Hi Katie, Great questions. I work and live in Monmouth County and know the area very well. If you are looking for a good townhome, there are some duplexs in Tinton Falls , right off the Garden State Parkway and if you and your husband enjoy the jersey shore not too far. The particular duplexs I am thinking of are all 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, garage , basement, average price ranges from 350 - 395,000 with an association fee of $104.00 per month. You get a lot of home for your money,. In the complex are some very nice single family homes as well, which range in the same price range and are very well kept.

One of the nicest things about living in this area is the easy access to all the major roads, great malls, good schools and reasonable taxes.

If you would like, I can send you some listings, run a CMA and provide you with any additional information.

Kind Regards,
Steve Porzio
Heritage House Sotheby's Int'l
Realtor Associate
732 691 1668

Mon Apr 28 2008, 19:03

There are pro's and con's to both. But overall, here in East Brunswick, North Brunswick, Edison and Princeton area Townhomes have been holding up well in value.

What your question is, is exactly the market. There are many people that buy townhomes for the same reason. But, the good news is that if you buy in a quality development the townhouses should hold their value, so at least ( hopefully) when it is time for you to "trade-up" you can resell at a profit or at least break even. No one has a crystal ball in this situation, but you need to research the developments that you are interested in and see the trends in pricing. Sure, we are at a lull in the market and there are some great values out there in both the residential and townhouse market.

Find the development you like and have the agent pull the comps for when the market was higher and see the results as to where the prices have settled. Then you can make an educated desicision.

I can show you these developments in Middlesex County and we can analyze where you want to be and where you would fit in best.

Email or call.

John Sacktig
Broker / Sales Associate
Orange Key Realty
732-213-1409 - cell
732-297-6969 - office

JSacktig@orangekeyrealty.com

Fri Apr 11 2008, 19:45

Katie,
Just a question to start off but, are you presently working with an agent? If so then ask them to pull the records and do a several year CMA on the townhomes. This will tell you if they are holding their value or depreciating. Location, location is correct but, you also have to look at the future of those locations. Are there going to be any future rezoning, or commercial development in the area. So you are on the right track doing research just keep it up and take your time. A good local realtor would be a good ally. You need someone that knows that you are not in a hurry and you want alot of the background data.
Well, good luck and happy hunting if you have any question just ask on Trulia or drop me a line.

Larry Story
Coldwell Banker Triad

Fri Apr 11 2008, 17:55

Hi Katie,
You have a great question and based on your zip code that pretty much sums it up in Monmouth County. You can get more bang out of your buck if you settle on a townhouse versus single family home. However, before you make any drastic decisions, you need to really think about your lifestyle, situation and current needs. A townhouse is a choice for many first time buyers but when buying a townhouse remember you need to budget in for a monthly maintenance fee in addition to your mortgage payment. The monthly maintenance fee can vary in different developments and sometimes go higher depending on the size of the unit you are looking to buy. There are many lovely townhouse developments available, think about your lifestyle first that would be the best advice in order to make your best choice.

I can help you find a home in Monmouth County. Email me if I can be of any assistance.
Lucy Korzelius, Real Estate Sales Associate since 1992
RE/MAX Gateway - Ocean Township
732-684-1559 call me direct

Fri Apr 11 2008, 17:32

Katie,
You are one step ahead of most American's. So many people just plain over spend. You are asking questions and for help. You should follow your gut, and even via the internet I can tell that you are very concerned about putting your family into financial trials with the purchase of a house. You have to live somewhere and you need to be responsible. I am going to advice what you should do. I think you already know the answer. Let me know if you just need tot talk.
Marian Schaffer
The Schaffer Realty Group
www.marianschafferrealty.com
877-886-8388

Fri Apr 11 2008, 17:01

One step at a time --Most people don't buy their dream home as a first time home buyer.
First - what is your lifestyle-are you handy-do you have the funds and/or time to do the work on a (speacial) It is where you are going to live -- Some look at it just as an investment- not always the best idea. Location is very important though-- Do you need the space -schools etc? If you are looking at it as an investment -what good is a castle in a terrible location. Follow the best schools in your budget-try to stay away from very busy streets and smaller than average lots. If you are considering children and buying a small home consider the location of the berooms and if there is a bathtub. If you come north- there are a few in Bergen County-Waldwick, Fair Lawn!!, Midland Park I think it would fit most all of your needs. Good luck. Along a train live is nnot bad either--preferable not backing to them

Fri Apr 11 2008, 17:01

Hi Katie ----- Your particular situation matters the most, whether or not the layout is right for you , but generally it is best to be in a better location. Some areas that are in different stages of redevelopment may take years. I'd say a townhome, which by the way has kept value better, would be a good choice and when this market finally settles down, you can get the best bang for your buck if you choose to buy a home. Good luck to you! ----- John

Fri Apr 11 2008, 16:54

Hi Katie,

There is nothing wrong with resale value for a townhome. A nice townhome in a good location will not be a problem when it comes time to sell.

I also agree that you are better off buying a townhome in a good location. Homes in so-so areas do not appreciate as well as homes in good locations. And the fact that the property is a townhome does not alter that equation.

Good luck!

Fri Apr 11 2008, 16:54