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Anyone start out in a townhome?
This whole house hunting business is getting really tiring. We have looked at both townhomes and SFHs. I'm just confused if it would be a good thing for us to go for a TH first instead of a SFH. I think DH would like the yard if we had a SFH. He swears it's not an issue but I can tell he would like to have that to entertain in the summer. I try to tell him that that is not the end all be all of owning a home- we have to like the inside and know it works for us.
We have come close to putting several offers in over the past 11 months or so that we have been looking. Nothing came close as a duplex that was going to be given to us for a deal by the builder. That sadly was bought by another couple because the realtor wouldn't take it off his listing for the builder to sell it to us. I was crushed. We both were. It was the one that we fell in love with out of all the homes we have seen. So we were back to square one.
I just confused. Do you go with a house even though there are some things that bug you or do you wait until you find the one that you can't live without again? Is there a such thing as 2+ homes that can be for you?
Re: Anyone start out in a townhome?
Yes, we live in a townhouse as our first house. We were able to get a home with 2200 sq feet that was much newer and in better condition than the sfh that we could afford. It's not a long term house but it's definitely a good start. We still have to take care of the lawn and we have a garage. I am still not in love with the layout of the living room/dining room, but the space is very nice and I really like the location.
Good luck with your decision. I think that they can be a nice first home, especially for what you can get.
What lindyanne said is really true. Although we live in a SFH, it is on the smaller side, and most of the TH's we looked at were large and bigger than our current home. We went back and forth. We found a great SFH with a small yard in a community that has lots of land, lakes, etc. However, we don't have a garage and only have two bedrooms where in the TH we would have had at least 3, maybe 4, and a garage. We definitely don't regret our decision and really love our house, but I think we would have been happy in a TH as well. We love our large deck and use it a ton in the summer, but I do agree that the inside space is really important. As Abbie said, your first home isn't going to have everything you want unless you really plan on that being home for a long time.
We bought our home with a three year plan in mind, maybe 5. This is now dependent on the economy, but we've also learned things that we definitely want in our next home.
GL, it will all work out!?
We honestly could not of started out in a SFH at the time we were house hunting. The prices at that time were just unreal and I was the more particular one about wanting certain things. DH would of loved to get a SFH and was the one that needed some convincing that a TH was ok to start with.
I think a TH is a great way to start homeownership. You get to build equity instead of wasting money renting, you also get to learn what features are really valuable to you for when you move onto your next home.
There are a lot of great houses out there so try not to get discouraged!
We bought a condo for our first home, and we loved it. It was a nice transition home, since we didn't have to worry about the yard, snow, exterior maintenance, etc.
Baby in a Blue Teapot
Tempest in a Blue Teapot, food and everything else
"You live, you learn, you drink, and move on." ~ Rotty
We are in a TH. I really like it for the most part. There are really only two bad things-no yard and the stupid home owner's association. Other than that, I don't have to shovel snow, mow the grass or paint the outside of my house.
Also, the heating/cooling bills are really low since we share walls.
I normally don't post but had some extra time and was looking thru the local board and your post caught my eye b/c we are also house hunting. My husband and I have been in your shoes. It's hard. The bottom line is deciding on what you NEED and what you WANT. Are you willing to do cosmetic work? Are you able to do cosmetic work? Any reno work gets pricey if you have to hire anything out. Also, make sure to think about your long-term goals. Townhomes are everywhere and SOME people are having a hard time selling them, which in turns means that many are renting them out. That turns into a bummer for the people that dropped $150,000 on a townhouse and end up living next to someone who is renting and has no cares about the property value. That said, there will be another home for you. Not sure what price range you are looking in but my friend is selling her home in Camp Hill. It's beautiful and totally remodeled on a great lot with fenced yard. The house just hit the market yesterday. I don't even think it on the web yet. She has it listed at $179,900. If that's your range email me at heidi_2710@yahoo.com and I'll send you the link to the MLS page.
Good luck and hang in there. You'll find YOUR home.