Each type of residence may have its pros and cons, but it will all come down to whether or not it suits you. The top things to consider when making the right housing choice should include your lifestyle, budget, the size of your family and the needs of each member, and the level of involvement you are willing to shoulder in terms of home maintenance.
Both experienced and first-time homebuyers are expected to encounter dilemmas when faced with decisions on selecting the best home for their needs. That’s because the circumstances for each new property can be different every time. If you are now in this situation, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
Here are several property options and the conditions that usually come with them.
Condos
Condominiums are sold by the unit within a building. You could think of them as similar to apartments in terms of structure. However, you can buy a condo unit while you could only rent an apartment unit.
Condos require the least amount of effort on your part in terms of maintenance. The property manager or condo association handles the repairs and maintenance, and condo buildings and complexes also have their own security. Without much to worry about, this type of property works best for single people, busy professionals, first-time homebuyers, older homeowners, and those who travel a lot.
On the other hand, if you want the freedom to customize and renovate your home, condos may not be ideal for you. Condo association rules tend to be restrictive, with some not allowing pets, renting the unit out, or home-sharing. Make sure to check the condo association’s rules before purchasing a condo unit. Condos are also not ideal for those who highly prioritize privacy and exclusivity. Even in the most exclusive condos, you will still be sharing common facilities, particularly elevators.
You can find a wide variety of condos for sale in State College, PA, especially since this is a popular property type among students and university employees. Condos in the area range from the studio type condo unit to luxury properties with three or more bedrooms.
Single-family House
When talking about “buying a house,” this is the property type that’s most commonly referred to. As a standalone structure, this appeals a lot to people because it gives the sense of being able to truly own their own space. Having your own house means more privacy and freedom to live the way you want. You are not restricted by condo rules so you can make changes in your home depending on your desires and taste. Make sure, though, to comply with local building regulations and homeowners’ association guidelines, if there are any.
Houses also typically have yards, so not only do you have freedom inside your home, but you also get to enjoy your own outdoor space. This is ideal for families with kids and pets, as well as for those who love to host outdoor parties.
Owning your own house comes with bigger responsibilities, though. You will be shouldering all the maintenance and repairs. This will require more effort and could put more strain on your wallet. Consider all the maintenance requirements of your household before making purchase decisions. This would include HVAC services, gutter cleaning, furnace maintenance, and lawn care.
You have a lot of options if you are looking for a single-family house for sale in State College, PA. These dominate the local housing market, and you could find them in different sizes at a wide range of prices. New construction homes are popular among buyers, but there are also unique and charming historic properties on offer.
Townhomes
Townhomes are usually narrow, multi-level houses with exterior walls attached to other residences. Townhouse owners own the lot on which the house is built, and so they also own the patio or small yard that comes with the house itself. A townhouse can be much cheaper than a single-family home. It is somewhere in between owning a house and a condo and is ideal for newlyweds, young families with limited budgets, and those who want to test the waters if they can’t decide which of the two is best for them.
Although you may not have full autonomy when it comes to alterations, HOA rules sometimes allow little modifications, such as changing door colors. Make sure to study the applicable HOA rules before buying the townhouse. Like condos, townhouse owners are also subject to association dues. Older townhouse developments usually charge higher maintenance fees, as well as those with more shared facilities and amenities.
There are different types of townhomes for sale in State College, PA. Some come in the typical style of row houses, but others are also built in a different arrangement that allows for more privacy.
If you are planning to buy a residential property in State College, PA or in the surrounding communities of Centre County, trust our team at Heritage Realty Group to help you with finding the best options. Get in touch with us at 814.231.0101 or drop us a note here.