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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Townhomes

July 23, 2021

If you are new to the homebuying experience, you may be wondering about the advantages of a townhouse and whether this option is right for you. This type of residential property is especially suited for busy professionals and young adults who are starting families. Townhomes offer a distinct set of benefits, especially for people shopping for new homes in Lehi, Utah. Here are answers to the top questions about this type of home so that you can make a well-informed decision on the best option for you and your family.

What is a Townhouse?

A townhouse is a single-family residence with two (or more) floors and at least one wall that is shared with another residence. As the name suggests, it is centrally located in an urban or suburban setting near modern amenities and offers a sensible option in areas with high property values. These properties are great choices for first-time buyers and for folks who may be downsizing after the kids have gone off to college.

What is the Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse?

Condos are typically configured in multiple-unit buildings, meaning residents have neighbors above or below and on either side. Townhomes, on the other hand, only involve neighbors on either side — meaning they offer a greater degree of privacy. Essentially, a condo is an apartment that the tenant owns rather than rent while a townhouse is an attached single-family home with more residential amenities such as a garage, multiple floors, etc.

What is a Townhouse vs. a House?

A house is a free-standing structure whereas a townhouse is a residence which is attached to other dwellings. With a house, you are responsible for the upkeep of the land it is built on. However, a townhouse may only require you to care for a small plot of grass or a garden in the front or back. A house usually has lots of square footage spread out across the main floor while a townhouse is more narrow with room to move up and down between multiple floors.

What is the Difference Between a Townhouse and an Apartment?

Apartments are typically contained within one story and have one, two or three bedrooms. Townhouses, on the other hand, can expand upward two or three stories and feature a basement level as well. Apartments are single units within a large, structured community and are ideal for single adults or couples. Townhouses appear more as individual dwellings and are ideal for larger families.

Is a Townhouse a Good First Home?

A townhome usually comes with less need for upkeep and maintenance because of the HOA fee. Also, the lower cost to purchase a townhouse is excellent for those looking to purchase their first home. You get the perks of being a homeowner without having to maintain the land as well.

What is an HOA Fee?

HOA stands for Homeowners Association. HOAs charge dues to their members (homeowners within the community) in the form of a monthly fee. This goes to pay for upkeep of cosmetic features across the grounds including grass, trees, shrubs and parking lots as well as common areas such as patios and lobbies. These fees can also contribute to the maintenance of amenities such as swimming pools, saunas and tennis courts while paying for services like sewage maintenance and garbage disposal.

Do Townhomes Usually Have HOA Fees?

Townhouse communities which feature shared spaces and amenities usually have HOA fees to help maintain communal areas and keep them in top working order. Rockwell Ranch Townhomes are some of the best new homes in the Lehi, Utah area because the community offers an impressive array of amenities. Residents can look forward to enjoying the swimming pool, clubhouse and pavilions for afternoon and weekend activities. The grounds also feature a playground for young children. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the pickle-ball, basketball and soccer facilities. Additionally, the walking trails offer a scenic retreat for those who enjoy a peaceful hike through nature.

How Many Bedrooms are in a Townhouse?

The amount of bedrooms in a townhouse can vary by the townhome community. Rockwell Ranch Townhomes offer three distinct designs — Iris, Knox and Theo — which feature a three-bedroom layout on the third level along with various first and second level options for additional guest rooms or resident sleeping quarters. These homes also feature extravagant owner’s suites with luxury amenities such as spa-like bathrooms, adjacent laundry and walk-in closets.

Many new homebuyers discover that a townhome is the best option for their lifestyle needs. Contact us to learn more about newly-built townhouses with plenty of custom options and modern amenities.

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This post was written by Paige Giles

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