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.
However, a brand new home can be significantly more expensive than an existing home and you don't always know what to expect if you're one of the few homes in a growing neighborhood.
Yet, you can gain and learn from this situation with sufficient know-how on the pros and cons of homebuying; below are some significant steps to follow as you begin scouting for your new home.
1. How much extra are you willing to pay for a new home? A brand new home is priced at a premium because of the 'newness' factor; you'll be the first person to use the bathroom and kitchen appliances, will be walking into freshly carpeted rooms, and making the most of the freshly painted walls.
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. Can you easily adapt to a new neighborhood? Many new home constructions move at a very fast rate and as one of the first homeowners in the area -- knowing what the neighborhood is like wont happen unless you get to meet more people in your new environment. If you have family consisting of smaller children or elderly living with you, it can be great to factor in safety and security by finding out your options as far as making your property safe.
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.
Deciding whether to buy a new or existing home will largely depend on your short and long-term goals, and the amount of money you are willing or able to spend right away. Consider all of the above questions when you're deciding between the two options so you can make the best investment with your resources.
Alexandria P. Anderson is a Minnesota Real Estate Investing specialist. If you are a MN First Time Homebuyer she can help you to find real estate that's perfect for your needs. Get a free copy of "The Investors' Rental Guide" at GreatInvestmentProperty dot com.
