Identical Floor Plans Do Not Necessarily Mean Identical Homes – New Homes Vs Used Homes

By Brad On July 7, 2011 Under Home

Recently at a Builder Realtor Alliance Committee meeting at the Columbus Board of Realtors, the topic was home inspections. Two professional home inspectors presented various topics to the builders and the Realtors present. One of the presenters made the comment, “Have you ever had a customer make the comment that they just don’t build them like they used to? Well, thank goodness that they don’t!”

Buying a new home is a daunting task under any circumstances, but buying a home in this economy can be downright frightening. The process can be quite intimidating, especially if you don’t know if you want an older home or a new home. New homes are a great investment, even during an economic downturn. Many builders are selling homes for pennies on the dollar, just to break even. Add this to the fact that many builders are offering free upgrades, and it’s a win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller. The builder avoids foreclosure on the property, and the buyer can customize to his heart’s content.

It’s understandable how it happens… people walk into a shop, see something they love and say ‘I want that one’ (Little Britain Style). Then they proceed to the next shop, without taking a sample of the previous choice and fall in love with another colour. ‘I want that one’ (rinse and repeat). The problem is that when these selections are combined, they are terrible! The colour tones clash and the overall finish of the new home is not as it should be.

Free upgrades are also of great advantage to the buyer. If you are buying a home that is not yet built, you can pick out your tile, carpet, counter tops, and more. With free upgrades, you can opt for the pricier upgrades that you love, without a hit to your budget. You can also add windows, steps to a deck, move walls and even add a basement!

Every home must have an inspection before the sale is completed, but new homes have the added advantage of inspections not unearthing nasty, expensive problems. Builders will often pay for a home inspection as an added incentive to buy, another great help to your schedule and your budget.

Although the tax credit for buying a home expired in September, new homes will easily qualify you for the energy efficiency credit. Older homes would need new appliances, windows, air conditioning units, etc. to qualify. There may be other tax credits available to you, so check with your tax specialist for details.

The best advantage of building is picking out your lot. Some lots have a higher price tag, but builders are sometimes willing to waive the extra cost just to get rid of the lot. Bargain with your builder, as it is most definitely a buyer’s market.

From exterior doors, to sink faucets, to the way homes are backfilled during construction, to the use of basement waterproofing, even in just the last few years, the materials and methodologies have significantly improved. That home inspector was right, “Thank goodness they don’t build them like they used to”.