As a realtor, I’ve seen my clients face all kinds of surprises along the home-buying path. Appraisal fees, home inspection fees, unexpected repairs… the list goes on.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, so surprises like these aren’t exactly welcome. A spontaneous housewarming party? Sure—bring on the cake. But the cost of homeowners insurance? No one loves that kind of shock.
Something else that many first-time homebuyers don’t think about is the restriction of living in a covenant community. These neighborhoods are controlled by a homeowners association that dictates how you can (and can’t) use your property. If you dream of running an at-home business or raising chickens in your backyard, you’ll have to run it by the HOA first. Kind of a hassle, huh?
This is part of why I love the County Living area of Laramie. It’s all the convenience of living near town, minus the headache of a covenant. Not all of Albany County is HOA-free, but much of it is, and I think that’s amazing.
Of course, if you’re unbothered by rulebooks, even more of Laramie is open to you. The Tree Area is one of my favorite spots in the city, providing easy access to the University of Wyoming in addition to majestic trees. Washington Park is the staple landmark, offering a basketball court, horseshoe pits, a wading pool, and more. Best of all, homes in the Tree Area are both beautiful and attainable at a range of price points.
Another area I love is Indian Hills, which is the housing that surrounds Indian Paintbrush Elementary School. Richards Park and Alta Vista are a couple of lovely neighborhoods (especially if you’re planning to send your kids to Indian Paintbrush!).
In the end, buying a home boils down to your priorities—what you value and why. If you want to raise goats and install a screened-in porch, a covenant community might not be for you. The shock of being told what you can and can’t do with your property doesn’t always sit well. When the homestead lifestyle calls your name, are you just supposed to tune it out?!
On the other hand, if you prefer a neat, uniform neighborhood with similar landscaping from lot to lot, having an HOA to support you can be a great thing. There’s no right or wrong way to choose your home. As long as you’re prepared for a few surprises along the way, you’ll be throwing that housewarming party in no time.