Once the decision about buying a detached home settles in, you know you’ve decided that many consider a milestone in life. After all, it is by far the biggest investment you’re about to make in a lifetime. It is exactly the reason why such a decision has to be taken seriously. You’re making a choice that has to have tons of things considered before the purchase happens. In most cases, such a decision includes a mortgage that will have to be paid off in the future. That’s why it’s a very important decision and requires a lot of responsibility.
And options are various. However, the option most opts for is a so-called detached home. In case you’re having second thoughts about whether or not to buy one, here are 10 pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
Pros
1. Privacy
If you’ve lived in an apartment or shared a house with someone, you’ll know the value of privacy and intimacy. Hearing your neighbor’s breath in the apartment next to you, sharing the garden, having to compromise on the decisions about maintenance and other things, makes one dream about the time when it will be possible to buy a house. The best thing a detached house brings you is privacy, and silence (in case it’s a calm neighborhood).
But even if you choose an active neighborhood to live in, at least you’ll be in tranquility when you’re inside. There will be no one next to you, under you, or above you.
2. Space
Most people choose to buy a detached home for this reason. It simply has more space and can include multiple stories (first, second, etc.) Moreover, the fact that you have a front and a backyard gives even more space and opportunities to do different things, and enjoy life.
3. No co-ownerships
People living in apartments, or duplexes, have to agree with the rest living there, about every single thing. And even though they own their flat, certain decisions need to be made together. Let’s face it, there have to be times when conflicts happen if you live in a condominium. With a single-family house, you’re being your own boss.
Every single decision you have to make about your property will be made by you, and under your terms. Of course, some decisions need consent from the community, but that will not limit you much.
4. Possibilities to design and redesign your living space
Private pool, flower garden, and playground are all options you can have with the house. Also, most family houses are located on the outskirts of cities or in their surroundings, the air quality is unquestionable as well as the peace that is guaranteed with less traffic. It is ideal for pets, socializing, and parties by the barbecue or pool. You can always expand the house in the future if you are planning children, but also raise the floor if you want some extra income from rent.
5. The value
If you take a look at the prices of real estate, you’ll find out that detached homes are more valuable than other types of houses. This means that investing in one is always good because you’ll be able to sell it at a decent price. Especially if you do some upgrades while you live there. You’ll have a piece of real estate that is also a financial guarantee since you own something very valuable.
Cons
1. Maintenance can be costly
The main disadvantages of the detached house are that for its maintenance you really need to have a good and secure income and a lot of free time. A beautiful rose garden with cut grass, as well as a garden with vegetables, will not grow on its own. But if you work hard and earn well you can always hire a landscape architect to do those jobs for you.
2. Price
The price can be seen as a pro, but also as a con, depending on where you stand. If you want to purchase a decent home, it will probably require going deep into debt, and for a longer period. However, this is also solvable if you find a good broker who can help you get the best value for your money. Click here to see what your options are.
3. Taxes
The more valuable the real estate, the higher the taxes. Even though advantages are more appealing, one has to think about the amount of taxes that will apply to what is being bought. Since these need to be paid regularly, it’s important to see if it can be done in the long term. What use is a huge, luxurious home, if in a couple of years, you’ll have to give it up because of unpaid taxes?
4. Arranging repairs
As opposed to living in a condominium, here, as was already mentioned, you’re responsible for everything yourself. Whatever needs repairing is your burden alone, and coping with the contractors can be energy-draining sometimes.
5. Location
A lot of good neighborhoods are located on the outskirts of towns, or in separate communities. This is good for raising families and living in tranquility. However, every now and then we are required to go to town quickly, and in this case, quickly isn’t always an option. Unless the house is connected to a highway, and fast approaches to the nearest town, this is an issue. Especially for people whose work requires them to be in the center of happenings.
Some prefer to live in an urban environment, where they do not have to repair the roof or mow the grass themselves, while some complain about the loud neighbors they depend on in case of repairing any malfunction. Some, on the other hand, prefer a quieter, more casual environment with a yard and garden, and some again complain about the excessive costs of utilities, square footage when cleaning, or the distance of the contents. The decision is, of course, individual, and all the advantages and disadvantages must be weighed before it.
