If you're in an area where new communities are popping up over night, it can be really easy to get lured in by the perfectly staged model homes and sparkly new neighborhoods.
When you're buying an existing home, it's a little easier to be more objective and clearly see the pros and cons of what you're buying. But, when it comes to a new neighborhood that hasn't been finished yet, it can be harder to anticipate what the cons might be.
So, to help you make the right decision for you, we're going to break down the pros and cons of buying a new construction home.
5 Pros To Buying New Construction:
1. Everything Is Brand New:
There is definitely something exciting about moving in to a home that nobody has lived in before. Plus, you'll know everything about the home from the beginning - which eliminates questions about what exactly has happened to that existing home in the years it was owned by other people.
If you've ever experienced the joys (and frustrations) of renovating an older home and constantly having your contractor call you to tell you about yet another surprise found within the old walls, you will be particularly attracted to the fresh, clean slate that comes with a new home.
2. You Can Customize Your Home:
If you happen to buy before the home is even built, you may even be able to choose where in the community it is and the exterior color or style. And, unless the home has already been built, you'll likely be able to pick all of the interior finishes.
Moving in to a brand new, finished home that you were able to customize is a great feeling! This certainly alleviates some of the stress of buying a home that you know you'll want to be renovating in the near future.
If you'll be designing a new home, be sure to read our post on 9 things to know about buying new construction for tips on what to upgrade and what to wait on.
3. The Backyard is a Clean Slate:
Most new homes come with a little front yard landscaping and dirt in the backyard. While landscaping an entire yard can be costly, you'll also get the pleasure of designing it exactly how you want it.
Ripping out concrete and other established landscaping is expensive and messy, so being able to bring your vision to life from the start is a selling point for buyers who know what they want.
4. The Neighborhood Will Be New:
Moving in to a brand new neighborhood can be really exciting. All of the neighbors are usually still on a high from building their dream home and want to take care of them. Plus, there are no long-standing feuds or neighbors who have stopped caring for their homes to worry about.
Of course, you don't know how everybody will get along and what the personality of the neighborhood will become, but you will get to be a part of designing what that future will be for all of you.
5. You'll Have a Home Warranty:
One of the best parts of buying a new home is that everything is still under warranty - from the appliances to the garage doors.
New homes do settle, especially in the first year, so you will want to expect some repairs, but you should be able to get them easily fixed by the builder.
And, if that new stove starts going on the fritz, you can contact the company to get it fixed or replaced - no problem.
Be sure to fill out all the warranty information for anything not automatically included, so that you can get those repairs if needed and keep them all in a safe space.
Having your whole home under warranty is a great resource that you should definitely take advantage of if needed!
5 Cons To Buying New Construction:
1. Your Home Will Still Need Updating:
Sure, you fell in love with that model home, but your new home will probably not look exactly the same. For one thing, most model homes have designer upgrades that are not included in your home purchase, so make sure to ask exactly what is, or isn't, included, so you can set your expectations.
In fact, new homes, when finished, can feel a bit more sterile than you might think. Make sure to set aside some funds to make some updates that will make it feel like yours, such as lighting, wallpaper, furniture, and drapery.
2. Your Neighborhood Will Have Growing Pains:
Since you won't be moving in to an established neighborhood where people have already set up traditions or even put a neighborhood watch into place, you'll want to expect some growing pains.
Everyone's reasons for buying in that neighborhood might be a little different, from the retired couple looking for quiet to a young family who needs more room to run and play. Take the time to get to know your neighbors, take welcome baskets and say hello, and communicate upfront about anything you're uncomfortable with. Over time, each neighborhood creates their own little culture, from the streets where block parties every Friday are the norm to the ones where people prefer a private, quieter life.
It's always better to build positive relationships and establish fun traditions everyone is comfortable with than harboring negative feelings forever about that one family that took a whole year to to finish their secret garden landscaping that meant you lived with additional construction noise for what seemed like forever.
3. Landscaping Will Need To Grow In:
That backyard might have the potential to be the yard of your dreams, but even if you plant right away, it could take up to 10 years (or sometimes longer) for everything to grow in. Being patient can be frustrating, especially when you really want to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Plus, there is something so charming about a tree-lined street, but those newly panted trees will take a long time to look like more than twigs. Try not to be too jealous of the mature trees in other areas and focus on the positive of being able to choose all of the plants around you.
4. Finding Vendors Takes Time:
Most new home owners need a number of vendors in just their first year, from electricians to hang lighting to landscape architects. Finding reputable vendors and getting quotes takes a lot of time and there's always a question mark if you've chosen the right person.
There are definitely vendors who prey on new home owners from out of the area, so a word of advice: don't rush into anything. Take the time to talk to locals and see what kind of work is done for your neighbors. Then, when you're ready, choose a vendor and hope for the best.
5. New Communities Are Loud:
But, not in the way you think. Fact is, your home may be finished, but there could be many more still under construction. Those trucks and workers will be there early (possibly even before you're awake) and will be working hard all day long.
Then, once the homes are built, everyone will be hiring vendors for all sorts of work, landscaping work being the loudest. And, of course, a fair amount of home owners will be installing pools.
This translates to at least a year of solid trucks and construction noise, unless you're the last one to move in. If you're home a good amount of the day, you will notice this more than people who work outside the home.
Prepare yourself for the noise, enjoy the fact that you can close your double-paned windows to block most of it out and be sure to close windows when the dust and dirt are at their peak.
Remember that this will be over before you know it and you'll all have a beautiful, new neighborhood for many years to come.
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What do you think? Would you buy a new construction home? Many people have the dream to design and build a new home and we can certainly understand the allure. Just make sure you know the pros and cons, so you can set your expectations and enjoy the process.
If you're looking to buy or sell in the Sacramento area - give us a call at 916.524.9733. Or, check out some of our other posts with great tips for buyers and sellers:
Thanks for reading!