Chic vs. Geek: Condos and Townhomes and PUDs – Oh, my!

You might think they’re all the same, but there are some important differences every homebuyer needs to know before getting started. Good thing we’re here!

CHIC (PEARL)

We’ve all seen condos listed as townhomes and vice versa. And then there’s planned unit developments (aka PUDs), which could be advertised as either one, but are more like single family homes. How do you know what you’re getting before you get too far down the road? If you want to know for sure, you have to look at the preliminary title report that sellers provide to buyers in their disclosure.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Okay, so what’s the difference between a PUD and an HOA? Well, PUDs are basically detached single family homes in a subdivision or other master plan community that offers additional amenities. In a PUD, you own the home, lot, and common area, and PUDs offer a more traditional landowner rights structure than HOAs do, given that HOAs impose particular regulations on residents.