Final answer:
Amelia's decision on whether to buy a single-family home or a duplex involves comparing privacy, shared maintenance costs, potential for rental income, and rental regulations. Duplexes offer less privacy and shared maintenance costs, making them distinct from single-family homes. She must weigh these factors against the general pros and cons of home ownership and renting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Amelia is debating whether to buy a single-family home or a duplex, she is considering several important factors related to housing options. Here are the accurate comparisons between the two:
- Duplexes offer less privacy than single-family homes due to shared walls between units.
- Duplexes have shared maintenance costs, which can be lower per unit compared to a single-family home since expenses are typically divided between the two households living in the duplex.
- Single-family homes may not necessarily have higher rental income than duplexes, as this can depend on the size, location, and market demand.
- Rental regulations can vary greatly by location and are not inherently more extensive for single-family homes compared to duplexes.
Amelia should weigh the potential benefits of home ownership, such as building equity and having control over the property, against the responsibilities and costs that come with purchasing a property. Conversely, renting generally comes with less responsibility for maintenance and allows for more flexibility, but without the benefits of equity growth or potential rental income.