Discover Dream Townhomes in Bergen County NJ: A Guide to Buying
Discover Dream Townhomes in Bergen County NJ: A Guide to Buying
Discover Dream Townhomes in Bergen County NJ: A Guide to Buying
Are you looking at townhomes in Bergen County as an option for your next home? Bergen County NJ is one of the most sought after areas in the state and has a strong real estate market that offers a range of housing options for buyers. From spacious single family homes to convenient townhomes, the area has something for everyone.
Townhomes have become particularly popular in Bergen County, offering homeowners the best of both worlds – the privacy and space of a single family home with the lower maintenance lifestyle of a condo. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or looking to downsize, townhomes are a great choice for many buyers in the area.
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What is a Townhome?
Townhomes, also known as townhouses, are multi unit homes that are attached to one or more other homes. They typically have two or more stories, with living space on the first floor, bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor, and sometimes a third floor loft.
Unlike condos, townhomes usually come with their own yards and outdoor spaces, making them a great option for those who enjoy having their own private outdoor space.
How Do You Buy a Townhome in Bergen County?
The process of buying townhomes in Bergen County NJ is similar to buying any other type of home. Here are the steps to take:
- Hire a real estate agent: A good real estate agent will have a deep understanding of the local market and can help you find the perfect townhome to fit your needs. You will want to work with an agent that you like and trust and someone who understands your needs and how to find you the right home.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Before you start your search, it’s important to know how much you can afford. This will help you narrow your search and avoid wasting time looking at homes that are out of your price range. Meeting with a lender will help you understand what you can afford and how much your payment could be a month. They will need minimal documents like paystubs and a credit report to give you a pre approval.
- Search for townhomes for sale: Your real estate agent will work with you to search for townhomes that meet your criteria, taking into account your budget, location preferences, and other must-haves. When you look at homes you will start to get a better picture of what you want and will be able to hone your search to certain communities.
- Make an offer: Once you find the right townhome, your real estate agent will help you make an offer. The offer is in the form of a contract prepared by your agent that lays out your offer amount, your down payment, and other disclosures. Be sure to understand the terms of the offer before submitting. They will negotiate on your behalf and help ensure you get the best deal possible.
- Attorney Review: In New Jersey when you sign a contract you have 3 days to have an attorney review it. In a real estate transaction that attorney review period will result in changes being made to the contract so you will be in touch with your attorney to discuss and approve those changes.
- Inspections: Once attorney review is complete you are Under Contract and you do your inspections. A home inspection is a critical step to help you understand the condition of the property from plumbing to heating to the roof and windows. You may also do a radon test and inspect for termites and other wood destroying insects.
- Mortgage Application and Appraisal: The heavy lifting for the buyer happens now as your lender will require a hefty amount of paperwork from you. This will include bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and many other necessary items. It is imperative to stay on top of this to get you to close on time.
- Close the sale: After all of this its is time to close! Closing day will entail a final walk through of the home then meeting at either your attorney’s office or the title company to sign the mortgage documents, the closing disclosure and the deed.
What is the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Condo?
Both townhouses and condos are types of multi unit homes, but there are some key differences between the two.
Townhouses, as mentioned before, usually come with their own yards and outdoor spaces, while condos typically have common outdoor spaces and no private yards. In Bergen County you may have a doorman, onsite gym or pool and laundry either on the floor or ion the building in a condo. A townhome could have an onsite pool in the development and playground equipment and possibly a common room.
Townhouses also often have more square footage than condos over 2-3 stories, making them a great option for families who need more space. Typically you will have living space like kitchen, living room and dining area on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor. You may also have a basement and or attic space. On the other hand, condos are usually one floor in a tall building with multiple units. In some buildings you could have a balcony with area views and on site storage.
The best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you enjoy having your own private outdoor space and need more square footage, a townhouse may be the right choice. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle and don’t mind sharing common areas, a condo may be a better fit.
How Much Do Townhomes in Bergen County NJ Cost?
The cost of a townhome in Bergen County can vary widely depending on location, size, community amenities, and nearby attractions. When looking to buy a townhome you have many options to choose from and you need to understand your wants, needs, and budget when deciding on a community and a particular unit.
In 2022 the average townhome in Bergen County NJ sold for $771,894 and the median value was $700,208. These numbers may seem high until we dive a little deeper.
