So, You Want A Home But You're Not Into Mowing Lawns - Let's See . . .

By
Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel Realtors CA BRE 01914367

A Townhome or Condominium may be the ideal solution.  First consider what's available in Gilroy and Morgan Hill and then think about what many consider to be advantages.  If you feel the same way, then let's look closer.

 

 

Foresee Monterey & Cocherane New ConstructionWith the economy becoming more dependable in the eyes of many, area construction continues. 

 

Some of the new construction will be single family homes while others will be Townhome/Condominiums and apartment complexes.

 

 

On this 14th day of December, 2013, the local multiple listing service showed 11 Townhouse/Condo units actively for sale in the southern most part of Santa Clara County. These range in price from $349,000 to $594,000. 

 

 

Are these tiny "closet" type dwellings?  Not so much.  The smallest unit includes 1,265 square feet according to the assessor; while the largest is advertised with 2,274 square feet based on builder records.  Gilroy and Morgan Hill area trends ending November 2013 record an average of $253 per square foot for these types of development.  That number is up 29.7% over last year according to Trendgraphix, Inc.

 

 

So what are some of the "benefits" people share about living in a Condominium/Townhome?

  • Affordability (Generally less expensive than comparable sized single family homes)
  • Location (Close to area amenities such as medical, shopping facilities and for some, work)
  • Community (Neighbors provide natural security and social opportunities)
  • Less maintenance (Depending on the development and homeowners association/HOA,  you may not have a lawn to mow or gutters to clean)

 

 

Living in a planned unit development is desired by many or they wouldn't be constructed.  You should carefully consider your options and motivation to make sure one would suit your needs before diving in.

 

 

Keep in mind that often times a monthly maintenance fee (generally referred to as HOA dues) are in addition to your mortgage.  Please consult your trusted, local Realtor regarding what's available and what they know about coming changes. 

 

 

As always, let's foresee the possibilities . . . and get results!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

 

WERC educational merlin falconIn case you're wondering what I do outside real estate, among other things, I'm a volunteer at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (www.werc-ca.org).  There's something special about helping others whether people or wildlife that just makes me sleep better at night.

 

You'll find additional resources at my website aimed at helping you and loved ones find ideas and resources we can all use while going through life's journey.

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog and feel free to contact me if I can help you.

Comments (13)

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Condominium living is a good option for singles and those that do no like to do maintenance. It can be a very social environment.

Dec 14, 2013 09:49 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Debbie, Thank you for adding to the list!

Dec 14, 2013 10:20 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Rebecca-You provided good reasons one might consider townhouse or condo arrangements.

Dec 14, 2013 10:53 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Wayne, It's a very desirable solution for many.  Thank you for stopping in to comment.

Dec 14, 2013 11:02 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Good morning, Rebecca -- condo/townhome living may not be for everyone but for those who choose this type of living, the benefits can be quite plentiful as your post states.   

Depending on the buyer and the development, the lender may also have some requirements that will need to be a part of the search as well.

Good post.   

Dec 14, 2013 11:18 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I don't know why folks seem to have the misconception that condos and townhomes are always tiny.

Dec 15, 2013 02:47 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Michael, I agree - buyer should always carefully consider their options when buying a home.  Development requirements vary widely and should be investigated up front.

 

Tammy, I have been pleasantly surprised that there are so many features and options including available space.  Thank you for commenting.

Dec 15, 2013 12:58 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Rebecca - you stated well some of the benefits of condo/townhouse living. The ones being built in your area are spacious, indeed. Potential buyers in Gilroy, Morgan Hill or San Martin would be wise to give you a call to learn more.

Dec 15, 2013 09:16 PM
Jon Kolsky
Kolsky Realty & Management - Long Beach, CA
Licensed California Real Estate Broker

Rebecca~ construction is up and I think this is great news for potential home buyers looking to purchase a home in and around Santa Clara County

Dec 16, 2013 12:28 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate

Rebecca, Condo living is a lifestyle living for many. There are pros and cons to HOA's.  Many home buyers can only afford a condo which might be a stepping stone to a strategy to buying a home in the future. You provide excellent information here for the Morgan Hill and Gilroy markets ... condos are a great solution for those not into mowing lawns.

Dec 16, 2013 01:40 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Lottie, We're fortunate to have builders in the area who are in touch with the needs of their customers.

 

Jon, Construction is up and quite a few new projects are competing for approval to build in the coming years.  We're on a path to more growth.

 

Kathleen, When a client says their criteria includes not mowing the lawn we have a good indication the client is looking for a Townhome/Condo.  Due to their affordability, they are often in short supply in Gilroy and Morgan Hill. 

Dec 16, 2013 10:09 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 118 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Rebecca,

There are defnitely persoanality traits and abilities that should be considered when trying to decide what type of home is suitable.  

You have laid out some of th advantages of condo living in a very logical way!  

Dec 16, 2013 11:09 AM
Rebecca Foresee
Alain Pinel Realtors - Morgan Hill, CA
Let's foresee the possibilities . and get results!

Judi, I agree buyers have a great responsibility when evaluating what home is the right one for them.  Thank you for commenting.

Dec 16, 2013 11:59 AM

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