Looking for a Townhouse: Questions to Ask

Are you in the market for a townhome? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone who has lived in townhouses before, there are a few important considerations to think about to help you gauge whether or not a townhouse is the right living situation for you. To help buyers in their decision, Salmon Real Estate, one of the oldest independently owned real estate companies on Staten Island, New York, with invaluable experience and resources to help you buy or sell property, lists important questions people should ask when buying or renting a townhouse.

What Is a Townhouse?

Townhomes are unique pieces of property. They are side-by-side, multi-level homes owned by individuals that share at least one or two walls with the adjacent unit. They are generally narrower than single-family homes. Townhomes typically span two or more units and share similar, if not identical, floor plans. Every unit has a private entrance, often a small front lawn, and maybe even a backyard area. Some townhomes come equipped with a garage or designated parking area.

Townhomes are often the preferred choice for residents given the advantages they offer, such as a greater sense of community, safety, security, minimal maintenance required, quality of amenities, and more.

What to Consider

While in the market for a townhouse, whether you’re renting or buying, it’s important to know what to ask. The more you research a potential home purchase, the greater the likelihood you'll be happy with your decision. Questions to ask during your search include:

What Are HOA Fees and Rules?

Many townhouse communities are governed by a homeowner’s association or HOA. This governing body handles decisions and manages projects that affect the entire community. For their services, HOAs require fees. When viewing a property, you should ask what the fees are and what they cover.

HOAs often have strict rules for residents to abide by. Their rules can determine how you’re allowed to maintain your property, what you can and can’t display, and more. Knowing an HOA’s rules beforehand can help you determine if it’s the right property for you.

Can You See Past HOA Minutes?

HOA meetings are recorded and documented. The reason they are recorded is so others can go back to reference them. Ask if you can see past minutes to get a better understanding of what type of topics are discussed and meetings and if any issues arise, how they are resolved.

Are There Any Repairs Ahead?

Like any type of real estate property, when viewing, it’s wise to ask what repairs might be needed. This information will give you a better understanding of what potential issues might lie ahead for you.

Are There Pet Restrictions?

Some townhouses have restrictions on pets, such as type, breed, and weight. If you own a pet or are looking to purchase or adopt one in the future, knowing the answer to this question is important.

Are There Historic Preservation Considerations to Know About?

Depending on the townhome and where it’s located, it may be considered a historic building. If this is the case, you should ask about any historic preservation considerations. This is because historic buildings often have unique requirements that need to be taken into account.

Real Estate Consultants Who Specialize in Townhouses

If you believe a townhome is the right type of property for you, turn to the experienced real estate consultants at Salmon Real Estate. We specialize in locating ideal listings for clients in the Staten Island, New York, area, meeting their specific wants and needs. Contact us today for more information regarding our available listings, as well as our professional real estate services.