New Construction Or Existing Home? Which Will You Buy?

The majority of homes purchased in any given year are existing homes. However, new home construction is picking up with the economy. You don't necessarily have to have a home designed yourself to move into new construction — some firms build these solely to sell them.

Lots of people, especially those who want to buy a home for the very first time, don't think much about the advantages of a new home. It's worth considering, especially if you've saved up enough money for a down payment.

Let's take a closer look:

Benefits Of A New Home

• New Homes Don't Need Repairs
  There are no surprises when it comes to a brand-new home. Yes, you could go with a fixer-upper and get an inspection done in advance, but with a new home, you don't even have to go through that hassle. Homeowners are always surprised by just how much maintenance a house needs, and a new one simply demands less. That saves you money, and it's less stressful too.
• New Homes Are Clean As Can Be
  Before you buy a home, the seller should go through it and clean everything carefully. The rule of thumb is pressure cleaning the exterior and steam cleaning carpets and upholstery. For one reason or another, though, many sellers simply don't follow through. New homes are spotless — no mysterious stains and no built-up pet dander and other allergens.
• New Homes Mean New Amenities
  This is another one that tips the scales if you want to buy a home that's as modern and up-to-date as can be. Sellers may sometimes leave kitchen appliances or even upgrade them before selling, but there's no telling how long the rest of the house has been exactly as it is. New homes offer all the latest, including interior design and architectural trends that are tough to renovate.

Benefits Of An Existing Home

• An Existing Home is Easy to Come By
  The majority of the housing stock in most communities consists of older homes. This means you have all kinds of options in terms of location and proximity to opportunities in employment, education, dining, and whatever matters to you. In some ways, it's easier to find an old home that matches everything you want than a newer one.
• Existing Homes Can Be Inexpensive
  A home with history tends to be easier to finance than one that's fresh and new. Depending on your needs and budget, you might find you want to look closely at homes that could use a little TLC. Some DIY lovers enjoy the opportunity to paint, fix, and build. And you'll spend less time searching high and low for an appropriate mortgage option.
• Existing Homes Offer Landscaping and Character
  Older homes tend to have larger front and back yards, which may be phased out in more recent construction. They also have had plenty of time to foster beautiful, mature trees and vegetation. Homes in historic styles offer a great deal of character and are often sturdy and robust despite older maintenance standards. Plus, both neighbors and neighborhoods tend to be more stable.

Buy A Home – New Or Existing – With Help From An Expert

No matter whether you're looking for new or older homes, your real estate agent is the one person in your home-buying journey who is almost as crucial to the outcome as you are.

As the buyer, you call the shots, but your real estate professional is there to make sure you can make an informed decision every step of the way — and, ultimately, find your dream home.

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