Over the past decade we have seen a large number of new developments in northern Bergen County towns like Allendale, Franklin Lakes, and Upper Saddle River. Edgwewater has also seen a tremendous amount of new construction townhomes, many of which are small developments of 2-4 units. This has driven the average sales price higher but does not take away from the affordability of townhomes in Bergen County.
So to give some context the average Edgewater townhome in 2022 sold for $1,219,611. In Bergen County a total of 138 townhomes sold over $1,000,000 out of a total of 847 total townhome sales.
Where can you find more reasonably priced townhomes?
In 2022 179 townhomes sold in Bergen County under $500,000 so there are still many affordable options for buyers looking to buy under the county median.
Though there are options throughout the county in towns like Hackensack, East Rutherford, and Wood Ridge, Mahwah is still one of the best places to find a townhome in Bergen County. In 2022 46 townhomes sold under $500,000 and overall had an average sales price of $536,941.
Towns to Consider When Looking at Townhomes
The cost of a townhome in Bergen County can vary widely depending on location, size, community amenities, and nearby attractions. When looking to buy a townhome you have many options to choose from and you need to understand your wants, needs, and budget when deciding on a community and a particular unit.
If you are looking for a luxury townhome in Bergen County then yo may want to look at towns like Allendale, Cliffside Park Edgewater, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, and Upper saddle River. These towns have multiple developments with sales of $1,000,000 and up. You will find high end finishes and amenities, large units, and attention to detail throughout.
If you are looking for affordable townhomes in Bergen County then you may want to consider Mahwah, East Rutherford, Englewood, Garfield, or Ramsey. These towns have numerous options under $500,000 while still providing upscale accommodations and amenities.
These are just a few of the options available so please use the list of homes below to see what is currently on the market and the towns that have inventory.
Understanding Homeowner Association Fees
Homeowner association fees are a regular expense for townhome owners, and it’s important to understand what they cover and how they benefit the community.
HOA fees are used to maintain common areas, such as shared spaces, landscaping, snow removal, and community amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds. They also help cover the cost of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to the community. Everything outside the sheetrock of your unit is the reposnibilty of the association so they may have to replaces rooves, windows. or siding which would come from the HOA fees.
The amount of the HOA fee will vary depending on the size of the townhome and the cost of maintaining the community. It’s important to consider the HOA fee when purchasing a townhome, as it will be an ongoing expense that you will need to budgeted for.
Before purchasing a townhome you will want to know if there are any assessments currently or any anticipated. Assessments are additional fees levied by the HOA to pay for major expenditures like replacing all the walking paths or windows or siding. These items were not budgeted for by the association so they need to raise the funds by assessing each owner a fee to cover the costs. The assessment can be paid off in one lump sum but must owners pay it off in smaller amounts over time. Some associations will require a current owner to pay off the assessment before selling but some do not. Researching this before buying will save you money and frustration down the line.
In addition to paying HOA fees, townhome owners may also be subject to certain rules and regulations set by the homeowner association. These rules can range from restrictions on home improvements to guidelines for parking and other community issues. Before you close on your townhome you will get a set of the rules and regulations so you understand them before moving in. They may also lay out an initiation fees paid at closing or move in/move out fees.
Townhomes are a popular option for those looking to buy a home in Bergen County NJ, offering a combination of private outdoor space, larger square footage, and low-maintenance living.
They are a great option for many would be home owners and Bergen County offers a wide range of options from modest lower priced homes to opulent luxury townhomes with high end amenities. No matter what your needs are there is a development for you.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, we hope this guide can help you understand everything you need to know about townhomes in Bergen County NJ.
When you are ready to start the process of buying a townhome be sure to contact us at 201-685-4788. We are ready to answer all of your questions and get you on the road to homeownership.
Don’t wait any longer to find your dream townhome in Bergen County NJ! Contact us at North Jersey Partners at 201-685-4788 to get started on your homeownership journey. Our team of local experts has years of experience in the Bergen County real estate market and can help you find the perfect townhome that fits your needs and budget. Let us guide you through the buying process and make sure you get the best deal possible. So, pick up the phone and give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Townhomes in Bergen County NJ
What is the average cost of a townhome in Bergen County NJ?
The average cost of a townhome in Bergen County NJ can vary based on several factors, such as location, size, age, and features. In 2022 the median price for a townhome in Bergen County was around $700,000 and the average sale price was $771,894. It is important to note that this is the average for the whole county and does not mean that more affordable options aren’t available. For example in 2022 a total of 179 townhomes sold for under $500,000 and 63 of those were under $400,000.
