New Construction vs. Existing Home?
by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos
New houses offer many advantages over existing homes. They are designed to accommodate the wishes and needs of today's homeowners as opposed to features that were popular many years ago. They will include the most requested features, such as Central Air Conditioning, Walk-in Closets, Open Living Space, Family Rooms, more Bathrooms and larger Bedrooms, for example. New homes are more energy efficient than older homes, and since everything is new (and usually under warranty), in the short-term there is less of a chance that the home buyers will spend money on costly repairs.
However, the quality and character of higher-end older homes simply cannot be compared to new construction. The craftsmanship, architectural details and materials that were used is superior to that of new/current construction.
Potential home buyers who prefer the idea of a new home, but do not have the time or budget for custom building, can satisfy their needs by purchasing a home built by a developer with a pre-determined design and specifications. Designs and specs are based on the developer's choices (not the buyer's). Depending on the developer the buyer may have some flexibility when selecting finishes, and cabinetry, etc.
In many parts of the country developers build large scale communities, in New York, however, this is extremely rare as there is very little undeveloped land left in the 5 boroughs (NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Nassau). In Queens and Nassau counties, for example, builders will often times buy homes in poor condition, tear them down, and re-build, or remodel and expand an existing home to the point where it is no longer recognizable.
Home buyers should not make the mistake of assuming that new construction is sound construction. You should do your homework, just as you would when buying a previously owned home. Investigate the builder, evaluate the location, get a through inspection, and negotiate for upgrades. Home buyers should feel comfortable with the builder before committing to a purchase. Whether through referrals, or personal research, the reputation of the builder should be checked carefully. A smart home buyer will visit other homes built by the same builder and should interview the homeowners, as durability of construction and homeowner satisfaction are extremely important.
From time to time you will find a group of homes, or a small-scale development in New York. However, they are often built on the developing edge of a neighborhood, so it is warranted to check the future plans for the community. Local zoning and planning departments may have a master development plan for the future development of an area. You should verify the school district and find out the general tax rate of the neighborhood.
It is also important to note that most new homes come with minimal landscaping, and it can cost the homeowner thousands of dollars to landscape. Most new homes also come with a basic level of finishes for carpeting, cabinetry and window treatments - do your research, sometimes it is cheaper to upgrade these features directly with the builder.
If you are considering a new home purchase give me a call today at 917-921-5397!
New houses offer many advantages over existing homes. They are designed to accommodate the wishes and needs of today's homeowners as opposed to features that were popular many years ago. They will include the most requested features, such as Central Air Conditioning, Walk-in Closets, Open Living Space, Family Rooms, more Bathrooms and larger Bedrooms, for example. New homes are more energy efficient than older homes, and since everything is new (and usually under warranty), in the short-term there is less of a chance that the home buyers will spend money on costly repairs.
However, the quality and character of higher-end older homes simply cannot be compared to new construction. The craftsmanship, architectural details and materials that were used is superior to that of new/current construction.
Potential home buyers who prefer the idea of a new home, but do not have the time or budget for custom building, can satisfy their needs by purchasing a home built by a developer with a pre-determined design and specifications. Designs and specs are based on the developer's choices (not the buyer's). Depending on the developer the buyer may have some flexibility when selecting finishes, and cabinetry, etc.
In many parts of the country developers build large scale communities, in New York, however, this is extremely rare as there is very little undeveloped land left in the 5 boroughs (NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Nassau). In Queens and Nassau counties, for example, builders will often times buy homes in poor condition, tear them down, and re-build, or remodel and expand an existing home to the point where it is no longer recognizable.
Home buyers should not make the mistake of assuming that new construction is sound construction. You should do your homework, just as you would when buying a previously owned home. Investigate the builder, evaluate the location, get a through inspection, and negotiate for upgrades. Home buyers should feel comfortable with the builder before committing to a purchase. Whether through referrals, or personal research, the reputation of the builder should be checked carefully. A smart home buyer will visit other homes built by the same builder and should interview the homeowners, as durability of construction and homeowner satisfaction are extremely important.
From time to time you will find a group of homes, or a small-scale development in New York. However, they are often built on the developing edge of a neighborhood, so it is warranted to check the future plans for the community. Local zoning and planning departments may have a master development plan for the future development of an area. You should verify the school district and find out the general tax rate of the neighborhood.
It is also important to note that most new homes come with minimal landscaping, and it can cost the homeowner thousands of dollars to landscape. Most new homes also come with a basic level of finishes for carpeting, cabinetry and window treatments - do your research, sometimes it is cheaper to upgrade these features directly with the builder.
If you are considering a new home purchase give me a call today at 917-921-5397!
Labels: cristina callegari kanellopoulos, existing construction, keller williams realty of greater nassau, long island, moving in New York, nassau, New construction, queens
posted by Cristina Callegari at
7:02 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home