There are several types of homes that you can choose from when you start shopping. Among the choices are: new detached homes; used detached homes; new or used condominiums; and fixer-uppers.

A detached home, new or used, will typically provide you with a yard, garage and the like. This is a fairly standard set-up in California. Choosing from new or used depends on several factors. New homes generally cost a little more to purchase, are less negotiable on purchase price, but are less expensive to maintain and are more energy efficient. Used homes generally cost a little less to purchase and you have more room to negotiate on purchase price. In addition, typically you won’t have to landscape a yard. On the other hand, upkeep is generally more expensive. You may have to tackle dying appliances, cracks in the plaster, a new roof and other issues that face a house of a certain age.

A condominium, new or used, generally faces the same issues as a new or used detached home. The difference with a condominium is that you own only the interior air space and fixtures in your living space, plus a certain percentage of common areas and property.
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