There have been a number of new developments over the past decade with luxury townhomes being built which has brought up the average numbers. In total 138 townhomes sold over $1,000,000 in 2022 showing that there is a wide variety of options available.
What are the benefits of owning a townhome compared to a single-family home?
Owning a townhome in Bergen County NJ offers several advantages over single family homes. Townhomes can offer more square footage than a similarly priced single family and can also provide a lower maintenance lifestyle. With townhomes, you can enjoy a spacious and comfortable living environment without having to worry about yard work, landscaping, or exterior maintenance.
Townhomes are also usually less expensive than single family homes due to the space they take up and the shared cost of maintenance with other owners in the development.
What should I consider when buying a townhome in Bergen County, NJ?
When buying a townhome in Bergen County NJ, it is important to consider several factors, including location, price, size, and features. The lifestyle you want to live will be a major factor in which type of home you purchase. You should also research the local real estate market, home values, and trends, to ensure that you are making a smart investment. Additionally, it is essential to work with a trusted real estate agent who can provide expert guidance and support throughout the buying process.
Are townhomes in Bergen County NJ subject to homeowner association fees?
Yes, townhomes in Bergen County NJ may be subject to homeowner association (HOA) fees, which are payments made by homeowners to help maintain the community and its common areas. HOA fees typically cover the cost of landscaping, maintenance, snow removal, repairs, and upgrades to the community. They can vary based on the size of the townhome and the cost of maintaining the community. Before purchasing a townhome, it is important to understand the HOA fee structure and budget accordingly.
What is the difference between a townhome and a condo in Bergen County NJ?
The main difference between a townhome and a condo in Bergen County NJ is ownership and space. A townhome is a single-family home that shares at least one wall with another home, while a condo is a multi-unit building where residents own individual units. Townhomes typically offer more square footage, private outdoor space, and a low maintenance lifestyle. Condos offer a more community-oriented living experience with shared amenities, such as pools and workout rooms.
Townhomes are usually 2 stories with separated living space and bedrooms where condos are typically one story in a larger building.
What are the disadvantages of townhouses?
When considering the purchase of a townhouse, it’s important to take into account the potential drawbacks as well as the benefits. Some of the disadvantages of townhouses to consider include:
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Limited outdoor space: While townhouses may offer less outdoor space than a single-family home, they can still provide a small yard or patio. However, if you’re an avid gardener or outdoor recreation enthusiast, you may want to look at other options.
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Shared walls: Being attached to other homes, townhouses can sometimes result in noise issues due to shared walls with neighbors. If you’re sensitive to noise, it may be a better option to consider a single-family home.
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Homeowner association (HOA) fees: Townhouse communities may be managed by HOAs, which can require monthly or annual fees for maintenance and upkeep of common areas. These fees can be a significant expense over time and may not be suitable for everyone.
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Limited customization options: As part of a larger community, townhouses may have restrictions on making changes to the exterior of the home or other modifications. Before making a purchase, it’s important to review the rules and restrictions of the HOA and understand what changes you’re able to make.
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Lack of privacy: With attached homes, townhouses may offer less privacy compared to a single-family home.
Do townhomes appreciate slower?
The appreciation rate of townhomes can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, market conditions, and local real estate trends. Generally speaking, single-family homes tend to appreciate at a faster rate than townhomes, as they offer more square footage, land, and privacy. However, townhomes can offer a number of advantages, such as lower maintenance costs, closer proximity to amenities, and a more established community.
Additionally, townhomes in desirable locations with high demand can still appreciate at a decent rate, regardless of whether they are single-family homes or townhomes. It’s important to do thorough research on the real estate market and the particular townhome community you’re interested in to determine its potential for appreciation.
It’s also worth noting that real estate appreciation is never a guarantee, and that real estate investments come with inherent risks. As with any investment, it’s important to carefully consider your goals, risk tolerance, and other factors before making a decision.
Let’s take an example to see how they have appreciated compared to single family homes. In 2012 the average sale price of a 3 bedroom single family home in Mahwah NJ was $451,868. In 2022 that number rose by 46% to $659,229. In 2012 a 3 bedroom townhome in Mahwah sold on average for $448,643 and it rose by 36% to $612,936 in 2022.
In this limited example you can see the difference in appreciation over a ten year period. This is not imply that this trend will continue or is typical in the area.