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New Better Than Used

new-better-than-used

Why Building New is Better Than Buying Used

So you’re thinking about buying your dream home. You know, the one you’ve been wanting for so long but were holding out for: (1) the market to improve (2) life to settle down to a dull roar and (3) real estate elves to take charge of finding (and moving you into) your perfect home.

Let’s face it, #2 and #3 most likely aren’t going to happen. But we’re happy to say, #1 is getting stronger by the minute and that’s reason enough to start thinking seriously about how, when, and where to make your next move.

New or Used? Which is Right for You

Do you want a newly built home that you’ve helped design that offers the latest efficiencies in style, energy and technology? Or a previously-owned’used’ home that may need fix-ups, paint jobs and walls moved (or removed!) to create the kind of open space that makes sense today?

Your answer most likely will depend on your lifestyle preferences, financing needs and the priorities you put on energy efficiency, and interior living spaces vs. your desire, budget and aptitude when it comes to DIY home repairs and improvements.

You might have your heart set on a’used’ home in an older neighborhood. Or you might be a DYI aficionado with a thirst for taking an old house and transforming it, no matter how much time, money and angst it may take. Just keep in mind that retrofits and roof repairs and kitchen remodels all come with a hefty price tag … one that may end up costing you more than you bargained for as’used home’ issues arise.

Oops …Our Builder Bias Is Showing

Now let’s get down to why building new is so much better. We’ve weighed the pros and cons and frankly, there’s just no contest. The fact of the matter is this: everything in a new-build is (1) NEW, (2) under warranty and (3) built to code for today’s standards.

Walls, doors, windows, roofs, furnaces and air conditioning are all energy efficient. Wiring and electrical are equipped to handle all the technological challenges a family can give them. And what about style? Floor plans are open and integrated. Appliances, and counter tops, and flooring, and all the must-haves will be selected by you (not a previous owner from the 80’s.)

Are we a little biased? Perhaps. But don’t take our word for it, check the list that follows and see for yourself how NEW vs. USED measures up.

BUILDING NEW:

  • Brand new, untouched, move-in ready
  • Fully customized, plenty of square footage
  • Open floor plans, custom features
  • Selections, décor all chosen by you
  • Everything is new, under warranty, and built to code
  • Energy-efficient walls, door, windows, roof, heating and cooling
  • Wiring and electrical can handle a high-tech demands
  • No exterior or interior painting for at least 20 years
  • No DIY projects for many years to come

BUYING ‘USED’:

  • Previously ‘used’ by another family – may need extensive cleaning before move-in
  • Dated floor plan, selections, décor
  • Older kitchen and appliances
  • Less energy efficient windows, insulation, etc.
  • Plumbing, electrical may not be up to code
  • DIY projects may turn home into money pit
  • Lower ceilings, smaller rooms
  • Carpeting, paneling, wallpaper to rip out
  • Older roof, furnace/AC issues
  • Exterior and interior paint or maintenance

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