Three No or Low Maintenance Options in Westchase under $200,000!

Homeownership is a big part of most people’s American dream.

Many may believe that home ownership under $200,000 is not an option in the heart of Westchase.  That may have been true in the past but now, if you take the time, wait for the right property you could own in Westchase as your first home or it may be the perfect downsize for the retiree.

Instead of paying rent to someone else, your monthly mortgage payment pays down a portion of your mortgage balance each month.  

For a first time home buyer or a retiree trying to stay within a prudent budget and manage monthly expenses, a home with low or no maintenance may be the perfect fit. 

Fixing costs associated with home ownership is especially important in this economy when people are being prudent with their budget and retirees have concern about their retirement income in the stock market.

No maintenance means you don't have to worry about keeping up the outside of the home. The homeowner's association for that neighborhood collects fees and takes care of all of it for you.  In a low maintenance neighborhood, you may take care of some things like painting the outside or fixing a roof, but your lawn care and sprinkler maintenance may be included in your monthly fees. These options fix your costs and can limit exposure on big ticket repairs or replacements.

Now, these fees can fluctuate based on the cost of services as contracts expire and are renewed but usually, unless there are a lot of owners that are in arrears, this fee will be fairly constant.

Here are three no- or low maintenance options under $200,000 in the heart of Westchase:

The Vineyards - 10803 Spring Mountain Place.  This 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home offers 1,579 sq.ft. in this intimate, gated neighborhood.  This neighborhood also features its own community pool even though owners have full access to the Westchase amenities.  This neighborhood is low maintenance. Owners are responsible for their roof and exterior maintenance including paint.  They are not responsible for sprinkler maintenance, common area and gate maintenance.  The monthly maintenance for these services is $141.00.  Listed by Taylormade Properties for $199,000.

Stonebridge – 9822 Bridgeton Drive.  This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath home offers 1,544 sq.ft in this gated villa neighborhood.  This neighborhood also features its own community pool that is only available to residents.  Owners are only responsible to maintain the inside of their unit.  Exterior maintenance including paint, roof, landscaping, sprinkler, community pool and gate are included in the fees.  For this peace of mind, the monthly maintenance is $154.00. Listed by Prudential Tropical Realty at $189,900. 

Berkeley Square – 12371 Berkeley Square Drive.  This 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath townhome features 1,152 sq.ft.  This neighborhood is not gated but it is located in the heart of Westchase.  Maintenance for the common areas, exterior paint and maintenance including roof, landscaping and sprinkler system plus this neighborhood includes building insurance and water.  For $275.00 per month, a new owner can fix the monthly costs.  Listed by Keller Williams for $119,000. 

These homes are currently listed under $200,000.  With these properties, a buyer has the opportunity to buy in a great neighborhoods with fabulous amenities plus fix their monthly outgoings.  These benefits combined with less work on their part to own their home creates a win-win situation.

If you think these may be a good option for you, the next step is to contact a trusted and experienced real estate professional to see the home.  If you like it, they will help you determine its value in the current market.