There are many benefits to buying a new Arizona home over an existing home. Here are a few educational home-buying tips we offer clients to illustrate new home benefits. We want to provide you with the confidence you need to make your move.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Neighborhood planning has come a long way over the past few decades. New Arizona home communities today are built to provide features that enhance the lifestyle of the residents. Community parks, trails and schools are often within walking distance. Brand new schools also tend to be rated highly in many areas and feature the latest technology. The ability to choose a location within the community can be attractive as well. Do you want a south-facing lot near a park? Many of those tough location-based wish list items may be easier to pin down at a new Arizona community.
MODERN FLOOR PLANS THAT MEET TODAY’S LIFESTYLES
If you walk through AZ neighborhoods built in the mid twentieth century, there’s one thing you’ll probably notice right away: modifications. From additions to pop tops, these changes were made because the floor plans of yesteryear don’t match up with today’s lifestyle. Homebuyers now seek open floor plans, more informal living areas and master suites with private baths. If you want a flexible home that works with the way you live from the start, a new home may be the better choice.
DESIGN DECISIONS
When you choose to build new, you have the power to build your dream home to match your individual tastes and lifestyle. This can be especially great for homebuyers that walk into an existing home and can’t get past aged laminate and dated cabinetry. Buying new allows you to choose your ideal floor plan and personalize it with fixtures and finishes you love. Plus, the cost of upgrades can be rolled into your mortgage payment, allowing you to avoid pricey out-of-pocket renovations down the road.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
When you buy existing homes, you run the risk of getting less effective insulation, drafty windows and used appliances. Newer homes tend to have more energy efficient features, which could save you on energy costs in the long run.
PRACTICAL STORAGE
There’s nothing more frustrating than walking into a beautifully updated existing home, only to find that the closets are the size of a postage stamp. Buying a brand new home means modernized storage solutions that work with how people live today. Convenient features such as walk-in closets, generous kitchen pantries and cabinets with pullout shelves are often standard. Many floor plans even offer room and garage extensions and finished basements.
LOWER INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Because new homes have modern plumbing, wiring and HVAC equipment, insurance companies tend to view them as a lower risk than older homes, a difference buyers could see in their premiums.
LESS MAINTENANCE
The cost of maintenance is something many homebuyers overlook, especially if it’s their first home purchase. Remind yourself that if you buy new, its likely you won’t need to upgrade, repair or replace the furnace, water heater, windows or other items with a limited lifespan for years to come. New homes are also built to meet modern building codes, which can set homebuyers’ minds at ease.
WARRANTIES
While warranties are less common on existing homes, they are very common on new homes. This can be a huge factor for homebuyers who don’t necessarily have money set aside for unplanned or emergency home repairs often associated with older resale homes. The example below illustrates a homebuyer’s warranty coverage’s. Keep in mind every new Arizona homebuilder varies and you’ll want to consult with your local real estate professional for accurate home warranty coverage.
- 1-year limited warranty on stated materials and workmanship
- 2-year limited warranty on stated systems
- 10-year limited warranty on major structural items
GREATER PEACE OF MIND
Depending on the stage of construction, new homebuyers can actually see their homes being built from the ground up. What an incredible piece of mind! It’s unlike any other major product purchase. Knowing who is building your home also gives you confidence that you’re getting a quality product.
NEW HOMES VS EXISTING PROPERTIES…
While it may seem like new construction is the perfect choice, we continue to uncover significant opportunities in Arizona resale properties. A large portion of our home buying clientele comprehend the equitable values found in existing homes, especially after considerable improvements have been made at the seller’s expense! When we begin our home search, we’ll be sure to weigh out all options that best suite your home & lifestyle requests.
