🔑 New vs. Existing Homes: Know Your Options
Most homes on the market are resales, but 1 in 4 buyers chooses a brand-new home. Both options have advantages:
✨ New Homes
-
🛋 Innovative use of space and style
-
⚡ Greater energy efficiency
-
🛠 Choice of options and upgrades
-
🆕 Everything is new and modern
🏠 Existing Homes
-
💰 Usually less expensive
-
🌳 Often in established neighborhoods with mature landscaping
-
🛡 Homes have already settled, eliminating potential post-purchase issues
Most buyers consider both before making a decision.
📝 10 Key Points Before Visiting a Model Home
1️⃣ Determine Your Comfortable Price Range
• 💵 Calculate your budget carefully, including selling costs if you already own a home
• 🏦 First-time buyers: know your down payment & monthly debt limits
2️⃣ Sellers’ Agents vs. Buyers’ Agents
• 🤝 Model home agents represent the builder, not you
• 🕵️♂️ Buyers’ agents guide you on construction, financing, upgrades, and lot selection—at no extra cost
3️⃣ Choose the Right Builder
• 👷 Builders specialize differently: craftsmanship, innovation, financing, or customer service
• ✅ Match your priorities to the builder’s strengths
4️⃣ Get the Facts About Your Builder
• 📊 Check reputation and financial stability
• 🏗 Review floor plans, energy efficiency, lot availability, and delivery timelines
5️⃣ Research the Neighborhood
• 🏞 Community amenities, financial reserves, future development, and HOA rules
• 🚗 Commuting times and local infrastructure matter too
6️⃣ Options and Upgrades
• 💡 Add features like sunrooms, decks, or upgraded finishes
• 🎁 Take advantage of builder incentives for free upgrades or credits
7️⃣ Negotiations
• 💬 Some flexibility exists on price, lots, and upgrades
• 🏷 Ask about unsold homes, premium lots, or special financing
8️⃣ Protect Yourself in the Contract
• 📝 Place deposits in escrow, detail upgrades, schedule construction checks, clarify warranty fine print
9️⃣ Financing Options
• 🏦 Explore builder financing and outside lenders for rates, fees, and closing costs
🔟 Inspect Even if It’s New
• 🔍 Hire a licensed inspector & create a builder “punch list” before closing
🎁 Buyer Advantages Builders May Not Reveal
-
⏱ Immediate delivery homes ready within 30 days
-
🏡 Reasons: spec homes, model homes, or canceled contracts
-
💵 May include financing incentives or free upgrades
Immediate delivery homes give you a space to see and move into quickly—something many builders won’t advertise
🚀 Ready to Find Your New Home?
Let us guide you through every step of buying a new home!
📅 Schedule a Free Consultation Today
📘 Download Our Free Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting a Model Home
