Condos, single family, single story, multi-level, side streets, corner lots, busy streets, country, city? There are all kinds of houses out there and with the buyer’s market that’s in existence today, you can probably find a good deal. But what kind of home is right? First, the pros and cons of location. Urban, suburban or rural?

Rural or suburban.

  • Pros: Generally less expensive. Often newer. Tract homes are conforming. More home for the money.
  • Cons: More time in traffic if driving to town for work. Further away from entertainment options cities offer.

Urban.

  • Pros: Closer to many employers. Walking distance to theaters, restaurants, schools. Many period homes offer more distinctive styles.
  • Cons: Often noisier. Higher crime rates. More expensive.

How about street noise and traffic? Would you rather live on a cul-de-sac? A main drag?

  • Pros: Often homes on streets with more traffic are thousands of dollars cheaper. If noise doesn’t bother you, don’t pass up homes on busy streets. Drive by at different times of the day/week to ascertain noise levels.
  • Cons: These types of homes will always sell for less than others in the same area. If bedrooms are located near the front of the home, sleep may be disturbed.

Cul-de-sac.

  • Pros: Number one choice of buyers with children.
  • Cons: Less privacy, neighbors know more about you.

Corner lots.

  • Pros: Often larger lots. Fewer neighbors. More visibility.
  • Cons: More traffic noise. More sidewalk to shovel in winter. Often have to pay dual street water and sewage.

Now look at the type of home you want.

Single Family.

  • Pros: Good appreciation. Opportunity for gardens. More privacy. Quieter.
  • Cons: More expensive than condos. More maintenance.

Condos, Townhomes, Cooperatives.

  • Pros: Less expensive than comparable single-family homes. Lock-n-go lifestyle. No or little yard or exterior maintenance.
  • Cons: Less privacy. Noisier. Common walls and/or floors and ceilings. Sometimes no private yard or balcony.

Single-Story Home.

  • Pros: Easy wheelchair access. Some medical conditions such as bad knees make it hard for certain individuals to climb stairs. Easier to clean.
  • Cons: Can be noisier if stereos or televisions are located on the same floor as bedrooms. Some people feel safety is compromised if bedrooms are located at ground level. More of the lot is absorbed by living quarters.

Multi-Story.

  • Pros: More living space on same foundation than a ranch home. Less noise if entertaining on lower level while other family members sleep upstairs.
  • Cons: More trips up and down the stairs to carry items. Might need dual vacuum cleaners. It is difficult to maintain consistent temperatures on each level without dual heating and cooling units.

Split Level.

  • Pros: Often less expensive if purchased with lower level unfinished. Higher ceilings are appealing. Downstairs family room separates noise levels from upstairs. More square footage on same size lots as ranch homes.
  • Cons: Less storage space. Hassle to take trash downstairs and carry groceries upstairs or vice versa. Kitchens tend to be smaller.

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