Quick Reference: The Difference - Condo/PUD/Co-op
This is a good question to ask your REALTOR® when you begin looking for a house. There are differences and those differences could make your decision much easier when it comes time to buy and have a significant influence on your enjoyment over the years that you live there.
Condos:
Walls, floors, and ceilings owned by all residents; HOA dues; covenants, conditions, and restrictions; value depends on the desirability of entire development.
Planned Unit Development (PUD):
Individuals own structure and some land.
Co-op: (more common in large urban areas)
Corporation made up of all tenants; larger units have more power in how building is run; fees for taxes, mortgage, repair, improvement; heavy scrutiny of financial, personal history.
Townhome:
Not a form of ownership, but a term for an attached row house (often owned as Condos or PUDs).
Advantages of each:
Prices are often lower than for single-family home; many have amenities like community pools and tennis courts; exterior maintenance minimal or nonexistent; safety in “cluster” environment.
Disadvantages:
HOA dues will tend to be higher as you are paying for all the work being done and mentioned above; CCRs may be complex, more so than in single family ownership although many new planned communities are getting as complex, especially gated communities or communities for over 55.
