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
Presale ''Waverly'' by Legacy Homes. The Waverly is incredibly spacious and wonderfully elegant. With spaces that are both dramatic and cozy, there's a place for every m...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126789 MLS
Awesome 4 bedroom/2.5 bath home called the Aisle! All bedrooms upstairs; downstairs find 9'ceilings with a spacious dining & living area finished with luxury vinyl plank ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126787 MLS
Located on one of the most sought out streets in one of Wilmington's newer communities, Tarin Woods. This lovely family home is loaded with tons of character and charm. ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100126193 MLS
This Helmsley home offers 3 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms with an upstairs bonus room. Craftsman wainscoting adds a beautiful touch to the Foyer and the Dining Room. The Kitchen,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126453 MLS
Townhome is under construction. Completion scheduled in September 2018
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126444 MLS
none
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126436 MLS
The Lanai plan is easy to love. This 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom home offers an upstairs bonus room with a 3/4 bath, perfect for guests or an entertainment room. The home is be...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126427 MLS
This Helmsley is a stunning 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom home with an upstairs bonus room and beautiful features throughout. Enter through the Foyer with 11 ft ceilings that exp...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126400 MLS
RARE FIND!!! Brand New-No HOA. Huge lot allows RV's and Boats and room for kids to play. Near Wrightsville Beach/Mayfaire. If you are investment minded, this lot also of...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126383 MLS
Move in ready!!! Emerald homes is introducing one of its most popular floorplans to Landfall. The all brick ''Tulip'' floorplan has a very open feel with no wasted space....
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126367 MLS
Immaculate townhome in Muirfield Townes at Echo Farms. Enjoy a coastal low maintenance luxury lifestyle. HOA includes landscaping, exterior window cleaning and maintenanc...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125296 MLS
Presented for sale is this stunning coastal home w/ 4400+ sq ft, 6 br, 3.5 ba, Carolina room and more upgrades than we have space to list. This home has been meticulously...
- 6 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100126273 MLS
Immaculate home with split floor plan allowing everyone space and privacy. Large, open living room with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace. Nice dining area and fantastic ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126225 MLS
Parsons Mill Farm is new Hanover's newest planned community offering community pool, cabana & community play field. The Page floor plan is open, bright & features 4 bedro...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100126202 MLS
This Sinclair is a charming 3 bedroom/ 3.5 bathroom home with an upstairs bonus room. Walk in through the Foyer into an open space living area with the Great Room, Kitche...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100126129 MLS
The Willowbrook is a spacious 2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with plenty of indoor and outdoor living space. Walk in through the Foyer and hook your hat and ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125950 MLS
Quiet, coastal living is waiting for you in this brand new marsh-front home! Situated on over half an acre, you'll find a spacious open floorplan, large bedrooms, tons of...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100125919 MLS
Murrayville Crossing is D.R. Horton's newest community in N. Wilmington. Convenient to HWY 40, shopping, schools. The Macon is 1343 sq feet open ranch with 3 bed 2 full b...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100125649 MLS
Murrayville Crossing is D.R. Horton's newest community in North Wilmington. The Robie Floor plan is a spacious 5 bed 3 full bath 2 story home. Downstairs you will find ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125646 MLS
Awesome brand new townhome across the street from the beach. Single level living!!! Ocean views from your front deck and living room. Very nice inside with vaulted ceilin...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100125625 MLS
Located just past the famous Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier on Wrightsville Beach, Atlantic View is a vision of new luxury condos from esteemed area builder, Logan Homes. ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125577 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.
Located just passed the famous Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier on Wrightsville Beach, Atlantic View is a vision of new luxury condos from esteemed area builder, Logan Homes...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125573 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.
Located just past the famous Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier on Wrightsville Beach, Atlantic View is a vision of new luxury condos from esteemed area builder, Logan Homes. ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125574 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.
Brand new construction with 3 beds and 2 full baths with rich cedar-siding curb appeal, reminiscent of Wrightsville Beach cottage style homes. Enjoy the open living floor...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100096867 MLS
Located just past the famous Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier on Wrightsville Beach, Atlantic View is a vision of new luxury condos from esteemed area builder, Logan Homes. ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100125551 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.