I'm trying to decide between two properties & having a difficult time. Here are the basics:
Townhouse- 2 bed, 2.5 bath, built in '08, nice finishes, Hardie board siding, electric heat. Layout doesn't lend itself to a renter, there's no garage, area is more car-dependent (no sidewalk, between two arterials).
Townhouse-style condo- 3 bed, 2 bath, built in '96, dated finishes, may need new windows, vinyl siding, forced air heat. HOA dues of $200/month, a bedroom could be rented for $600/month, garage for gym/car repairs, extremely walkable area, blocks from running trails around a lake.
Both are well-connected by bus, they have similar square-footage, & are safe, residential areas. The townhouse advantages are that it's $30k cheaper with no HOA, so we could safely get a 15 year mortgage. Condo advantages are walkable, close to running trails, garage for car maintenance & gym, extra bedroom for renting, but it's at the very top of our price range when you add in HOA dues.
Advice?