Single-Family Home Vs. Townhouse Vs. Condo. What Is The Best Option For You?
If you are in the market to purchase a single-family home, townhouse or condo in the Omaha, NE area, there are a few important differences that you should understand before starting your search. We have listed them below for you to review and hope the information helps you to get a better understanding of which option would work best for your situation!
Let’s start by first defining what each option is:
A single-family home is a detached house that sits on its own lot and usually includes a yard and/or driveway. These can be single or multiple story houses depending on the area and neighborhood.
A condo is a unit within a building, or community of buildings, that is owned by an individual. The lot on the other hand is maintained and owned by the management company.
A townhouse is a unit that sits on its own land yet is connected by a common wall/walls with neighboring units. Townhouses are usually two to three stories.
Features of single-family home ownership:
-Single-family homes are located on their own lot, providing privacy and space from neighboring properties.
-Depending on the neighborhood the home is located in, homeowners may be responsible for an HOA (Homeowners Association) fee and therefore have to abide by certain restrictions on home exteriors, yard appearance, etc.
-If your home does not fall in a neighborhood with an HOA, you have full freedom over the look and upkeep of your property.
Features of condo ownership:
-Condo units come in many different styles, sizes and floor plans, and can be part of high rises, cul-de-sacs and anything in between.
-Owners of condos only own the interior of their unit – all other areas (community areas, lawn, building exterior, etc.) is property of the HOA.
-Many condo buildings feature amenities such as a pool, club house and green areas for owners to enjoy.
-Condo owners usually pay a higher HOA (Homeowners Association) fee due to paying for things such as pest control, lawn care, exterior upkeep and trash removal.
Features of townhouse ownership:
-You will find many townhomes that are quite spacious and many feature multiple stories.
-Owners of townhomes typically own the interior and exterior of the unit, including lawn, driveway, and roof. Community areas are not included in ownership.
-Depending on the location of your property in the row, townhouses can share one to two walls with their adjoining neighbors.
-You will find some townhouse communities that offer their residents amenities, but there are many that are private and have limited features.
-Townhouse owners typically pay a lower HOA (Homeowners Association) fee because they are responsible for much of the upkeep of their own property. The HOA will still be responsible for things such as trash removal and certain types of maintenance.
It’s official – you have finally found, closed on and moved into the home of your dreams in Omaha, NE. We think a congratulations are in order as that is no small feat! But once the celebratory Champaign bubbles have fizzled out and all the boxes have been put away, it is now time to ensure that a few things are in order in your new abode. Below we have listed a couple items for you to tackle in the areas of security, home documents, emergency planning and maintenance to not only help keep you organized, but also avoid any costly home repairs down the road. 
Let’s be honest - no matter how you spin it, buying a home is not cheap. And whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned professional, we are sure the previous sentence comes as no surprise to you (you may have even found yourself nodding and smirking in agreeance). But what many people tend to focus on are the larger costs that are associated with home buying, such as mortgage payments and down payment costs, and many tend to overlook the lesser fees that may arise during the buying process. But fear not, as after today’s blog post we are confident you will leave with a better, more thorough understanding of not only what these fees are, but also what they could end up costing, so you can plan accordingly. 
The home inspection is a crucial part of the buying process. If you have ever brought or sold a house, then you are probably well versed in what a home inspection is and how/why they are conducted. On the other hand, if you are a first-time home buyer, this may be your first time hearing the phrase. And that is where we come in! Whether you are a real estate aficionado and just need a refresher, or you are a newbie trying to understand the lingo, today’s blog post is going to break down everything you need to know about the home inspection process. 
There is no denying the endless entertainment, activities and adventures that our beautiful city of Omaha, NE offers its residents and guests of the area. But when looking to buy a house, there are a few neighborhood amenities and other items you will want to look into to ensure that specific area is right for you and your family. We have listed below a few of these below in hopes that you will feel better prepared and that fewer surprises will pop up when going to buy a home!
Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) – many people love them, many people are not a fan. But before you decide which side of the line you stand on, let’s first discuss some details about what an HOA is and a few of the pros and cons surrounding living in a development with one. Let’s dive right in! 
For first time home buyers, the feelings of excitement for their new abode can often be accompanied (and at times overshadowed) by feeling nervous and overwhelmed by the whole home buying process. Fear not, this is totally normal! However, with a little knowledge under your belt, the whole process can begin to feel more familiar - thus calming the nerves – and allowing you to get back to enjoying the experience. And as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be chatting about in today’s blog. Below we have listed ten tips to help first time home buyers understand and navigate the home buying process with ease. Enjoy!
If you are looking to move into a new neighborhood you understand what an exciting and fun time it can be for you and your family. A fresh chapter brings new experiences, exciting adventures and endless memories that will stay with you forever. But along with all the exciting things also come aspects that you want to be sure to look into before making the big move. Below we have listed a few things that you want to make sure to look into while you begin your search for your new home. We hope this brings you some insight and helps make the journey a little easier and sweater for you!
We understand that buying a home can be a very exciting time! As your mind wanders from room to room, you think of what décor you will use, what paint colors will dance on the walls and what colorful plants you will line the front walkway with. But understanding the structure and how well the home was maintained and built is also very important as it can help alleviate potential costly repairs in the future. Below we have listed a few items to watch out for, especially if you are a first-time home buyer, that can serve as warning signs for potential issues. 
So the time has finally come to start the search for your first home. Your mind starts racing as you begin thinking of the style you like, the finishes you want, and how you will decorate to turn the house into your very own home. What an exciting time! As you begin your search, we wanted to leave you with a few tips and tricks that we hope will prove to be helpful during a time that can seem a little overwhelming. Enjoy! 
