Mother-Daughter Homes in Orange County, NY: What Buyers Should Know

By Ammar Iqbal | Real Estate Salesperson, eXp Realty

More families in Orange County, NY are looking for room for parents, grown children or relatives under one roof. That is why buyers often ask me, "What is a mother-daughter home, and what should I know before buying one?" Here is a simple guide.

What is a mother-daughter home?

A mother-daughter home is a house with a second living area for family members. It often has its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, and sometimes a separate entrance. You may see it called an accessory apartment, an in-law suite or a home "with possible mother-daughter" in a listing. In Orange County, you will find these setups in raised ranches, ranches with finished lower levels and larger colonials.

Legal setup matters

This is the most important part. A mother-daughter space is not always the same as a legal two-family home. Rules come from each town or city, so what is allowed in Middletown may be different from Goshen or Warwick. Before you make an offer, ask:

• Does the certificate of occupancy show the home as single-family or two-family?
• Was the second kitchen or apartment built with permits?
• Does the town limit who can live in the space, such as family only?

Unpermitted work can cause problems later. Read my guide to open building permits in Orange County, and ask your real estate attorney to review the paperwork.

Financing and insurance

Lenders look at how the home is legally classified. A single-family home with an in-law suite is usually financed like a regular single-family home. If you plan to rent the space for income, talk to your lender first. If you want a true rental unit, a legal two-family may be a better fit. See my guide to buying a two-family home in Middletown. Also tell your insurance agent how the space will be used.

Inspection tips

Have the inspector check the extra kitchen and bathroom, the heating, and the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the second living area. Lower-level suites should have safe exits and no moisture problems. My Orange County home inspection checklist can help.

Where to look

Mother-daughter homes come up across the county. Middletown and the Town of Wallkill have a good mix of raised ranches and larger homes at a range of prices. Start with my Middletown, NY neighborhood guide and browse Middletown homes for sale. Still comparing areas? My guide to choosing the right Orange County town may help.

Next steps

If your family is combining households, you may also be selling a home. Get a free home value estimate, then contact me and I will help you find the right setup for everyone.