Let’s face it. For most of us, buying a property is the biggest purchase anyone can make in a lifetime. And as such, it’s the most crucial. If you do it in a rush, there’s a good chance you could throw precious money away. And regret the decision later. It certainly is no walk in the park. In the end, you’ll eventually have to choose between building a new house and purchasing an old one.
For one, building a house from scratch is desirable because the end product is custom-made to your liking. Indeed, having your design and the layout that you’ve always dreamed of is fulfilling. Still, some homeowners prefer the stability and charm of an old building. Plus, you can transfer to the old place as soon as everything’s agreed, something you can’t do when building a new home.
Indeed, the more you think about it, the more it sounds like choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea. Fret not, however. We’ve compiled the pros and cons of each purchase so you can decide what works best for you.
Pros of Buying An Old Home
Many potential homeowners are drawn to buying an existing property because of two reasons. First is the cost, and the second is convenience. You will still have to iron some details but long story short, buying an existing property involves less hassle than building a new one.
The first step, of course, is to be pre-approved by your respective lender. In doing so, you must ensure you’re getting the best mortgage rates you can find. A good one is a perfect fit for your financial status and goals. After getting your lender’s pre-approval, you can then proceed to scout and pick the best home you can find.
Plus, a reliable real estate agent will smoothen the ride. You can benefit from them in so many ways. They can help you find the best properties then guide you throughout the home buying process.
And once it’s all done, you can even move in after a month or even less if the circumstances permit. Truth be told, the temptation of moving in after the deal is made can be the most charming appeal of an existing property.
The Downsides of an Existing Home
Of course, older homes will reveal some inherent issues now and then. One of which is that maintenance could be more expensive. Indeed, renovations and repairs for old homes can easily add up over time. We’re talking about an outdated kitchen, lack of a dependable heating system, and insulation gaps. They may seem like minor issues as of now, but the damaged areas could pile up quickly. And things could get ugly pretty fast.
Pros of Building a New Home
Right off the bat, know that there are many factors to consider before choosing to build a new home. It’s like starting a new business. You’ll have to find suitable land, get a dependable builder or architect, not to mention finalize all the aspects of every structure for your home, It is a very tiring process, but it is definitely worth all the hard work.
The biggest advantage is that you are more likely to get the design and structure that you want. And this one reason alone is why people choose to wait for their desired home to finish rather than live in an old home.
Plus, new homes have more sustainable appliances, toilets, plumbing, and electrical fixtures. One that can save you money for a long time.
The Downsides of A New Home
A new home requires developers and builders in the building process. Thus, the risks are higher, and the costs are more expensive than buying an old house. In short, it’s a tall order.
Generally, you will sign a contract before the building starts. Unfortunately, the price initially agreed there is not a guaranteed price. Costs may rise due to the fluctuations in the cost of materials and a hyper-extended building period. All that could bleed you dry.
On top of all that, you will have to look into newly implemented rules and regulations such as energy codes, fire sprinklers, and house erosion control. It’s an exhaustive list. And factor all that in.
The consolation? You’ll have something you’ll never have when buying an old one—a custom-built house.