Is a Townhome right for you?

In the market for a new place to live and not sure where to begin?  Whether you’re thinking about becoming a first-time home owner or planning to move to your third house, there is a lot to consider.  The best way to get started is to make up a check list of qualities you’re looking for in a new home, so that when you’re out on the hunt you aren’t trying to think of every detail on the fly.  Townhomes, also known as townhouses or row houses, have been growing in popularity lately in New Jersey.  There’s a lot to consider though when looking at a prospective townhome that many people may not think to ask because of lack of experience and knowledge.

When searching for your new home there are always the important basics:

• Where is the nearest public transportation?
• What are the local crime rates?
• Is there good public education in that area?
• How much is the house, and how big is it?
• How much are the taxes for that area?
• What types of public facilities are nearby, such as parks?

If you’re looking for a townhome though, there are a few other matters which need your consideration as well.  First, is the Home Owners Association (HOA).  Many groups of townhomes will have an HOA, some may not.  If the townhome you’re looking at does, then you need to find out how much the fees are for the HOA.  HOAs cover matters that are important to the community and can range from a lot to very little.  Some may be responsible for making sure the landscaping gets done, throwing community holiday parties and taking care of community facilities like a tennis court or a pool. 

Next is noise and light pollution.  Living in a townhome may place you in close proximity to your neighbor.  Noisy neighbors may leave you hearing more of them than you’re interested, so talk with potential future neighbors to see if they live a similar lifestyle as you or your family. With townhomes there is almost always a Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions Policy (CC&R).  A CC&R will cover topics like whether you may have pets, who is allowed to live in the townhome and more.  Be sure to review this carefully for each townhome you consider.  Some people prefer some extra order and restrictions to help preserve the beauty and safety of the community, so it’s important to find the right area for you.

Of course, you want to make sure the company making townhomes isn’t cutting corners either.  Finding a proper realtor can be challenging, which is why going with a known company that has many proven successes, like Edgewood Properties, is a safe bet.  So as you plunge into the sea of buying a new construction townhome in NJ or your very first condo, make sure you keep your head above water and remain focused on what really matters to you when buying a new home.  The better informed you are, the more likely you are to find that ‘dream’ home which is just right for you.