Currently we live on 2.6 acres with a new house (built in 2003). We are thinking of sellign it and moving to a townhouse. I really like the yard, I mean I can do whatever I want out there, but it is a lot of grass to cut and maintenece. Anyway, I just want some opinions on what you guys think about townhomes.... good, bad, whatever...

I have never rented or lived in a town home.... so I do not know

 

IMHO, I don't think they are worth the money. Cheap to get into but hard as hell to get out of. No offense to townhouse owners, but townhouses generally attract riff-raff.

BTW, you're not moving out of the house because of the 2.6 acres to mow are you? That's what round-up is for . Or plant some trees and make it a natural area.

 

Don't take this the wrong way, but are you %$*@( insane for leaving a house on 2.6 acres for a flippen lame townhouse? Buy a bigger mower instead. Seriously, don't do it. Unless you absolutely HAVE to for financial reasons. Crazy...

 

I agree do not go to a townhouse you would be making a hugh mistake

 

Well here is the thing ( I probably should have mentioned) I can make a boatload on this house, because it is new and I partially built it myself..... so I will come out ahead...but it is about 40 minutes to work, and about 30 minutes from any major town...

The townhomes will be about 10 minutes from work, and I would save a lot per month... also...since they are new they will appreciate the most in the first 5 years.... these townhomes are on the higher side of the market and are in a really good area... also in this area, town homes and twin homes are great sellers...

Another thing.... to get a house that is closer to work and civilization.... I would have to by something from the 20's in a crappy neighborhood.... everything else is way too expensive for me....

 

Sounds like you already have your mind made up. However, be prepared to miss your own home and a nice hunk of land. Those two things for many people are priceless.

 

I fully understand. I bought myself a home that's waaaaaay to big for one person (one person does not need 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms), actually, it's waaay to big for two, it really is geared towards a family. And just to keep it spotless, and the grounds nice, takes A LOT of time. It's a trajedy, I've only mowed my lawn 2 this past summer. Sad ain't it?

I can definitely see what you're getting at, but on the flipside, even though I bitch, I think I'd probably miss it....

 

Exactly! Why lose your privacy, parking, freedom and pay a condo fee that you can't write off?

 

I agree with everyone that you shouldnt sell it, just because the lawn is too big. Now if you cant afford it, you absolutely hate the drive to work or to town, you hate the color of it....whatever the case may be ,and we dont have to know that if its personal. I would say this, if you are going to do anything, make sure you buy the townhouse, dont rent it. Renting is such a waste, although many of us have to do it. I would make sure you got an end unit (not sure how there building the ones your looking at) and beware, a lot of people call them townhomes when there really not. What I mean is make sure you get 2 or 3 floors. You dont want anyone above you or below you. Anyone I know that has ever been in a townhouse lasts about 4 to 5 years and there out, and into a house. Just think it over real carefull. I used to drive 45 min to work and as of next tuesday I will be driving 1hr to work and I really dont mind. Its been said, some people would give anything for a house on 2.6 acres of land. I know I would. Wheres the house, if its in south jersey maybe I'll buy it

 

maybe its because i live in a southern burb of chicago and its just second nature but a 40min drive to work is normal to me. Hell thats considered a short trip. Im stuck renting now and would give anything for a house. Dont give up the house for a townhome. You will miss the freedom and privacy.

Dan

 

I just moved into a townhome in Atlanta (not a suburb of ATL). I did this so my commute is 8 minutes and I don't want to take care of a yard again. I did when I was in high school. If I purchased a house of the same price, it would be a 40 minute commute each way. If you find a really good deal for a townhome, the value of the townhome could be just as good, or better, than a house. Yes, houses are generally better values than townhomes, but not in ALL cases. The value of my townhome increased by 25% in the first year. Location, Location, Location. But also take into consideration the loss of privacy and smaller space. One thing I really hate about my townhome is it only has one garage. ALso, if you have a family, then maybe you should stick with the house. I am single.

 

I'm from a really small town, so a Townhome and a country home are basically the same thing. Personally, I would enjoy the 2.6 acres more than the single lot in town. But again, thats comming from someone that can roam around on 2500-3000 acres.

 

So, you'd rather live in an apartment with a neighbor getting pissed everytime you turn up the tunes or slam a few doors? No thank you. I know a townhouse is not technically an apartment but to me its just a fancy name for it. You are still living stacked together with connecting walls and no amount of insulation can cover the beat of a good sub-woofer. I mean when I watch Jurassic Park I want to feel those dinosaurs walk! If it were me I'd keep the house and land but what it comes down to is: What do you want to do?

 

Like everybody already said.............

be preparded for hearing your neighbors every move.

Just enjoy the house you built! Buy a vehicle (LIGHTNING) that you will enjoy driving(LIGHTNING) to work every day. If you have such a vehicle(LIGHTNING) you'll find yourself taking the long way to work everyday.

Also invest in some goats to take care of that lawn problem

 

Dont give up your freedom keep your space. I live in a townhouse there are too many rules. most places wont let you work on your cars in the parking lot, cant fly a flag because it may offend someone, if you want to change somthing on the outside you have to submit a request and wait two mounths for approval.