No Grass to Cut, No Snow to Shovel

Townhouse Associations: What's Included For The Cost?

This varies from state to state, and from area to area within any given state.

In the Northern Illinois area, the "typical" monthly townhouse association fee covers the following:

Lawn care
Snow removal
Exterior maintenance
Common area insurance

If the community has a clubhouse, exercise room, a pool, or is located on a golf course - the monthly fee may be higher due to the extra amenities.

Part of the attraction to a townhouse is that you are not responsible for any outside maintenance. No lawn mower, no snow blower. You don't have to seal coat the driveway.

But with the convenience comes a few restrictions. You can't paint your front door a bold new color. You may not be able to have a charcoal grill on your deck, only a gas grill (for fire prevention and safety reasons).

You also have the assurance that your neighbor can't paint their front door some crazy color. If someone does break the rules, there is a management company that responds to these issues.

When you buy a townhouse, at the real estate closing you are provided with a copy of the association's rules and regulations.

A townhouse may not be for everyone, but for some it's perfect.

Jim Starwalt

Thinking of making a move? Log onto my website at www.StarHomeFinders.com and search the Multiple Listing Service from over 150,000 homes for sale. Registering is quick and easy!

Jim Starwalt, Broker Associate RE/MAX Center, Phone: 847-548-2625 Jim@StarHomeFinders.com