Which property provides the best fit for you?
When you think of your ideal home, do you envision a detached, single-family house with a big lawn? Many people associate this image with homeownership, but the best fit for you might be a historic townhome on a tree-lined street or a top-floor penthouse overlooking a city skyline.
Whatever you imagine, choosing the right property depends on your situation and goals. Your Realtor can help you find a home that fits your needs and help you understand what is involved in purchasing and owning property. Here are two types of property your Realtor might suggest to you: Condos
You enjoy many of the same benefits from owning a condo as you do a single-family home. You can deduct your mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal income taxes if you itemize, and you increase personal wealth while building equity.
When you live in a condo, you avoid some of the maintenance and upkeep issues that come with a house. You’ll pay a monthly condo association fee for that convenience, but you won’t have to mow the yard, water or replace the plants, paint the exterior, or perform other tasks associated with owning a single-family house. Your association fee also goes toward repairs and routine maintenance. Remember, this money keeps the property well maintained and protects its value.
You also may get to enjoy amenities like a pool, club-
house or workout room. If a property has extensive upscale amenities you don’t think you’ll use, you might want to look elsewhere. Condo association fees vary greatly. Generally, the more upkeep required means higher fees.
Don’t forget that condominiums often share walls. Living in close contact with your neighbors has advantages and drawbacks. Be realistic with yourself when you decide if a condo is a good choice. Also, don’t assume that a condo will cost less than a detached house. There are upscale condos and inexpensive houses, just like there are upscale houses and inexpensive condos. Multifamily
Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes are another option. Though some people own small multifamily properties solely for investment purposes, others find it advantageous to purchase a property, live in one of the units and rent out the others. You may decide you like this arrangement solely for the financial aspects of it, or it may work well if you have a relative or friend that you’d like to have living nearby.
In this scenario, remember that you are not only a homeowner, but a landlord, too. That comes with benefits (a monthly rent check, equity that continues to build) and responsibilities (making repairs and finding tenants).
Regardless of what a property is commonly called — condo, co-op, loft apartment, townhome, garden home — it’s important to know what legal definitions and documents govern the purchase and ownership of the property. It’s equally important to know what those definitions and documents mean when it comes to your continued expenses and the rights of ownership you will enjoy.
For more information on buying property, visit TexasRealEstate.com and HAR.com.
Nancy Furst of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties is the 2015 chair of the Houston Association of Realtors. How do I choose a home inspector? : Try the American Society of Home Inspectors’ search tool to locate inspectors in your area. The ASHI is a nonprofit, voluntary professional society. All ASHI inspectors have passed a technical exam, and certified ASHI inspectors have performed at least 250 home inspections. ASHI inspectors are required to adhere to defined standards of practice and a code of ethics.
A similar organization, the National Association of Home Inspectors, also establishes ethics and inspection standards for home inspectors and has a search tool.
Before you hire, ask about the inspector’s qualifications and experience. Check that the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance. If the inspector offers a sample report, review it to make sure it’s thorough and intelligible. Bankrate.com