The most important thing to know about the different types of homes that are available in the greater Phoenix area is that it is not important how a seller refers to a home, or how a listing defines any particular home. What matters is that you, as the buyer, know what the critical questions are to ask about the home style:
Ask Questions About the Home
- How many square feet of living space is there in the home?
- Is there a yard? What are the dimensions?
- Is it a detached home, or are there common walls?
- How many levels does the home have?
- Which rooms are on each level if there's more than one?
- Is there a garage attached to the home?
- How close are the nearest neighbors?
- Is there a Homeowners' Association? Can you get a copy of the CC&Rs for review?
- Are any areas, like outside stairwells, parking, or storage areas shared with another home?
- Are there common areas in the community, or areas of the specific home, that are maintained by the community?
With the answers to these questions, you know you'll have a clear understanding of the relationship of the home to the neighbors and the community, no matter what home style the seller or agent chooses to use as a descriptor. Then you can go on to find out all the other details about the home, like taxes, nearby schools, energy efficiency, etc.
