The road from rentership to home ownership is not always a direct line. Sometimes you have to stop off in a townhome.
Condos and townhouses offer the perfect middle ground for people just coming out of the apartment scene, but not quite ready to plunge into homebuying. In fact, you can even find apartment townhomes for rent, adding yet another step to the process, just to make sure you ease your way in nice and slow.
For most, however, buying condos is that crucial next phase of homeownership. Not only do you get a chance to familiarize yourself with the buying process, but you end up with an actual piece of real estate at the end of it. Townhomes and condos (perhaps… condo townhouses?!) offer many of the amenities of apartment living, mixed gently with the responsibilities of a mortgage and property taxes. It’s the best of both worlds, really!
But seriously, there’s no better way to get your feet wet. Most apartment renters have no clue whatsoever about what goes into buying a property, much less owning a property. They’ve mostly spent their days not mowing lawns, not repairing appliances, and not unclogging their own drains. But townhomes and condos can cure that pretty quick.
And don’t worry: you’re not thrown fully into the deep end. You’ll most likely belong to a condominium association, which can help you navigate your way through the wonderful world of condos. In fact, you might not even have to mow your own lawn yet. Your drain clogs, though, are completely in your hands (or on your hands, depending on how forcefully you plunge).
Bottom line, buying condos is like a hybrid electric car. It’s not quite fully gas, and it’s not quite fully electric, but it’s a great stepping stone on your way from one to the other. Enjoy. Good refereneces.
