“You can’t make the right decision all the time. But you can make every decision right.”
– Robert H. Schuller
How to choose between a new or resale home.
If you’re in the market for anything, you’ll inevitably face the decision between new or used. Department store or Facebook marketplace; retail store or thrift store; new car at the dealership or a used car lot. Buying a home isn’t any different. New construction and resale homes both have their advantages and setbacks. Let’s dive into the key pros and cons of each.
New Construction Pros
Customizable features – Pick finishes, layouts, features to suit your wants & needs.
Brand new systems and appliances – No deferred maintenance issues.
Modern design and amenities – Open floorplans, smart tech, luxury finishes.
Energy efficiency – Better insulation leads to lower utility bills.
Warranties provide protection – Many new builds come with 1-year workmanship warranty.
No renovations needed – Everything is turnkey move-in ready.
New Construction Cons
Longer timeline – Months to build vs. a quick resale closing.
Limited neighborhood data – Hard to assess noise, traffic, other factors.
Limited floorplans – Builders may have pre-set blueprints to choose from.
Higher upfront costs – May pay a premium for customization.
HOA involvement – Many have mandatory associations.
Resale Homes Pros
Immediate availability – Move in fast, closings take weeks not months.
Established neighborhoods – Vetted areas with history of sales.
Lower cost – Saves potentially tens of thousands vs. new builds.
Access to inventory – New listings daily across all areas.
Flexible to renovate – Customize home over time to suit tastes.
Mature landscaping – Foliage established over time.
Resale Homes Cons
May require renovations – Upgrades needed to modernize.
Unknown history – Previous owners, issues are not always disclosed.
Older features – Outdated layouts, fixtures, and elements that need updating
Systems near end of lifespan – Risk of needing repairs or replacement.
Competitive bids – Desirable resales spark bidding wars.
Limited floorplan customization – Within existing floorplan and structure.
Choose Your Real Estate Battles Wisely
At the end of the day, deciding between new construction and an existing resale home comes down to choosing what matters most for your lifestyle, location, and priorities. There are compelling reasons on both sides of the fence. Focus on the pros most important to you and be willing to compromise on some of the cons that are less critical.
For example, if modern luxury is your top priority, new construction may be worth a premium price or HOA involvement. But if budget is number one, forgoing some upgrades in a resale home might make more sense. There are workarounds for most cons if the key pros align with your must-haves.
Don’t agonize endlessly – pick your top one or two non-negotiable pros, accept the attached cons, and make the best decision you can with the information available. Then get excited for your new home, whatever it may be!
Here are some other relevant blogs you might find helpful: [Time in the Market vs. Timing the Market] & [Resurrecting an Outdate Property: Tips for reviving a Fixer-Upper]
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