There are definite advantages to buying an older home. The character and charm of brick and stone, and the architecture used in homes that were built more than 50 years ago, is often lost in today’s cookie cutter developments. These homes also come with memories and a history that families have created, which gives them even more appeal.
But the problem is that, practically speaking, older homes come with more maintenance than you will want to deal with. Many of them have ancient roofs, plumbing problems, and heating and cooling systems that can be costly. With monthly mortgage bills, taxes, and electric bills to deal with, these maintenance issues make these classic homes unattractive.
One of the advantages of buying a new home is you can be sure that the roof is brand new, and that your equipment is up to date. A new home will have fresh paint, untouched flooring and new appliances. So whether you are moving because of a job, military relocation, or you simply want to start over again in a new town, here are a few more advantages of buying a new home that might make you re-think settling for old-time charm.
- Customized Design. You probably have an idea of what you want your ideal home to look like, whether you are considering large luxury homes or smaller ones. From the paint, to the furnishings, to the the doorways, you will have an idea of what will best fit you and your family’s personality. With a pre-existing home, you will likely have to re-create what has already been installed in the house. For example, if you like arched doorways, you may have to completely change the construction of the ceiling to support your design. If you can catch the builder before the home is built, you may be able to alter the construction to fit your needs.
- Green Appliances. For most households, appliances make up a large part of their monthly energy bill. While heating and cooling still incur the most costs, a recent study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that appliance usage, along with electronics and lighting, accounts for a much larger percentage of overall residential energy output than it did 20 years ago. As of 2008, heating was about 41.5% of all energy, and appliances, electronics, and lighting was a close second at 34.6%. In the early 90’s, the disparity between the two was almost double.
- Dream Kitchen. There are many places in a home that draw your attention, one of them being the kitchen. In an older home, you will not be able to design the kitchen exactly the way you want. One of the biggest advantages of buying a new home is that you can pick out the highest quality counter tops, such as granite or quartz, get cabinets to match, and also have the flooring you want. You can also enlarge the kitchen to the size you desire if you catch the builder before construction has begun. In fact, one of the tips for buying a new home is to look for contractors who are developing in an area. This gives you ample time to work with the builder and tweak the home to your specifications.
So if you are moving, the best thing to do would be to contact local realtors and talk to them about new developments, your wishlist, and the real estate market in your new town. They can help you narrow down your search, and find the best home for you and your family. Read more.