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New Construction or Existing Homes?

When buying a home, you have two basic choices – buy one that someone else has lived in or buy new construction. In some parts of the U.S., there are far more existing homes than new construction like the Northeast. Most of us like new stuff but that might not always be the best decision with home buying. To help you make a more informed decision, here are some likely advantages and disadvantages for each.

 New ConstructionExisting Home
Initial purchase price
New construction is usually higher priced.
  Better
Lot size New construction is often planned neighborhoods with smaller lot sizes. Better
No updates or renovations neededBetter 
Generally lower maintenance costsBetter 
Mature landscaping Better
High competition with neighbors and new builds if you need to resale Better
Lead-based paint concern for houses before 1978Better 
Asbestos insulation or construction materialsBetter 
Up to modern building codesBetter 
Proximity to downtown
Most new construction is further away where land was available.
 
Better

It’s a tie!? Not really, since some items like proximity to amenities may outrank other wishes. Ultimately, that indescribable feeling or x-factor will reassure you that you found the right home, neighborhood, and town.

Ready to search for your next new or existing home? Use this search page or download the app.