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
Welcome to Helms Port, winner of the Real Estate Scorecard 2017 North Carolina Community of the Year! This home is 23 feet above sea level and sustained NO hurricane dama...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100155422 MLS
Welcome to Waterstone a new single family community in the Porters Neck area of Wilmington. Luxury meets nature at your doorstep! Enjoy a Community Pool, modern Clubhouse...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100155254 MLS
ESTIMATED MAY CLOSING!! This Booth plan offers living space with a split floor plan! Enjoy beautiful water resistant LVP floors in all main level living, dining, & kitche...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100155150 MLS
This was the model home for the Cottage Building Co. ''Waterside Cottage'' is a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1890 sq. ft. home. Many builder upgrades included with this...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100155096 MLS
YOU MUST SEE this Gorgeous 4 BR, 2.5 bath home built in 2017 in the quaint neighborhood of Gable Run, located in the Ogden area! This home's standout features include la...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100155089 MLS
Do you like to entertain? Castle Rock Model with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Library, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Granite Island. Separate Dining and spacious living area. Beautiful...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100155082 MLS
Martin Ray Model with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Gourmet Kitchen, Large Granite Island. Separate Dining and spacious living area. Oversized Screen Porch with beautiful sliders...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100155079 MLS
Exceptional Plantation built custom home situated on an .80 acre lot in quiet Bridgers Creek.From the moment you walk in the front door you'll notice this home is beaming...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100154775 MLS
Don't miss your opportunity to own this former Parade of Homes, Award Winning Model by Bill Clark Legacy Homes offering exceptional SINGLE LEVEL LIVING. This thoughtfully...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154952 MLS
Luxury coastal living and low maintenance at it's best! Designed for durability, this newly constructed home is absolutely incredible, w/ thoughtful, modern architecture ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154844 MLS
Coastal craftsman-style 4 Br/3 Ba home in the convenient community of Tralee Place! Beautiful wood flooring flows throughout a spacious and bright living area, dining are...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154695 MLS
The Chadwick has SO MUCH ROOM! Walk into your foyer, clad with 4' craftsman wainscoting & past the private study/office & into your open concept kitchen/living & dining a...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100154624 MLS
The Sinclair has ALL the room! Open concept for family time & entertaining. Eat-in b/fast nook & formal dining room. Granite, appl included, GAS range and fireplace. Cove...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100154437 MLS
Looking for a Beautiful, Brand New Home in Carolina Beach? The Coastal Design features an abundance of very nice finishes that will make you smile! . Located in a new ne...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154389 MLS
The popular ARIA floor plan! Great one level open plan with a show stopper kitchen! Perfect for family living and entertaining! Luxury owner's suite with luxury bath feat...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100154272 MLS
Coastal living manifests itself throughout this home. Entering through the covered porch the foyer opens to the beauty of this bright and airy home with vaulted ceiling a...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154266 MLS
The Claremont is a timeless classic, maxed out with character & charm! Inviting foyer leads you to the heart of the home, with the sprawling open kitchen, dining & family...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100154257 MLS
Welcome home to The Reserve at West Bay! The Alder plan offers a rocking chair front porch to greet you into a grand entryway opening to cathedral ceilings in the open co...
- 6 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100154218 MLS
Builder close out pricing! This is the last home we are listing for new construction in our community with a two car garage and downstairs master! The popular Elie floo...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100153986 MLS
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION!! Murrayville Crossing presents the Arden Plan. 1885 SqFt w/4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths! OPEN Floor plan! Kitchen with GRANITE, Stainless Steel Appl...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100153966 MLS
NEW CONSTRUCTION. Estimated April completion! 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 ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100153947 MLS
The Ruffin I offers one story living at its best! This spacious one story home plan is extremely inviting with a large foyer that opens to the great room and kitchen. Nat...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100153882 MLS
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION!! Murrayville Crossing presents the Macon. Functional, affordable and open living one story living. Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an op...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100153961 MLS
BRAND NEW HOME!! Located off Murrayville Rd right over the I-40 overpass. Murrayville Crossing has lots of trees for privacy surrounding the community! The Cali plan is a...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100153951 MLS
Welcome Home to The Sinclair. This cottage home is a beautiful addition to the neighborhood. The Sinclair features two covered porches, one on the front & one on the back...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100153555 MLS
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