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
This Waterville A features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, covered porch and a loft area, with entire room of walk-in floored storage, two additional bedrooms and a two car garag...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252977 MLS
The Pinehurst B features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, downstairs primary suite, and with many architectural accents including crown molding throughout the main living area, and...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252970 MLS
The Pinehurst A features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, downstairs primary suite, and with many architectural accents including crown molding throughout the main living area, and...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252967 MLS
Beautiful and very well maintained brick townhome in Exton Park.Spacious living area, private patio with fence, gate and artificial turf , stainless steel appliances, woo...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252869 MLS
Looking for maintenance free living? Don't miss this brand-new move-in ready townhome in Shinnwood Townes! Shinnwood Townes is a new community located just off of Greenvi...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100252846 MLS
New Construction 3 bedroom 2 full baths and a one car garage in an established neighborhood that is close to the beach, river, Veterans Park and schools. The buyer can p...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100252771 MLS
Offered for sale is this new construction home built by Vince Lutheran Homes. Expansive ocean views from large 16x26 rooftop deck with only steps to the beach and north ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252765 MLS
Offered for sale is this new construction home built by Vince Lutheran Homes. Expansive ocean views from large 16x26 rooftop deck with only steps to the beach and north ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252764 MLS
What an exciting home to start a new year in! This freshly painted 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home has been loved for the last 6 years and it's time for new owners to do it aga...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100249758 MLS
Why wait to build when you can have it now? This Cedar Grove plan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floor plan, neutral colors and tons of storage. Great eat in kitche...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252419 MLS
Absolutely pristine move in ready Cottage Build in River Lights. One owner property and many upgrades were included when the property was built in 2017. Cottage Build ho...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100252184 MLS
There's nothing not to love about this fabulous home! Beautifully maintained and cared for, this home features 3 bedrooms, each with their own walk-in closet, 2.5 baths,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100252176 MLS
Move-in ready new construction home now available for sale in River Lights - one of Wilmington's premier new communities. Previously used as the builder's model home and...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100251833 MLS
Pre-Sale New Construction- Completion date end of Late October 2021. The 'Schooner' floor plan -Southern Gale Townhomes at RiverLights by Laurel Homes. This Unit has bee...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100251744 MLS
Alamance Floor Plan:This home is perfect for anyone desiring a single-story home. High ceilings combined with the open plan create an elegant and spacious environment. Ju...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100251731 MLS
Incredible new construction loaded with classic bungalow charm, and all the modern fixtures and extras you'd expect. The 1,456 SF open floor plan feels much larger than t...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100249488 MLS
Welcome to your dream home - The Sea Breeze plan built by Hardison Building is a 2 story, 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home with a second floor loft area that offers over 2400 sqft...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100251476 MLS
Welcome to your dream home - The Sea Breeze plan built by Hardison Building is a 2 story, 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home with a second floor loft area that offers over 2400 sqft...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100251470 MLS
The Sea Breeze plan built by Hardison Building is a 2 story, 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home with a second floor loft area that offers over 2400 sqft. The covered front porch gre...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100251461 MLS
The Sea Breeze plan built by Hardison Building is a 2 story, 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home with a second floor loft area that offers over 2400 sqft. The covered front porch gre...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100251457 MLS
New Construction, example photos of what is to be built attached. This 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath contains stainless steel appliances, granite countertops etc, Additional 12x6...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100251429 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.
New Construction, example photos of what is to be built attached. This 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath contains stainless steel appliances, granite countertops etc, Additional 12x6...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100251431 MLS
- Not In Subdivision Bldg.
Why wait 7+ months to build when you can just move right in to this brand new home? Over 1600 square foot and MOVE IN READY. This home has an open floor plan with 2 lar...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100250743 MLS
This fully finished Martin Ray model has all the upgrades you could ever want! As you enter the home the first thing that catches your eye is the open kitchen with the b...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100250036 MLS
Brand new construction with amazing marsh views in the fully amenitized community of RiverLights. The Hudson home plan has been specifically designed by the award-winning...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100251053 MLS
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