Does the lack of privacy in apartments and condos bother you? Is it hard to maintain a yard and take care of common areas? If yes, you should consider searching for patio homes to avoid hassles such as these.
Patio homes are popular in the USA, particularly in cities like Scottsdale. You must have seen these properties in several neighborhoods: rows of neatly arranged houses of one or two stories.
Most buyers ask their real estate agents to look for patio homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ, for their numerous benefits, including convenience and security. Their demand is usually high among families with lesser members, empty nesters, and retired individuals.
According to a housing market report, around 6,477 single-story patio homes were sold in Scottsdale in 2021, with a selling time of 41 days in the market. Those figures show a rise from 2020 when 5,871 similar properties were sold in the market.
But before you buy one of these houses for yourself, it is better to know some related information.
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Difference Between Patio vs. Condo
Even though both condominiums and patios share a wall with a neighbor, condo owners do not own the community areas, sidewalks, or outside lawns. In contrast, patio owners have the right to the space in front of their property.
However, patios are smaller than condos, giving them the advantage of privacy people want. Patios are also different from townhomes, as the latter usually have at least two floors, while the former consist of a single, or, at the most, one and a half stories.
Things to Check Before Buying
These are some things you must check before buying a patio house.
Amenities
The first thing you should see are the amenities in the house. For instance, does it have an efficient cooling or HVAC air conditioning system? Summers in Scottsdale are scorching, with temperatures often crossing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and living without a cooling system would be unbearable.
You should ask your agent questions like the number of bathrooms and bedrooms and if they have facilities such as a soaking tub and generous-sized closet. Does the kitchen have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, etc.? Is there a fireplace, and what is the flooring made of?
Distance from the Unified School District
The Scottsdale Unified School District, extending to 112 square miles in area, has about five high, six middle, three K-8, and sixteen elementary schools, along with a single alternative school.
It is better to buy a house within a reasonable driving distance or that doesn’t involve considerable commuting for your children or yourself. For example, purchasing a patio in North Via Palma will take you just 10 minutes by car to reach the Scottsdale School District.
A house in E Horseshoe Lane is even better, as the driving distance to the District is just three minutes.
What are the HOA Fees?
Most patio homes are usually located in gated communities in Scottsdale and therefore have homeowners association (HOA) fees. These can range between 200 USD to 300 USD a month in Scottsdale.
Although a monthly fee is mandatory, it will give you unrestricted access to facilities such as tennis courts, recreational room, community pool and spa, workout facility, etc.
You must hire a real estate agent to help you find patio homes for sale in Scottsdale AZ. They offer you privacy, security, and access to various recreational amenities, requiring little maintenance compared to standalone houses.
