Attached house good fit financially for home buyers
For many people these days, their first home or their first brand new home is an attached one.
That means they are in a townhouse, a duplex or an apartment-style condominium.
This can also be the choice for homeowners who decide the large house with a big lot is no longer for them.
A nice, affordable attached home looks pretty good for people who want to travel or spend part of the year in another area.
The lifestyle that requires little or no maintenance and gives the ability to leave home without worrying about the house appeals to both first-time buyers and empty nesters.
This week we are featuring attached homes with base prices of $250,000 or under.
Buyers will generally find that these homes might be rather far out or perhaps they are rental apartments now available for sale. These are so-called condominium conversions.
First-time buyers might be looking for the anti-apartment.
That means a feeling of open spaces, said Brian Murphy, vice president of operations for Town & Country Homes.
"They want a large kitchen with a large gathering area in a living or family room. Those rooms are typically planned together," said Murphy.
The new homeowners want to feel at home and relax whether it's just the family or they are entertaining.
Garages also attract people currently renting apartments, said Murphy, whose company is building The Townes at Remington Pointe. The homes in Volo are base priced from $160,995 to $192,995.
The homes have up to three bedrooms, 2½ baths and two-car garages.
Apartments converted to for-sale condominiums can appeal to buyers who want to be in a certain location, said Art Bettuzzi, general manager of project sales for Ryan Hill Realty.
For example, being in the city of Naperville is a big attraction for buyers of The Ponds of Naperville, which is a condominium conversion.
Prices here are $135,000 to $190,000 for choices with one or two bedrooms.
Besides being about 1½ miles from downtown Naperville, the community is convenient to all kinds of highways, said Bettuzzi.
In addition, The Ponds of Naperville enjoys a refurbished gathering area, fitness center and business center.
There is also a swimming pool and believe it or not two ponds where people fish.
It is important for buyers of attached homes to have lists of priorities when they go shopping.
If being close to work is important, you don't want to fall in love with a house because it has an extra bedroom or very attractive decorating, for example.
It also is a good idea to have your attorney review the purchase documents before you sign anything.