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
Southern Row House Collection at River Lights! The brand new Lenox home plan features 1,785 SQFT of bright, open spaces. This home is great for entertaining with a large ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100134047 MLS
This craftsman-style beauty is your coastal dream home in a Willow Glen cul-de-sac overlooking the 18th green of the Beau Rivage Golf Course, voted the 'Best Golf Course ...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133973 MLS
Here is the Best Opportunity on Carolina Beach!! This new construction home is being built by the 2018 Parade of Homes Gold Ribbon Winner!! You will love the quality and...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133964 MLS
This stylish residence, on a corner lot makes beach living a dream! 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 luxurious baths offer plenty of room for sleep and storage. The open livin...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133945 MLS
You'll love this better than new, move-in ready, 1-story cottage style home only minutes away from everything Wilmington has to offer! Pass through the veranda and enter ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100133918 MLS
Welcome to Waterstone a new single family community in the Porters Neck area Luxury meets nature at your doorstep The amenities include a Community Pool,Community Day Doc...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100133906 MLS
Spacious Castle Rock Model with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Library, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Granite Island. Separate Dining and spacious living area. Beautiful Screen Porch! De...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100133905 MLS
Spacious Summerwood Model with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Library, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Granite Island. Separate Dining and spacious living area. Beautiful Screen Porch! Del...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100133895 MLS
Welcome to Waterstone a new single family community in the Porters Neck area Luxury meets nature at your doorstep The amenities include a Community Pool, Clubhouse, Fire ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100133857 MLS
On the way, BRAND NEW detached town homes with garages! Several floor plans to choose from. Forget about upgrades, the builder is including these ''dream'' items as stand...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100133827 MLS
Beautifully crafted 5 bed, 4 bath home featuring covered front porch. Spacious great room with fireplace & gorgeous built-in bookcases. Mudroom with storage area that fl...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133634 MLS
New construction in Autumn Hall. Elegant two story front porches hi-light the streetscape. Luxury and thoughtful finishes define this home. Dining area features ship-lap ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133611 MLS
You'll love this charming one story new build cottage in the desirable Carolina Place. This home will feature hardwood flooring,tiled bathrooms, solid surface counter top...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100133531 MLS
The Trillium plan by H&H Homes is a two story, 2,689 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The covered front porch opens up into the foyer and leads into the h...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100133509 MLS
This 2-story home is only 3 years old and in almost new condition. The main floor has a nice size great room that opens to a dining room giving plenty of room for enterta...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100133250 MLS
Welcome to Helms Port, winner of the Real Estate Scorecard 2017 North Carolina Community of the Year! This home was built by Logan Homes in 2016 with interior design by J...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100132709 MLS
The ''Hickory'' is a 3050 sq. ft. two story home w/ 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage w/ a courtyard entrance, & additional 3rd car garage. The main floor master suite ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100133192 MLS
This amazing 3 year old beautiful brick home located in Nautical Greens at The Cape is ready for you to move right in! Four bedrooms, 3 full baths, open floor plan with c...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100130030 MLS
Under Construction! This 1,500 sq ft new construction home will soon be ready for your family. It features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in an open concept layout. The kitchen...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100132911 MLS
Overlooking the river in a highly sought-after location, the two-story Water Street Parking Deck built in the 1960's will be developed into River Place: a 13-story mixed-...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100132842 MLS
- River Place Bldg.
Overlooking the river in a highly sought-after location, the two-story Water Street Parking Deck built in the 1960's will be developed into River Place: a 13-story mixed-...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100132821 MLS
- River Place Bldg.
Beautifully appointed custom home is located in the gated community of Tidalwalk-a coastal, water access community on the ICW! Enjoy the outdoors and coastal breezes on ...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100132337 MLS
Abbeyville Model with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths & Library. Gourmet Kitchen, Large Granite Island. Separate Dining and spacious living area. Beautiful Sunroom & screened Porch ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100132730 MLS
Beautiful Dunwoody Way floor plan in Del Webb Wilmington. Spacious open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, office and a spectacular sunroom and screened porch. Gourmet...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100132722 MLS
Beautiful Steel Creek floor plan in Del Webb Wilmington. Del Webb is #1 in an age restricted community. This home has an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms,3 Baths. Spectacu...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100132715 MLS