House Vs.Condo:Which one is better? This is a very common question buyers are faced with now (especially first time buyers in Los Angeles with smaller budgets). Often because there seems to be a lot more "bang for the buck" in square footage and property condition when you compare a House Vs. Condo.
One of the toughest pills for buyers to swallow is the HOA Dues (Home owner 
associations dues). These fees over the maintenance of the building/grounds, insurance and most of the time trash and water.
On the other hand, if your strongly considering buying a house in Los Angeles, there are also Home owner dues, HOAs but their not called "HOA Dues" Their called "maintenance costs"! And they don't come in a nice neat monthly package. They come in the form of: New roof $20K, Gardner $100 per month, Pool guy $80 per month, and replace this and that $XXX per month. These expenses can really add up and you don't have the benefit of the other home owners of a HOA to share the burden. Let's face it, if the roof is leaking, you got to fix it now!
With a Town Home or Condo, all of those expenses are divided among the other home owners so, if you need a new roof, everyone votes and the burden is shared. It all balances out.
Of course the benefits of buying a house in Los Angeles are: No shared walls, private backyards, less restrictions on what you do to the outside of your property and just a general sense of more privacy.
And regarding Townhome vs Condo, the two major differces are: A Townhome usually only shares one wall and has 2-levels verses the Condo with one level.
So whether you are considering purchasing a home or buying a condo in Los Angeles, the truth is, often times you get more bang for your buck in a Town Home or Condo (sq ft, design, etc.) Generally speaking, you will get a smaller, older home in a so-so area for the same price as a condo or Town Home that is bigger, more modern and in a nicer area. This of course is a general and broad statement but typically the case.
Happy Home Hunting!
Stephen Munson
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