Downsize from SFH to townhome

[Koolau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP.mpls Koolau, I've noticed that the condo fees tend to be higher than townhomes. In Minneapolis there is a big corporation that seems to have a monopoly on HOA management, and all of the communities that have them managing their HOA have especially high fees. I'm surprised all of these communities are choosing to use them. Yes, I'm cheap, and the high fees turn me off. JP

My experience is limited. Our HOA dues at the town home were only slightly smaller than our condo HOA dues. I suspect a lot of the dues are related to expected repairs. For instance, our condo had to replace the elevators. Half a mil without breaking a sweat. The town houses had no elevators. Of course, the town homes were spread out and had acres of roads and parking areas while the condo has a parking structure. Not sure which requires more maintenance. In short, it all depends... So YMMV.

[Getyoung]

The townhouse style condo I owned many years ago was great. Everything was done, grass, snow, outside maintenance, etc. It was built with 2x6 wood construction with good insulation and I never heard my neighbour's, it was very quiet. It was very easy to lock and vacation!

If I ever buy another one in the future I would most likely buy one that is new. Then you will have quite a few years that you won't have to worry about large ticket repairs or replacement items like a new roof or windows. In this area the developer must fund the start of the reserve fund as well these homes typically have a 5 year "new home warranty".

You will normally have a few years of modest condo fees with modest annual increases. It also reduces the likelihood of owners and delinquent fees, which can be a huge issue for the condo board and reserve fund.

[Koolau]

Our townhouse complex had the most problems with termites and carpenter ants as it was all wood. Of course, the association did use intense measures to head off termites which was mostly effective. We DID get carpenter ants but the damage was slight before we discovered the issue which was remedied - at HOA expense.

Leaks are the big issue in the concrete condo we currently occupy. Residents are responsible for water damage "their" pipes cause. No way to prevent it short of tearing out walls and "looking" so no one does that. We fix/replace as needed.

[boont]

I have a house near San Francisco that looks directly at the Golden Gate Bridge. Also a country house North of here in the wine country.

Like my neighbor said, "I'm only leaving feet first".

Just got some great pizza near me, can't do that after about 6pm at the country house, so I want both.

Building a barn on acreage this summer for all my cars, tractors and hobbies.

I'm up sizing till the end.

[Koolau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boont I have a house near San Francisco that looks directly at the Golden Gate Bridge. Also a country house North of here in the wine country. Like my neighbor said, "I'm only leaving feet first". Just got some great pizza near me, can't do that after about 6pm at the country house, so I want both. Building a barn on acreage this summer for all my cars, tractors and hobbies. I'm up sizing till the end.

Any relation to RobbieB?