August 19, 2015The Difference Between Buying A New Home vs. Buying A Used Home

One reason why the home buying process can be difficult is due to the many decisions you have to make. If you’re thinking about moving into a new home, the first question that is likely on your mind is whether it’s better to buy new or used. Here are some of the differences between buying new and buying used when it comes to the home buying process.

Fresh and New

The main advantage of buying new is that you can expect your new home to be fresh and new. You’ll be the very first person to live in your home with fresh, new features and fixtures, so you won’t have to worry about having that ‘already lived in’ feel in your new home.

Personalization

A big advantage of buying new vs. used is the personalization you can make. When buying a used home, you are getting what the previous owners had in their home, and if it happens to be out of date, you’ll have to spend extra money to renovate it to your taste. When you build a home, you can put the features and fixtures that you want in your home to suit your lifestyle. So, together, we can build a home that is all about you.

Lower Cost of Ownership

When you purchase a new home, you’re getting a home built to current building and energy codes. These building and energy codes influence how your home is built and the types of appliances that your home will come with, so your new home will be more energy efficient than a used home because it will be outfitted with better insulation, energy-efficient appliances and low-e windows.

For example, ENERGY STAR® appliances use less energy and water. So, while you may pay more upfront for a new home, you will end up saving money in the long run with lower energy and water bills, which directly relate to a lower ongoing cost of ownership. It’s also possible that you will get tax breaks every year due to the modern, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures in your new home.

Modern Features and Fixtures

Another advantage of buying new is that you can expect your new home to have all the latest features and fixtures. Your home will come with some of the following items: modern countertops, brand new cabinets, updated appliances and other modern finishes. An older home, on the other hand, may have outdated appliances and finishes. If you want your ‘used’ home to be more modern, expect to pay serious cash to have the renovations and updates done by a contractor.

Easier to Buy

New homes tend to be easier to buy than resale homes, as home builders like Smith Douglas will work with you every step of the way to make sure you have the help you need.

When buying new, you have two different options – buying a quick move-in home or buying a pre-sale home where you get to build it to your specifications. When buying a quick move-in home (often referred to as an inventory home), it’s already complete and is literally ready to be moved into, allowing you the ability to get into a new home quickly if you’re in a pinch to get into a home. When you compare that to buying a used house, you will have to work out a move-in date with the sellers which could postpone your move-in date depending on their needs. 

Buying a pre-sale home is when you work with the home builder to build the home from the ground up. You can pick your land, pick your home type and select all of the interior features to your taste so it suits your lifestyle. That’s something you just can’t do when buying a used home.

Home Warranty

When you buy a new home, you get a huge advantage in the form of a home warranty. When you purchase a resale home, it won’t come with much of a warranty or possibly no warranty at all. When you purchase a new home, though, your property is protected. When you purchase from Smith Douglas Homes, your home comes with a 1-Year Limited Warranty and a 10-Year Structural Defects Limited Warranty.

Overall, if you’re planning on searching for a house, there are plenty of reasons to buy a new home. If you’re ready to begin the home buying process, contact a Smith Douglas New Home Specialist today. We’re ready to get you into your new home.