes his favorite action figure. 

 

If you answered mostly Bs

You’re ready for either a condo or a home–the choice is yours! If you’re not ready for yard work or house maintenance, there’s always the option of hiring a professional service if you own a home. Of course, with a townhouse, there’s a chance that a management company would oversee exterior maintenance, which is a plus for those who prefer to do minimal upkeep. However, you may still own exterior walls and roof. If it’s just the two of you, there’s not really a need for a backyard, unless you prefer the privacy and open space of a detached home. 

 

You can’t go wrong with a condo or a home, especially when you join a Porchlight Homes community. At Porchlight Homes, we bring your dream home to life with genuine care and personal touch of family. Discover the ideal home for your lifestyle at one of our newest craft neighborhoods. Find us online or stop by for a tour!