Knowing what to look for when buying a townhome that is right for your lifestyle is fundamental before you even start looking.
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The quality and variations of townhouses has improved dramatically in recent years as people increasingly turn to this type of homeownership. Developers are meeting the growing demand by building better and better product, creating an increasing number of styles available on the market.
For many people, the townhouse is the best option, sitting somewhere between single-detached housing and the more traditional condo. Once you’ve set your mind on the townhome route, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions.
Do you want condo or freehold?
How much control do you like to have over the look of your home? Before you start your townhome hunt, you’ll need to determine whether you want control over things like the colour of your door or maintenance of your backyard. The difference comes down to having a condo ownership or a freehold.
You won’t have to pay a monthly maintenance fee, if you buy a freehold townhome, but all maintenance is left to you. Having a freehold gives you much more freedom to put a personal stamp on your home. This option lets you build a deck, if you like, or add greenery to your backyard.
If you’re looking for a much more maintenance-free option, than you’re going to love condo ownership. Let someone else deal with the outside caretaking. You’ll never have to shovel snow or mow your lawn. Also, part of your condo fees are pooled together for larger projects, like roof replacements.
Have a look at the award-winning Trafalgar Ridge development, where you’ll find luxury town homes in the Greater Toronto Area.
How important is outdoor space?
Townhomes can be ideal for the young, professional couples out there who want the amenities of an urban centre, while still having a piece of outdoor paradise. Many townhouses come with at least a common outdoor area, but some offer—although small—a piece of pristine space.
If the townhouse you choose has a homeowner’s association, then keeping that greenery looking pristine is out of your hands completely. You just have to pay your fees and it’s completely maintenance free.
What amenities are available around you?
Asking about the surrounding community is one of the most important questions when looking for a townhome that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Before you even visit a site, you can easily find out the location and its proximity to transit, main connector roads, parks, coffee shops or restaurants.
If you need transit to commute, then you’re going to want to be close to a main bus route or subway. If you like the outdoors, then you’re going to want to know if there are parks, nature trails, marshes or any other green space within walking distance.
Having the right amenities are extremely important for people’s lifestyle. If you’re lucky, you can find a townhome development that has everything you need and want. At theLakeshore Village in Etobicoke, you can find stately three-story homes with plenty of greenspace, located on Lakeshore Drive near transit, restaurants and tonnes of shopping.
What is the quality of the build?
There are a few ways to spot the quality and care that went into the interior design. Start with the kitchen. If you have a granite countertop and granite backsplash, you’re likely in good hands. Do you have stainless steel sinks and appliances?
Ask about the cabinetry. Are you getting custom cabinets? If not, you may want to reconsider. You’re going to want custom work in every room. What about the bathroom? Do you have marble vanity countertop? Do you want hardwood floors? It’s important to look at the quality of everything.
You’ll want to find a developer that has a design centre, where you can see the types of finishes available to you for your home. Reputable developers will have a studio for you to visit and a design consultant to help you choose the products you want.
Townhomes make sense for homeownership in many ways, but it’s also important to know you’re getting quality whenever you’re ready to buy. If you know what to look for, though, you’ll be in a great position to make an educated decision. Ask yourself the important questions. You may find out townhouse living is not for you, or at least you’ll know the type of townhouse you want.
If you’re in the market for a new townhome in Mississauga, take a look at our Streetsville Centre townhome community, these homes are in a walkable neighbourhood, steps from the GO train.
