Learn the Pros and Cons of Buying Either a New Home or a Resale

John Karadsheh

Buyers definitely are out and about this month, and, while we are seeing many of our clients choose resales, several also are choosing new construction.

What are the pros and cons of new versus resale?  Here are our thoughts on both.

Pros of New

1. Everything is new. Less maintenance and warranties in place for the first couple of years.
2. You can pick your own finishes and upgrades to create your look.
3. Floor plan flexibility via builder options.
4. A brand new neighborhood.

Cons of New

1. It’s new. Additional upfront costs to purchase window coverings, reverse osmosis and soft water systems, build a pool, and add landscaping and design extras.
2. New homes typically are more expensive than resales per square foot.
3. Smaller lots.
4. Home may take six to 12 months to be ready for move-in.
5. You will be living in a construction zone until the subdivision is complete.
6. The home may be more difficult to sell, as long as the builder still is selling the same floor plan in your community.

Pros of Resale

1. Neighborhood desirability and location.
2. Typically more square footage for the money.
3. Larger lots.
4. More mature landscaping.
5. Existing pools.
6. Available for move-in within 45 days or less.

Cons of Resale

1. Home may need to be updated or completely remodeled.
2. Existing upgrades may not be to your taste.
3. Home may need maintenance and repairs.
4. Appliances may be at the end of their lives.
5. Landscaping may need updating.

If you are interested in new, please remember to call us the first time you visit the subdivision, so we can represent you. Are you thinking of moving in 2016? Give us a call, so we can set you up on a home search today.

John Karadsheh is the Designated Broker for KOR Properties. He has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for more than 13 years, and is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). In 2014, John was voted the No. 1 Real Estate Agent in Arizona by Ranking Arizona. You can reach John at (480) 568-8684, or visit his website at www.KORproperties.com.  

KOR Properties also is the creator and one of the founding sponsors of Mesa Food Truck Fridays.