New vs "Resale" Homes
As you search for your dream home, you'll probably hear a variety of opinions on whether you should purchase a newly built home or a resale home.
There are advantages to both, and your individual needs, not the age of the structure, should be foremost in deciding which is best for you. For a better idea of which type may be more suited to your needs, let's look at the advantages of both new and resale homes.
Why buy a new home?
Perhaps you love the idea that you can be a home's very first owner. Everything is new and shiny, the neighbors are probably also just moving in, and you can customize the floor plan and colors. Buying a new home can be fun and exciting. Here are some other advantages:
- New homes are built with new materials and appliances, so less maintenance is typically required than with resale homes.
- They often possess more safety features and fewer health hazards to conform to today's building codes.
- Many homebuilders offer warranties in case certain problems develop over time.
- The home's major appliances and systems also typically include manufacturers' warranties.
- They typically feature modern architecture and layout such as great rooms, bigger closets, and additional bathrooms, which often replaces the formal dining and/or living rooms of older homes.
- New homes are usually well-insulated due to better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, and greater use of insulation.
- The homes are often made with materials requiring less maintenance, such as aluminum siding, vinyl windows, and pressure-treated wood decks that resist rot and insects.
- They can be easier to customize than resale homes since you can choose many details ranging from floor plans and paint colors to faucets and light fixtures.
- New homes are more apt to be wired with new technologies in mind, such as being pre-wired for multiple phone lines, high-speed Internet connections and extra cable outlets.
Why buy a resale home?
Housing styles have changed with time, and you might favor more traditional layouts and features. Older houses and neighborhoods may have more character and charm. The trees are full-grown, and the neighbors can tell you all about your new hometown. Here are some other advantages:
- Resale homes may provide more opportunities for home improvements.
- They typically have more land than newer properties due to changes in land-use patterns.
- The homes are often in older, more convenient metro areas rather than outlying suburbs.
- You can use the existing home as a base for building a unique property through modernization or expansion.
- Resales tend to be less expensive than new properties and more likely to come complete with items that may cost extra with a new home such as blinds, landscaping, built-ins, etc.
- Depending on the state, resale homes may have lower property tax rates.
- Owners usually aren't required to pay for the local bonds that are sometimes associated with new development, such as for schools, parks, or road or transportation improvements.
- These homes often have more traditional layouts, which may include such areas as formal living and dining rooms.
- Buyers can most likely purchase a larger home for the same money with a resale than with new construction.
- Buyers often have more room for negotiating the price or terms of sale than new homes.
As you can see, both offer significant, but very different advantages. Keep in mind that the real question shouldn't be about whether to buy a new or used home. It's more about finding which individual property will best meet the needs of you and your family.
New Homes
The Telfair is a two-story, 5-bedroom 3-bathroom home. The kitchen is attached to both a dining room and an informal eating area, leading into the family room. Upstairs, ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291671 MLS
Congleton Farms is a natural gas community with desirable amenities just minutes to the beach, downtown Wilmington and the areas best shopping and dining. The two-Story ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291657 MLS
Terrific brand new townhome (Unit#1 - North Side). Super location on a street with newer homes. Walk or bike to the beach and close to the Island Greenway! Low maintenanc...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291651 MLS
Welcome to The Townes at Lewis Creek. Two words: Easy living. The Palmer Floorplan offers a large Master Bedroom that covers the back half of the upstairs, spacious walk-...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291639 MLS
Welcome to The Townes at Lewis Creek. Two words: Easy living. The Palmer Floorplan offers a large Master Bedroom that covers the back half of the upstairs, spacious walk-...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291625 MLS
Welcome to The Townes at Lewis Creek. UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH ESTIMATED FALL COMPLETION! Two words: Easy living. The Palmer Floorplan offers a large Master Bedroom that c...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291609 MLS
The Aria floor plan offers 1618 sq feet with 3 beds, 2 baths all on one floor for easy living! The kitchen offers a Huge pantry and large granite island with pendants. Ki...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100291587 MLS
Welcome to The Townes at Lewis Creek. UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Estimated Completion Fall 2021! Two words: Easy living. The Princeton floorplan showcases a grand living space t...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291585 MLS
Welcome Home to Cottage Grove, an adorable neighborhood tucked away off of Middle Sound Loop Road. A Logan Home, this floor plan offers custom details, low maintenance b...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290871 MLS
This one is right out of a magazine!! Picture perfect 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in convenient and desirable neighborhood on north end of town. This low maintenance home feat...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291358 MLS
New construction home, with breathtaking views of the intracoastal. Just minutes from Carolina and Kure Beaches. Enjoy the ocean, boardwalk and local shopping or dining j...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291311 MLS
The Pine Island offers 3 bedrooms, a study, and 2.5 baths. Built with Premier Homes retirement smart concept, this home is built so that you can have the most enjoyable l...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291230 MLS
Don't miss out on the opportunity to get in on this Pre-sale! This beautiful new construction luxury home will be built by Builder Pro, LLC in the waterfront community of...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100291114 MLS
New construction. This contemporary unit contains 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths and an elevator. Relax on one of the covered decks or sunbath on the large roof top deck and ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100291092 MLS
This Is The One!!! This Is The Hidden Gem that you have been searching for!!!! This new construction home that was built by one of the top builders in our area, Swan Song...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290865 MLS
This Is The One!!! This Is The Hidden Gem that you have been searching for!!!! This new construction home that was built by one of the top builders in our area, Swan Song...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290866 MLS
This beautiful move-in ready home is going to go fast. The location is spectacular inside the friendly community of Fortune Place which offers sidewalks throughout and a...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100290200 MLS
Brand new construction in a peaceful setting. Views from the top deck which spans along the top of the home are breathtaking! Large kitchen and living room, two additiona...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100290780 MLS
New Construction planned for the greatest location in Landfall, Battery Park is close to the Eastwood Gate and is a fine example of Coastal Urban Living. This home has g...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100290765 MLS
This beautiful craftsman style home offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an oversized two-car garage. The home features an open and bright floor plan, including a sepa...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100290744 MLS
Enjoy fantastic sunset views from this luxury 2 bedroom 2.5 bath condominium overlooking the Cape Fear River. Gorgeous sweeping vista with exquisite river and city views!...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290731 MLS
- River Place Bldg.
Check out this awesome 3 story Charleston English Cottage home by Robuck Homes in Melton Oaks featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths with lots of upgrades and energy features...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100286590 MLS
The grand two story foyer sets the tone for what this home offers. The first floor includes a formal dining room and large open kitchen looking out over the living room. ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290698 MLS
Inviting front porch welcomes you to this beautiful spacious 4 bedroom home with oversized bedrooms and large closets. Enter into the 2 story foyer and you'll love having...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100290622 MLS
New Construction to begin September 2021, great all brick home with Open Floor Plan featuring huge kitchen island, large first floor master suite, and coffered ceiling in...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100290597 MLS
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