Home Buying Advice – Investing In A New Vs Existing Home

by Alexandria P. Anderson on May 24, 2009

Most first-time homebuyers find it both practical and interesting to have a ‘new’ house for a number of benefits: a new space to raise your family, brand new amenities and home features, and the fact that you need not to worry about costs on maintenance or renovation in the first year.

Nevertheless, brand new properties are more expensive than existing ones and you’re not always sure what awaits you in the new neighborhood you will be living in.

Comparing the strengths and limitations of each scenario helps in coming up with the best decision for your home buying; the following are questions you must keep in mind when you begin finding your new home.

1. To what extent would you be wanting to pay for your desired property? Expect a premium price on any brand new home because of its freshness; basically, you will be the first one to use everything, from the bathroom, kitchen appliances, to the painted walls and carpeted rooms.

2. Does resale value matter to you? A brand new home typically appreciates faster than existing homes, explains author Ilyce Glink of the book ’100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask’. If you are planning on selling your home in the very near future, a brand new home may have a higher market value shortly after you move in, making it easier to sell the home for a profit.

3. Are you the type of person who can adapt well? The construction of new homes rapidly increases at a certain time, thus, being a new homeowner in an area may require knowing more people in the neighborhood before having a full knowledge about the whole area. Two important factors necessary in a household of small children or elderly are safety and security, you can discover your options to ensure that your house is safe and secure all the time.

4. Would you be willing to spend your resources in a home renovation? The value of existing homes can extremely appreciate especially if you have the willingness to allot resources for its maintenance or renovation. Finding good investments that will work in the long run but can be profitable even in a shorter time is possible with a ‘fixer upper’.

5. Are you looking for an investment or a primary residence? Many younger first time home buyers are looking for investment properties that they can fix up and sell quickly to turn a profit. Mature home buyers are more likely to be in the market for a primary residence since they want to settle down and establish themselves in the neighborhood. Consider what your short-term and long-term goals are so you can make the best decision for your first home purchase.

Once you have decided and thought about the amount you are willing to spend for your new home, its about time to choose between an existing or a new home. These questions may all be helpful as you pick the best option suited to your budget and future plan.

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