The Benefits of Townhome Living: Convenience, Space, and More

Townhomes continue to be an appealing choice for a variety of people—the first-time homebuyer, single professionals, empty-nesters, and anyone who simply wants the convenience of low-maintenance living. Krista, Hunter Quinn Homes’ Marketing Coordinator and  homeowner, gave her insight about why she chose townhome living.

Why did you decide to buy a townhome instead of a single-family home?

It was the best transition from living with parents to moving out on my own. I have lived in several apartments in the past and always appreciated the maintenance-free aspect that came with living in an apartment. And, when living with my parents, well, I didn’t have to do much maintenance there either, so naturally, I didn’t want to jump into anything that would overwhelm me with DIY projects every weekend. When I really sat down and thought about it, I wanted my first home to be one that had limited maintenance and that would be a smart investment in the long term. What better option than a new construction townhome?

What features were important to you in your search?

I really needed a home that wasn’t too large, and in a location that was convenient to my lifestyle. I am pretty much a homebody when I’m not working, so while I didn’t care to be in an area that was super lively and always on “go”, I did want a place that was close to a grocery store and a hop-skip away from a park- you know, for those days when I’m feeling a little adventurous.

Did you look around a lot?

As a first-time homebuyer, I was extremely price-conscious. I did a lot of research before deciding to purchase the home I now live in. I surfed Zillow for about three months, looking to see what type of home I could purchase that was within my budget. 

Why did you choose the particular townhome and community? 

I chose the community I live in because of the price point and the location. There were a ton of homes that were within my budget, but many were in extremely rural settings, which didn’t appeal to me.

Was it a move-in ready or did you choose to build it?

I decided to build it. I wanted to really make the home my own with the finishes I like. As a Hunter Quinn Homes employee, it also helped me to understand the build process from the buyer’s eyes. It was extremely beneficial in helping me to better understand what our customers experience in the build journey. Even though I am an employee, we didn’t cut corners when it came to the pre-scheduled meetings and walkthroughs. I went through the building process exactly as any other Hunter Quinn homebuyer.

Did you add any upgrades?

I added luxury vinyl tile throughout first floor. It looks very much like wood but is so easy to take care of. I also chose open rail on my stairs, a screened porch, French doors, tile shower in master bathroom, and…oh, I just so happened to choose the exterior colors of my building (the perks of working for HQ)!

What do you like about your home AND the community?

The community is small. There are only 89 townhomes, and it’s nice to not be in a huge development but actually feel part of a neighborhood. Again, I’m a pretty low-key person so I appreciate the fact that I live in a low-key community.

Is the maintenance really that easy?

It is! The only things I have to do are in-home things, like changing light bulbs, filters, and smoke detector batteries. The HOA handles exterior pressure washing of the home once a year and lawn maintenance in common areas. And since my back yard isn’t fenced in, I don’t have to worry about cutting grass either…thank goodness!

What do you do for fun in the area?

My townhome is close to Summerville so I can get to Azalea Park and Downtown Summerville in less than 10 minutes. I’m also close to a boat landing that has access to the Ashley River. Now, I don’t have a boat, but If I befriend someone who does, I know where to take them on our boating escapades!  When I go out with friends, it takes me about 35 minutes to get to Downtown Charleston, where the nightlife is.

What advice would you give to someone who is buying a home for the first time? Why is a townhome a good choice?

Buy new. It will make the experience feel more personal in my opinion. If you start from scratch and choose features that work best for you, you will be way more engaged in the process and feel a sense of ownership before you even have the keys! Townhomes are good transitional homes, which I find can be beneficial for anyone going into home buying for the first time. They also make for great investment opportunities. When it’s time for another life change that calls for a new move, be sure to get a return on your investment and rent it out.  

Does a townhome sound like the right fit for you? Browse through Hunter Quinn Homes’ townhome communities throughout the Charleston, SC, region, including Charleston, North Charleston, and Summerville. Get the benefit of fully warrantied, brand new construction with your pick of move-in ready or build it like Krista did! Contact us to get started.