Friday, February 25, 2011

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Decatur Townhomes and Condos–Atlanta Georgia

If you are considering the purchase of a Decatur Townhome or Condominium in the Atlanta area, be aware that certain rules and regulations apply for townhomes and condos, that are not applicable when you purchase a single-family detached property.

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There are many great reasons to consider purchasing a townhome or condo.  Single-family homes in  metropolitan neighborhoods, like Atlanta, are often priced beyond the range of many homebuyers.  Townhomes and condos allow freedom from yard work and property maintenance.   Complexes have pools and tennis courts, are sometimes gated for security, and encourage socializing.

But, there are many governing rules and regulations for Decatur Townhomes and Condos that set out how a community will operate, usually contained in the CC&R’s, known as Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.  Most  have strict regulations written  to allow Homeowner’s Associations to enforce violations.  Rules spelling out certain restrictions are sometimes fraught with controversy between the residents.  Checking the documents before you purchase may avoid a later conflict.

Issues that often arise in Decatur Townhome and Condo communities:

  • Fees – Each month residents pay a fee to cover fire and homeowners insurances, reserve funds, outside maintenance,  water, etc.  Be sure you know that is included.  Associations may also assess an additional large fee if the complex requires a new roof, or new paving.
  • Maintenance – Most associations are responsible for maintaining the exterior, including painting, roof repairs, lawn maintenance, and trash collection, but there may be specific instructions about where to set your trash,  if you are allowed to plant flowers or have a birdbath in your front yard.  Find out the specifics.
  • Parking – All the land does not belong to you, and homeowner parking places are often assigned with special areas for guest to park.  Associations often limit the number of cars that are allowed to park per unit.
  • Pets – Check your documents to determine if pets are allowed, and ,if so, what  restrictions  apply regarding size and number of pets allowed in the unit.  You should also be aware of noise restrictions and whether they are allowed to stay outside for any period of time. 

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Most Decatur Townhome and Condo complexes in the Decatur, Emory University, and nearby Atlanta neighborhoods are well-maintained and have strong Homeowner’s Associations with good  reserves.  Here are a few popular Decatur Townhome Communities with available homes for sale in the $200,000 – $250,000 price range.  :

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