Special Considerations For Buying A Townhome For Your Family

If you are ready to move out of your condo or apartment but do not have enough income to purchase a single-family home, then a townhome might be the best option for your situation. Where condominiums and apartments have multiple floors and lots of shared walls that can make your living space noisy, townhomes generally only have a single wall shared between your family and one other so they tend to be a lot quieter. However, when you shop for a townhome, there are some special considerations that you need to keep in mind, such as the following:

Know The Local Home Owner's Association Rules

Most townhomes are located in neighborhoods that are regulated by home owner's associations (HOAs). HOAs typically have rules about aspects of your property such as:

  • exterior paint colors
  • fences
  • landscaping options

In addition, some HOAs regulate the number and type of pets your family can have living with you.

Investigate the Guidelines for Shared Repairs

When you live in a townhome with a common wall with another owner, you need to understand the guidelines for how you will make repairs to your shared roof. It is very important that you understand how this will be done before you agree to purchase a townhome. The last thing you want to do is purchase a townhome and then discover that your neighbor is not willing to work with you on necessary repairs and find yourself in court battling it out.

Visit Potential Townhomes at Various Times 

Since your new townhome will have a shared wall with your neighbor, it is always a good idea to visit the area during various times of day and night. By visiting at different times, you will be able to determine if there are any noise or security problems in your new neighborhood. By visiting on a Saturday evening, you can see if your potential new neighbors have a lot of company or tend to keep more to themselves. 

Utilize a Real Estate Agent with Townhome Experience 

Finally, when you are searching for a townhome to purchase, you should always work with a real estate agent or broker that is experienced with selling townhomes in the city you want to live in. A realtor who specializes in townhomes will be knowledgeable all of the special considerations that apply in your specific area of the country and will help you make the best decision for your family.


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