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
Comp Only Listing 4 Bedrooms 2 1/2 Baths 2333 Square Feet
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175720 MLS
Presented for sale is this beautifully kept home in Adam's Landing. The home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms (3 walk-in closets) with vaulted ceilings and a large loft! You'll...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175691 MLS
Enjoy extraordinary views of the creek from this proposed custom modern by award-winning Design-Build firm, Tongue & Groove. Featuring an open concept floorplan, the home...
- 6 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100175674 MLS
Best Selling Krewe Floor plan! Still time to choose some colors and personalize. Do not miss this amazing opportunity!
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175640 MLS
This is the one! If you are looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom all brick home with 3 full baths in the Middle Sound area look no more. This home has an in-ground pool, whole ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175634 MLS
Elegance and charm abounds in this rare find in the highly sought after neighborhood of Sagewood at Plantation Landing. On an elevated 0.68 acre lot and almost new, this...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100175629 MLS
The Savannah by Blanton Building will come with almost 2,700 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 9' ceilings, luxury plank floors in all the downstairs living areas, ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175506 MLS
New Construction on Pinfish Lane. The Seaside plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths & 1,646 s.f. Enjoy the added bonus of having outdoor living space under the ...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100175362 MLS
BRAND NEW 100% COMPLETE MOVE IN READY HOME!! PICTURES OF ACTUAL HOME. The Elston model is a four bedroom home boasting a large, open great room perfect for entertaining ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100175357 MLS
New construction. Single level living on 1/3 acre cul-de-sac lot. This house has many smart house features. Granite countertops, oversized bath tub in 2nd bath, Luxury ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100175243 MLS
Brand new construction with a classic beach cottage feel. Everyone loves an old beach cottage, but no one loves the work that comes with it! Sprawling rocking chair fron...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100175224 MLS
From the moment you step inside this pristine home, you'll appreciate the quality. The open floorplan & wet bar near the gourmet Kitchen w/Bosch appliances, walk-in pantr...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 100175175 MLS
The Helmsley is an amazing 2,300+ square foot home, minutes from everything! Huge 3 bedroom/3 bath house has an open kitchen/living & dining area, the ceilings featuring ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100174576 MLS
New Construction on Pinfish Lane. The Finn B plan has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, & 1,470 s.f. Enjoy the added bonus of having outdoor living space under the house along with ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100174529 MLS
Enjoy coastal living in this immaculate, spacious, like new 3 Bedroom 3 1/2 Bath townhome 1946 hsf - featuring granite tops in kitchen and all baths, stainless steel appl...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100174459 MLS
The BRIGHTON - Arts & Crafts is a 3-story floor plan with large FINISHED 3rd Floor. This home features 3240 sqft, 4BR, 3.5BA, and gorgeous interior features and finishes!...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100174359 MLS
The Ansley is a great family house! All 3 large bedrooms are on the main living level. This home is loaded to the brim with character! Wide-plank, low-maintenance vinyl f...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100174339 MLS
Custom Coastal Cottage built by Stewart Building Company, LLC. - Covered Front Porch!, 2,672 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 baths, low maintenance exterior and yard, convenient ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100174278 MLS
Beautiful & Tranquil. Sweeping ocean views from this new 5-BR, 5.5-BA home. Designed by Glover Design, and quality built by Art Davis Construction. The home promotes a se...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 100174276 MLS
Proposed Construction of the Somerset I. This 1 level open plan can be customized (see attached home specifications). 3 BR's on the main level + 1 bonus room over garage....
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100174255 MLS
FOUNDATION STAGES. This beautiful ARLINGTON - Bungalow by Robuck Homes is a 2-story floor plan featuring 3075 sq ft, 4BR, 3.5BA, and gorgeous interior features and finish...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100174222 MLS
McKee Homes presents The Caldwell Classic This brand new ranch plan has everything you are looking for in just under 2000 sq ft! A main living area includes a formal dini...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100174123 MLS
This elegant & functional brick home w/5 bedrooms, 3 baths, large bonus room & 10' ceilings is worth your undivided attention! As you enter the home you are greeted by a ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100169804 MLS
This beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is located in the very desirable Nautical Greens neighborhood of The Cape. The home has many upgrades including granite counter tops...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100174016 MLS
Outstanding new construction coming soon to the sought-after Autumn Hall neighborhood. This home is designed by renowned designer, Scott Sullivan, and built by the award-...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100173914 MLS
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