Moving into a townhome gives you access to community living with modern amenities and conveniences. You can find two and three-bedroom townhomes featuring spacious open layouts and energy-rated appliances. The homes are maintained by the HOA, which takes care of everything from landscaping to replacing worn-out roofs. Here are five questions to ask before moving into a townhome:
1. What Amenities are Offered?
Leading townhomes offer various in-home and community amenities to make your life comfortable. You can find homes with granite countertops, gas fireplaces, and ovens. The homes feature private spaces, including fenced-in yards where you can host family reunions, parties, and other outdoor events.
Attached garages offer enclosed spaces for your cars and tools, while balconies give you views of the surroundings. Leading properties feature walking trails and large dog runs for pet-friendly living. You can find a community pavilion with a grill and nearby shopping and entertainment centers. Other conveniences include highway access and proximity to high-performing school districts.
2. Who Handles Maintenance?
Townhome properties are usually managed by the homeowner’s association. The HOA takes care of exterior maintenance, including wall painting, landscaping, and driveway and walkway repairs. HOAs allow you some level of customization, but you should consult them before making any changes to the home or landscape. Ask about lawn mowing services, roof and shingle repairs, and home inspection frequency. Leading HOAs cover trash collection and have round-the-clock maintenance teams ready to handle your inquiries. Ask about the protocol for scheduling emergency repairs for structural issues and other services like snow removal.
3. Can I Get a Tour?
Touring a townhome before you move in allows you to assess the layouts and features and experience the community first-hand. Leading HOAs offer on-site leasing teams ready to guide you through your first tour of the homes and community. Use the tour to focus on features you need, like green spaces where your pets can run.
Assess traffic and noise levels and ask about restrictions like quiet hours. Ask about nearby schools, parks, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and police stations. Explore the garages and parking spaces for guests if you plan to host gatherings. Ask about safety concerns and security protocols like surveillance, restricted access, and emergency response.
4. What Are the Townhome Rules?
Townhome property and ownership details cover HOA fees, lease terms, assessments, and disputes. Request the lease contract to determine the length of stay, including specific move-in and move-out dates. Find out the monthly rent and if you need to make a security deposit. Ask about the grace period for due rent, notice period, and fees for late payments. Inquire about community rules and regulations to determine areas that affect your lifestyle. Find out if you can rent the property, and ask about rules for pets and space customization.
5. Is There a Resident Portal?
Find out if the townhome has a resident portal and what the platform covers. Resident portals offer support for secure online payments, reducing the need for in-person collection. They cover maintenance requests, allowing you to schedule and track repairs. The portal may feature community updates, notices, and announcements for events, emergencies, and policy changes. Find out if you can book shared amenities using the portal and whether the HOA has social features for community engagement. Other areas to review include document access and lease management. Ask about the sign-up process and how to maximize the portal’s features.
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Find Townhomes That Match Your Needs
Living in a townhome allows you to immerse yourself into the community while providing a place to separate from others when needed. You can enjoy the conveniences of community living without sacrificing the conveniences of urban developments. Contact a property management company today to start comparing leading townhomes.
