When it comes to buying a home, one of the first and most important factors to think about is what type of home you want. While single-family homes tend to be the most popular, they’re not always for everyone. Single-family homes tend to be more expensive and also require a little more time and effort to keep up with landscaping and outdoor maintenance. 

So, if a single-family home isn’t what you’re looking for, you’re probably considering buying either a condo or a townhouse. Waltham Real Estate Agents say that these are both great options if you’re looking to own your home but also looking to save some money and time. 

Condos and townhouses have a handful of similarities but also some differences. In this article, we’ll go through these similarities and differences so you can make the best decision on what Waltham home is best for you and your family!

 

The Basics: Condo vs. Townhouse

A condo is usually looked at as an apartment in that it's a single unit located within a building of other units. When the owner lives in the unit it's often referred to as a condo, but if you’re renting the unit from a landlord it's usually referred to as an apartment.

A townhouse is a middle ground between a condo and a single-family home. In a townhouse, one or more of the walls are shared with another townhouse that is attached adjacently. This setup gives townhouses a little more privacy than condos. 

At the end of the day, Waltham Realtors say that the biggest differences between these two types of homes are the ownership fees, the maintenance levels, and the space associated with each.

 

Similarities Between Condos & Townhouses

Affordability - Condos and townhouses tend to be much more affordable than single-family homes. Because of this, buyers who choose a condo or townhouse are likely to get more square footage for their money. 

HOA Fees - Owning a condo or a townhouse comes with a monthly HOA fee. HOA fees cover the costs of shared amenities and outdoor maintenance. 

Less Maintenance - Condos and townhouses usually have very minimal yard space. This means less maintenance on your end. If there is some maintenance that needs to be done the HOA usually takes care of it, hence the HOA fees. 

Less Privacy - Another similarity between these two home types is that they often give you less privacy than a single-family home. This is because you’re sharing a building or a wall with others, so your neighbors are a lot closer. Townhouses tend to have a little more privacy than condos says a Waltham Realtor. 

 

Differences Between Condos and Townhouses

Their Layouts - As mentioned above, condos are basically apartments, which means they likely only have one story. So, condo owners usually have either upstairs or downstairs neighbors. On the contrary, townhouses have multiple stories with their neighbors to the left or right of them, not below or above. 

Types of Amenities - Both condos and townhouses pay HOA fees for use of the featured amenities, but the types of amenities within each could look different. Condo amenities are what you’ll find in most apartment complexes which can include a gym, a social area with games, a rooftop, etc. Townhouses don’t usually include these same amenities since they are not within a building. 

Interior Space - While both condos and townhouses are smaller in property sizes, the interior space within them is pretty different. Since condos have only one story, their square footage tends to be less than townhouses. If interior space is a big factor of yours, you’ll definitely get more within a townhouse. 
 

Connect With A Waltham Realtor

No matter what type of home you choose, both are great options! If you’re looking for more information on available Waltham condos or townhouses, contact a Waltham Real Estate Agent. Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, has years of experience and knowledge that can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. Call today! 617-968-0022

 

 If you’re thinking about making some upgrades to your home, you should consider upgrades that will help increase the value of your home. Since the pandemic, the way we work and live looks a little different than it used to. For example, home offices and outdoor spaces are more desired than ever. Here is a list of upgrades put together by a Waltham Realtor that will help you not only enjoy your home more but also increase the value of your home. 
 

1. Build a home office 

In the past couple of years, the number of people who work from home has increased immensely. Because of this, Waltham Realtors say a lot of homebuyers have been insistent on finding a home with a fully built out and comfortable home office. Whether this means adding on square footage to your home to build an additional room or converting a current room to a home office, this is a great investment that will definitely add value to your home. 
 

2. Finish your basement

While you might like your unfinished basement for storage purposes, you’re missing out on a livable space for you and future buyers to enjoy! Your basement can be used as an office space or a second living area for entertaining. 

Waltham Realtor Estate Agents say a finished basement is known to add great value to your home and will give you a 70 to 75% return on your investment when it’s time to sell. 
 

3. Upgrade to energy-efficient features and appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient features and appliances is a great investment as it will help save money on utility bills while you own the home. Then, when you’re ready to sell, these energy-efficient upgrades will also appeal to buyers who are looking for these features. If buyers don’t want to make these upgrades themselves when they move, they will likely offer more for your home knowing they have already been made. Most Waltham Realtors say that energy-efficient upgrades are some of the best to make right now as most home buyers are looking for these features in a new home. 
 

4. Open up your home’s floor plan

Open floor layouts are extremely popular these days. People enjoy being able to have their kitchen and living room open so that when entertaining they can be in the kitchen while also enjoying their company in the living room. Or, if one is not much of an entertainer, some still want to be able to watch tv and be part of family time while cooking dinner. Lastly, open floor plans also invite so much more natural light to your home! 

Because open floor plans are so popular, many buyers are looking specifically for them. So, knocking out the right wall between your kitchen and living room can create this open space that buyers are looking for, which will definitely add more value to your home. 

Work With a Waltham Realtor

These are just a few of the many upgrades you can make to your home to increase its property value. For more insight, reach out to Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings! Hans will help you through your buying or selling process and offer top-tier advice along the way. 617-968-0022