Many house hunters are under the mistaken impression that new construction is flawless, a perception that may be challenging to wrestle with if your home is surrounded by brand-new development. In reality, there can be just as many inspection issues with new builds as there are with resale properties. On the other hand, new homes do have some advantages because they’re not worn. Here are three pros and three cons of new construction.
Pros
- Less wear and tear. Buyers of new construction can expect fewer imperfections in the product. Scratched floors and cracks in walls, for example, are more commonplace in resale homes than new ones. Finishes and design flourishes in new homes may also be brighter and more colorful because they are untouched.
- Built-in technology. While many homeowners have been slow to adopt smart-home technology, developers are jumping on the bandwagon more quickly and incorporating smart features into their projects. Smart door locks and thermostats are among the most popular products developers request, but some are eyeing more comprehensive packages that include smart humidity sensors and the ability to control access to a home remotely.
- It’s a blank canvas. Buyers may feel more like they are designing a home specifically for them when starting from scratch with a brand-new home, which can be a big psychological motivator in a purchase decision. Though resale buyers, too, have the opportunity to make a home their own, they may not feel complete ownership of its style because they’re either adding to, morphing, or covering up the previous owner’s sense of style.
Cons
- Flaws due to building shortcuts. Builders may take shortcuts in the construction process to cut costs, and that can result in blemishes in the home. You’re going to have a more substantial house in an older home because it’s had owners that have cared for it.
- Style over functionality. Builders are hyperfocused on open floor plans, as it’s a top priority for today’s buyers. But that often requires sacrificing storage space. To achieve a truly open space, builders often have to decrease the size of closets and other areas of the home designed for storage. That can be problematic for meeting the needs of buyers who envision purchasing a long-term residence.
- Incomplete curb appeal. Many builders put all of their effort—and investment—into the front of the house so it looks good to potential buyers driving by. But they’ll sometimes leave the backyard unattended to. Many new-home buyers may have to assume all the costs of backyard landscaping, including planting grass or laying sod, as well as planting trees and other shrubbery. This can be a huge expense, too.
Source: RealtorMag, Graham Wood
Donald Horne, Broker / Owner | Team Success Listing LLC
810-338-0628 | teamsuccesslisting@gmail.com
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