Qualities to Look for in a Townhouse

(Article courtesy of National Association of Realtors)

Today, there are new townhouses being built in cities and suburbs nationwide, coinciding with a rising demand for walkable communities and mixed-use developments. The newer versions may lack authentic details, but often compensate with more space - namely wider rooms, natural light, and amenities, including decks and sometimes garages.

Qualities to Look For:

When helping a customer scout out the perfect townhouse, look for these qualities:

• Location, location, location. The mantra still holds true, says Deupi. There are advantages of living on a beautiful street, by a bustling square, or within walking distance to a grocery store, restaurants, or place of work.
• Ample space. Is there enough square footage to meet your customers' lifestyle? Older townhouses didn't include the modern amenity of a garage, Deupi says. If your customer loves the townhouse but wants more space, remember that renovation or an addition may be possible.
• Natural light. Because early townhouses were narrow—sometimes only 8 feet wide—and had no side windows, rooms could be dark. Houses with front and back bays that catch light from different directions may appeal more to today's buyers, Murphy says. New versions with skylights and bigger windows may appeal even more.
• Lots of character. The more original detailing that remains, the more character the house has, Deupi says. Some modern variations are more authentic and visually thoughtful than others, Murphy says.
• Manageable maintenance. Certain building materials require more care than others. Brownstone, for example, is a soft material that can decay if not maintained properly, while brick requires tuck-pointing. Make sure your clients know what will be required.