More people are buying homes today than ever. There are some people who really enjoy buying “fixer-uppers.” It is like a hobby to them. For the sake of this article, we are talking about the typical first-time homebuyer who is looking to purchase their very first property. Read: The Pros and Cons of a Newly Built Home – FORBES. While older homes can be charming, this article will tell you about some of the many reasons that you should purchase a new home, rather than and older. 

• More amenities/conveniences. New homes feature newer and better materials, built-in appliances, high-speed data access, more wiring for all those electronics, and perks such as jetted tubs, and granite countertops. 

• Safety. Many new homes come equipped with smoke detectors on every level, complete with battery back-ups that will allow them to still work, even if the power goes out. The risk of fire is drastically lowered, as the homes don’t need space heaters and have efficient AC units. Circuit breakers have replaced fuse boxes, which can be overloaded by using the wrong-size fuse. Ground fault interrupters for bathrooms, kitchens, and outside receptacles reduce the chance of fire and electrocution. Today’s glass in tub enclosures and patio doors in new homes must be tempered so that it will crumble if broken instead of shattering into shards which are extremely dangerous.  

• Health. The building industry has responded to the health risks of certain products by building with products and systems that make new homes better for your health. Asbestos, which can increase the risk of respiratory disease, has been eliminated from shingles, pipe, cement board, roof tar, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulation. Lead is no longer used as an ingredient for plumbing. See: Top Ten Reasons Home Buyers Prefer New Homes. Formaldehyde emissions from particle board and hardwood plywood have been greatly reduced in new homes.

• Energy efficiency. Because of better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, better control of air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, new homes consume half as much energy as homes built prior to 1980. Old homes tend to be drafty and less comfortable, and frost and condensation are more likely to appear on windows, drip down, and cause deterioration of wood trim and walls. For more information: How to Buy in New Construction – HGTV Real Estate

• Lower maintenance. New homes require less maintenance. New homes are available with siding, windows, and trim that never need painting. Wood decks are typically made of pressure-treated lumber resistant to rot and insects. Pressure-treated wood also is used where wood comes in contact with concrete.

Ultimately, buyers’ decisions will come down to what they want to spend on a home and improvements, access to work and services, and community amenities. In a new neighborhood, where everything is new and shiny, a lot of selling isn’t needed. But in an older neighborhood, you must do the selling. The buyer won’t know which way to go unless you tell them what you know about the neighborhood.

 

2 Comments

  1. Al

    i’d say as a younger person who just bought my first home, that newly constructed homes are the way to go. The bills are cheaper, less problems arise, the amenities are great, and, already there! You don’t have to deal with re-painting, remodeling a bathroom, and so on. I do love the look of older homes, but it seems they are so expensive to purchase and maintain.

    Reply
  2. Lisa R

    New construction homes are great when you’re young. Most everything is still under warranty if it breaks. Plus, the appliances and countertops are always much nicer than older homes.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *