By Jessica LeDoux, December 30, 2024
For buyers open to both detached condos and single-family residential homes, here is the nitty-gritty on the differences to weigh.
DETACHED CONDOMINIUM
- Definition: Individual housing units recorded as condominiums but resembling single-family detached homes in appearance.
- Characteristics:
- Ownership includes the structure (home) but not the underlying land (the land is often shared in common).
- Governed by a Condominium Plat:
- Specifies individual units and shared areas (e.g., streets, landscaping, amenities).
- Common areas are maintained by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA).
- Subject to stricter rules and maintenance agreements compared to platted lots.
- Examples:
- Detached homes within a planned community, with shared green spaces and common amenities.
- Homes that look like single-family residences but are part of a condominium development.
Key Differences Between Single-Family Residential Plats and Detached Condominiums
| Feature | Single-Family Residential Plat | Detached Condominium |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Includes both the land and the house | Includes only the house; land is shared in common |
| Legal Plat Type | Platted lot with unique boundaries and legal description | Condominium Plat with defined units and shared areas |
| Control Over Property | Owners can modify both the house and land (within zoning) | Limited by HOA or condominium rules |
| Common Areas | Typically none, unless in HOA subdivision | Often includes roads, green spaces, and amenities |
| Maintenance Responsibility | Owner maintains their lot and home | HOA maintains shared areas; may include some exterior upkeep of units |
| Flexibility | Greater freedom for modifications and landscaping | Restrictions on changes due to shared ownership and HOA rules |
| Examples | A house with a fenced yard in a subdivision | A house in a condominium-style community with shared landscaping and sometimes a private yard which is designated as a limited common space. |
Other Relevant Platting and Legal Designations
- Zero Lot Line: Some single-family homes are built close to or on the property boundary to maximize space, but they remain platted lots where the owner controls the land.
- Cluster Housing: Could include either platted lots or detached condos, but the homes are grouped closely to preserve open spaces.
- Subdivision: Can include either platted single-family lots or condominiums, depending on the development plan and legal designation.
Jessica LeDoux
Broker | OR
She/Her
JESSICA LEDOUX
Licensed Broker
Lead Buyers Agent
Oregon is where Jessica’s heart lies. Born and raised in Portland, Jessica grew up in Concordia and bought her first home in North Portland in 1996. She was seduced by the front porch of a 1920’s bungalow and as a young 20 year old there were so many factors she did not know to take into consideration when choosing her home. After 5 years of restoring the home, it was time to move and the seed had been planted – her love of restoring homes was born. It took a few more projects and years for her to make the choice to enter Real Estate. In 2006 she got her license and set out to empower people with information and encourage inquiry beyond the basic needs in a home, which was something she wished was provided to her when she bought her first home. As her Real Estate career developed she found joy in helping buyers the most, which led her to specialize in buyer representation.
Jessica loves helping buyers consider all angles, future needs, and possible roadblocks in a home. Her goal is to empower a buyer with choices and to consider the unchangeable elements of a home to better ensure many years of happiness in their new home. Buying right is the most important factor to protecting your investment and she takes this very seriously, which is why helping buyers eliminate homes in order to get to the right one is her top priority. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of investing in real estate. She brings this wealth of technical housing knowledge, intimate familiarity with the city, and investment experience to her counsel for homebuyers, but it is her commitment to buyer advocacy (and seeing the impact this has on people's lives) that most inspires her and has kept her engaged and in love with her job after all these years.
Jenessa V.
Licensed Buyer Team Operations Manager
jenessa@livingroomre.com
When I first joined our team in 2019 I had been feeling dispirited about real estate. I'd been a realtor for several years and had a strong desire to find increased meaning within an industry that didn't always reflect my values. The thing that kept me returning to real estate despite this was the zing of happiness I felt when I helped clients through the home-buying process and witnessed them on the other end having accomplished a dream or otherwise empowered. To me, the role of a realtor is one of stewardship. I am proud to be on this team because the level of informed honesty, ethical counsel, and all-around excellence we offer is truly unparalleled in this industry.
Working as the Operations Manager on our buyer team means I get to focus on all my favorite parts of the job. I'm hyper-attentive to detail and delight in tending to nuance; transparency and communication are critical. If you are at ease knowing the train is running smoothly and if I answer your questions (maybe even before you've thought of them), then I've done my job well. I'm an introspective person and I view my sensitivity as a strength. I enjoy listening and taking the time to thoughtfully respond so we can move through the home buying process with intention together. I think searching for a home is about identifying your fundamental values and assessing how the decision you make about where you live can best support the life you want to lead.
On the more personal side, when I'm not working I'm probably writing or thinking about language. Give me a stack of good books and I'm happy. I'm a creative thinker and a maker - I love great design and discovering new outlets for expression. I don't ever want to stop learning. Putting my hands in dirt is just about the most invigorating thing I can think of and my little garden is my sanctuary. I like to dance at home so free that it makes other people laugh. I love to sing. I freaking love my family.
Karim Alaeddine | Operations | Principal Broker Licensed in OR | karim@livingroomre.com
Kim Parmon | Lead Listing Agent | Principal Broker Licensed in Oregon | kim@livingroomre.com
Andee Zeigler | Licensed Listing Team Operations Manager | andee@livingroomre.com
Jenessa VanZutphen | Buyer Operations Manager | Licensed in Oregon | jenessa@livingroomre.com
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- T: 503-310-5816
- Jessica@livingroomre.com
