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Should you buy a "townhome" or a single family home?

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Properties Seattle

Below are some photos of a townhome for sale in Rivertrail, Redmond WA 

For many, choosing townhome over single family home offers many advantages.  The interior finishes are generally much newer and upscale than one could possible get at the same price and location in a single family home.  The asking price of this townhome is $464,500.  A single family home at the same price would likely be an older rambler from the 60s of 1,300 square feet or so.

This townhome is 1,544 square feet with a two car garage and gated patio area.

Not all townhomes are created equal.  This one has new bamboo hardwood floors on the main level.  another added feature not often found in townhomes at this price is the crown molding up at the top of the wall at the ceiling, upgraded baseboards, and a built in window seat for extra storage.

Freshly painted in currently popular colors is an added plus, when considering one townhome over another.

The Kitchen is at least as large, if not larger, than many single family homes that cost $200,000 more in lesser locations.

Five rooms on the main level include a living room with gas fireplace, a 1/2 bath off the slate entryway, a formal dining room, family room and kitchen.  The family room shown above can also be used for expanded kitchen eating area.  This owner uses it as a playroom for her two small children.

Vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom and a five piece master bath with double sinks, a soaking tub and a pocket door to the toilet and stall shower area.  Clearly these amenities do not come in a single family home at this price. 

The gated patio is perfect for small children at play or pets.  There are few, if any, restrictions regarding pets at Rivertrail.  Basically they are the same as City of Redmond restrictions regarding dogs on leash, etc.

An attached two car garage with alley access. 

Rivetrail in Redmond backs up to the Burke-Gilman Trail and is in walking distance to Bella Botega.  Of course it's proximity to Microsoft and Downtown Redmond and Redmond Towne Center make it a just about perfect place to live.

Townhome Living can give you much more than a single family home and at a more affordable price.

 

Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

There are some very well-designed town homes that over a good flow and a great feel. Part of the decision might be price, another part - the need for a yard or not.

May 11, 2008 07:14 AM
S W
Seattle, WA

WOW, Ardell, I really like this property. It shows fantastically, the rooms look spacious and I love the light! Not a bad price, either! I'd love to have a townhome, but right now, with my ROUS (that's Simon, my German Shepherd), I think a tonwhouse is off limits. I actually imagine my life in a townhouse. I imagine a pot garden and colorful drapes and life that doesn't involves excessive gardening, LOL.

May 12, 2008 12:05 PM
ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

Hi Sara,

Nice to hear from you and hope all is well with you.  I'm wondering what the pet regs are for The Burke-Gilman Trail, if any.  The Trail is a big feature of this complex and I'll bet ROUS would love it!

May 12, 2008 03:54 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

Thats a terrific comparison on how a townhome can stack up to a house.......very appealing and convincing...:-)

May 12, 2008 06:11 PM
Edward W. Lui
Mars Hill Realty Group - Georgetown, TX
Georgetown Texas Real Estate

Good comparison...I still like the single family option b/c of the appreciation factor.  I wonder what the stats are on that?

 

In Georgetown, Texas, SFH are so cheap there really is no need to look at townhomes...and those that are built here have a tougher time selling.

May 13, 2008 12:53 AM
Anonymous
Rivertrail Resident

Wow what a great home! We live in Rivertrail and have seen 20% appreciation the past 5 years. It is just a prime spot to live right in downtown Redmond but with a wonderful neighborhood feel- and right on the Sammamish Rivertrail. BTW many neighbors have cats and dogs- our neighbor has a Labrador- everyone walks them down to the trail to run around and even swim in the river.

May 13, 2008 08:08 AM
#6
ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

Thanks "Rivertrail Resident".  Great to hear that big dogs are no problem and that they are allowed on the Trail.

May 13, 2008 03:17 PM
Ross Quintana
Real E Smarter - Spokane, WA
Real E Smarter Real Estate Coach - 509-362-1966

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert Nice pics, some of them look like you were at the ceiling.

May 13, 2008 06:04 PM
ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

Spiderman, spiderman...there he goes...overhead.  Are we ready for Spiderwoman?

May 13, 2008 06:47 PM
Lu Kalaj
Vision Realty Centers - Brighton Township, MI

Both have great qualities, for different buyers.  Of course, a single family has the presence of more privacy.  Not always the case.  Thanks for sharing and blogging.  Lu

May 14, 2008 03:19 AM
S W
Seattle, WA

Ardell, I love the Burke Gilman, tell me where to sign...! ;)

May 18, 2008 09:23 AM