Detached Condo is a better buy than Townhome.

NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
Um...





"Hello sir, before I purchase the home next door, I'd like you to fill out this survey. Question #1, what is the best type of drill to use for installation of a hidden camera? Don't worry if you answer correctly, you won't see me again."











But yeah, I agree with you 100% on termites and structural damage. My parents once owned a town-home in a 5-unit building in Buena Park. We had termites eating from both ends, and water leak inside shared wall that developed into a mold problem. We couldn't get everyone to agree on tenting the place, and ended up selling it at 50k below market value in "as is" condition. I hope the buyers who thought they got a great deal isn't cursing my name every day now.
 
I think the statement forming this thread should read:


<em>


Detached condos have greater resale value than townhomes.</em>





The real debate is in the amount f the premium. If the market premium is 25%, it is not necessarily a better buy because the premium is too high. If the premium is 2%, then it may be a better buy because a future buyer may be willing to pay a larger premium.





As for the driveway, you are missing the premium for "private." You can't park your car, have friends visit or really "use" your condo driveway. In fact, I will tell you the builders generally do not like building SFD condos because they get complaints from homeowners for years after they complete construction. It is not uncommon for someone to come out in the morning ready to go to work and find a neighbor blocking the way out. If you can't find them, you must wait for a towtruck to clear your path. Then you must deal with an irate neighbor when they have to pay a towing bill. Private drives make for better neighbors.





The other thing you are overlooking is the larger lot sizes of SFD as compared to condos. The whole reason builders create SFD condos is to increase density, so the yards are going to be small patios.





Personally, I do think SFD condos are good products. They fill a market niche between attached condos and SFD homes. I would consider it quasi-transitional housing. I wouldn't want to live in one long term because they are a bit claustraphobic, IMO. I rent a large attached condo, and chose it over a comparably priced detached condo. I got much more space for the same money because I didn't have to pay the detached premium. I think it lives better because of the additional space.





To each his own, I guess.
 
I had the joy of living in a condo with rows of garages without driveways. NEVER AGAIN! Almost daily someone would park in front of my garage blocking my access, since my garage was at the end. Every time I confronted the blocker, they would become irate. I was late for work many times.





People are damn crazy. It was like they were offended that I am telling them to move their car even though they are completely blocking my garage. I remember this one little girl so mad at me that I thought she was going to hit me.





I will never buy a place without a driveway.





BTW, detached condos are great for having windows that stare directly into the neighbors windows. I guess some people are into that kind of thing.
 
<p>Irvine_native</p>

<p>I actually see more of that in Tustin Field. Luckily, I didn't buy it there when they were first released. I drove there recently and what I saw was astonishing. Cars parked on both sides of the street. You can barely fit through as you're driving. Then I also see cars blocking other's garage. </p>

<p>Thank goodness, where I live now. The neighbors almost never park in front of another's garage. But I have to be honest, one guy tend to wash his truck in the back. But he's friendly enough to move when he see me backing out. </p>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top