As a Home Buyer, one of the options to consider is New Construction. There are advantages and disadvantages to buying a New Home vs a Pre-Owned Home. In both cases, it is important that you work with a reputable Buyer's Agent who can assist you with the details and help you to make the experience a positive one.

Advantages of Building a New Home:

• You make all the design and decorating decisions.
• You choose the floor plan that suits your needs.
• The home is inspected at several stages by municipal inspectors.
• You receive a long-term warranty.
• Everything in the home is brand new.
• You are surrounded by other new homes in your subdivision.
• You get to see your home in all stages of construction.

Disadvantages of Building a New Home:

• You have a much longer wait to move in. Usually 90-150 days from contract date.
• If you sell your existing home quickly, you may require a double move.
• Features like landscaping and draperies are not included, as they would be with a pre-owned home; factor these extra costs into your total price.
• All upgrades are at cost plus mark-up. In a pre-owned buy, you usually pay less than cost for upgrades.
• The neighborhood usually has no mature trees or landscaping.
• Ongoing construction of other homes may be disruptive to the neighborhood.
• Builders are less likely to negotiate price than pre-owned Sellers.

* Some of these disadvantages can be controlled or minimized by employing the services of a Buyer's Agent.

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