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 Home to The Cape. This new construction Contemporary Craftsman home offers 4 Bedrooms + Bonus Room, 3.5 Baths and each bedroom has a walk-in closet. Light and Br...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100167253 MLS
Welcome to Helms Port! This sought after gated community offers coastal living at it's finest. With a protected marina, resort style clubhouse, pool and private beach you...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100166461 MLS
Custom home in the desirable Airlie Forest Community tucked away between Airlie Gardens and Lumina Station. This his home has 5 bedrooms, 2 home offices, sunroom and more...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100167064 MLS
Better than new construction with loads of upgrades and extras completed since purchased in July 2018! This end corner unit has a fabulous layout and also ground level. ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100166244 MLS
- Rivers Edge Bldg.
The Edgewood is a one-story, Craftsman-style home that features two bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen includes a large island with bar top, which is open to the dining ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100164879 MLS
The two-story, Craftsman-style Edison features three bedrooms and three baths. The kitchen has a large island with bar top which is open to the family room and a large pa...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100165151 MLS
he ''Juniper'' townhome is 1591 heated sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a single car garage. It is located the new community of ''The Landing at Lewis Creek.'' It...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166780 MLS
New townhome located in ''The Landing at Lewis Creek.'' Great floor plan with 1841 heated sq. ft., with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a single car garage. Amenities include...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166739 MLS
The Westbury offers two complete owners suites located on opposites sides of the main level. Arched openings greet you as you walk from the foyer through a hallway with a...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100166738 MLS
Near the Beach! Easy access to this part of Pleasure Island by Dow Road. Four blocks to the main drag of Lake Park Blvd. So, five blocks from the beach! Estimated Co...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166656 MLS
Near the Beach! Easy access to this part of Pleasure Island by Dow Road. Four blocks to the main drag of Lake Park Blvd. So, five blocks from the beach! Estimated Co...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166655 MLS
Don't miss this charming home at Maple Ridge at West Bay. In addition to three bedrooms the home offers a living/dining room combination, kitchen with an eat-in bar and ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100166637 MLS
A great opportunity to own this move in ready home in the desirable neighborhood of Tarin Woods. Built by Bud Blanton in 2014 this home offers an open floor plan and ove...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166553 MLS
Offered for sale, this beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath home is situated in the desirable Nautical Greens neighborhood of The Cape. Built in 2015, this home comes with numerous...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100164208 MLS
BRAND NEW MOVE IN READY HOME!!! Murrayville Crossing presents the Arden Plan. 1885 SqFt w/4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths! OPEN Floor plan! Kitchen with GRANITE, Stainless Steel...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166411 MLS
JUNE COMPLETION!!!! Murrayville Crossing is the newest D.R. Horton community! The Penwell plan is the same as the model home! This home has a flex/ dining room when you e...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166394 MLS
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION. August 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 pantr...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100166391 MLS
McKee Homes presents the Biltmore II European with a charming front entrance opening to a soaring two-story foyer, elegant dining room, inviting family room, and a newly ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166387 MLS
There's nothing to do but just move into this immaculate, almost new, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1 car garage townhome. The Durham floorplan offers an open living concept. The ki...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 100166379 MLS
The Caldwell is a brand new ranch plan has everything you are looking for in just under 2000 sq ft! A main living area includes a formal dining room, large kitchen island...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100166372 MLS
Enjoy all the amenities River Bluffs has to offer in this inviting, single-level wood frame resale home built by Legacy Homes! The ''Elizabeth'' floor plan includes walk-...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100166128 MLS
Built in 2016, this beautiful 5 bedroom home has 3450 square foot, is located in Plantation Landing and has pond views. The foyer opens into the living room, breakfast no...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 100165926 MLS
Imagine coming home to this uniquely beautiful coastal cottage in sought after Shinnwood West Development. This lovely home is LIKE NEW and has been meticulously cared f...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100165677 MLS
NEW construction on premium lot in Anchors Bend in Ogden/Middle Sound Loop. 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths + Bonus + Screened Porch. Upgrades include solid core interior doors,...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 100165601 MLS
McKee Homes presents the Owen Classic, a new ranch floorplan that delivers spacious one level living. It comes complete with a large kitchen island, walk-in pantry, and t...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 100165387 MLS
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