When thinking about buying a home, it can be hard to know where to begin. After all, there are so many different types of homes out there. From single-family homes to townhomes and condominiums, the home-buying process can be daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to understand everything about the home-buying process to find your perfect home. All you need is a little guidance and a little knowledge about the different types of homes. Below, you’ll learn about the different types of home communities, as well as some important considerations to keep in mind when considering a home community.
What is a Home Community?
A home community is a collection of homes (typically manufactured homes) that are owned and managed as a single, cohesive development. Home communities often feature a clubhouse, swimming pool, and/or golf course, as well as other common amenities.
Home communities are a great choice for first-time homebuyers and other people who might not know exactly what type of home they want. They’re also an attractive option for people who want to downsize and move closer to family or seek a cheaper option than buying a single-family home.
Types of Home Communities
Home communities come in a wide variety of flavors, so you’ll want to do your research to make sure you find the right fit for your needs and your budget. Here are a few types of mobile home communities to keep an eye out for:
- Cluster Home Communities: Cluster home communities are similar to apartment communities, in that they feature separate buildings for each home. However, a cluster home community is usually made up of several clusters, each with about six to 10 homes. This type of community is often found along with single-family homes and is a great option for people who want a little more space than a single-family home provides, but don’t necessarily want to live in a traditional, multi-family building.
- Equity Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs): HOAs are often found in the suburbs and are essentially voluntary, a private organization that watches over and maintains the common areas—i.e., the grounds, pools, sidewalks, etc.—in a subdivision or community. HOAs are usually managed by a homeowners’ association (or HOA), which can be either a privately-run corporation or a homeowners’ association. While some HOAs are very strict about rules and regulations, others are more laid-back and function more like a community association.
- Homeowner Associations: homeowner associations are similar to HOAs in that they function as a community association, overseeing common areas in development. However, in some cases, homeowner associations are completely independent, nonprofit organizations that are managed by a board of directors. These associations can range from very strict to very laid-back, depending on the management company and the community.
Important Considerations When Purchasing in a Home Community
When looking for a home community, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you find the perfect fit.
- Location: Home communities are smaller than cities, so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re looking for a particular location. Also, be sure to take into account how far you’d like to be from amenities, like shopping centers and parks. Home communities are smaller than cities, so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re looking for a particular location. Also, be sure to take into account how far you’d like to be from amenities, like shopping centers and parks.
- Property Type: Some home communities are made up of only single-family homes, while others might feature townhomes, condominiums, or apartments. Be sure to check the exact type of property that the community you’re interested in has to offer. Some home communities are made up of only single-family homes, while others might feature townhomes, condominiums, or apartments. Be sure to check the exact type of property that the community you’re interested in has to offer.
- Lot Size: While lot size is often not a factor when selecting a home community, it is important to keep in mind how much space you want.
What is the Difference Between Assisted Living, Adult Care, and Adult Living?
While assisted living, adult care, and adult living are all often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions to keep in mind.
- Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer short-term, residential health care to older adults who require assistance with daily living activities, but who are able to manage these activities on their own. They may or may not be supervised by a nurse 24 hours a day. Assisted living facilities are sometimes confused with nursing homes, which are involved in long-term care.
- Adult Care: Adult care facilities offer long-term, high-level support to people with disabilities, who require around-the-clock supervision. They often feature services like nursing, therapy, and housekeeping, and are often associated with long-term care facilities.
- Adult Living: Adult living facilities, also sometimes referred to as assisted living apartments, provide independent living for senior citizens. They provide a mix of live-in and semi-live-in care, with around-the-clock nursing supervision for the highest level of care.
Conclusion
There are many different home types out there, each with unique pros and cons. Choosing the right home is a process of weighing the options and making sure you understand the differences between them. Once you’ve found the perfect place, your next step is to contact the home community association to find out more information and get started on the application process.
