Builder's are Back, Is new better?

Originally posted on Rod's Real Estate News with Realtor® Rod, July 10th, 2015

Many home buyers may be feeling frustrated at the lack of resale inventory in the market. Here in Clark County it remains a tight seller's market. There are many buyers and they seem to be preferring that move-in ready house rather than the one that needs "TLC". The builders are back and they have come with force. Dozens of new developments are underway all over the fruited plain.

For the buyer that has to have the house just so, a new home holds an advantage in that often times the buyer can choose carpets, flooring, counter tops, colors, etc. The downside is that builders are booked solid and completion times are pushing 6-7 months. New spec homes are always and option but they lose the pick you theme angle in exchange for buy me now availability.

The general theme in new homes has been big house, tiny lot. The older homes are usually found on nice big lots with 7-8 thousand square feet and go back to the 1970s and you will likely find reasonably priced homes on 10,000 foot lots.

That remains the trade off, older homes on giant lots versus newer homes on smaller lots. In general a new house will appreciate quicker in the first 5 years. When looking at newer subdivisions consider the neighborhood and price ranger. Entry level homes will often hold up better if an HOA or strong CC&Rs exist to keep the neighborhood conforming and tidy. Generally upscale developments with large expensive homes fare well with or without an HOA.

I have written in the past that sometimes buying a brand new house in an older neighborhood can backfire. Be aware of your needs and think about the future. Buying a home is a little more "permanent" than renting and will require a bit more time commitment on the part of the purchaser.

Most new home developments list their properties on the local MLS so your favorite Realtor® can still help you find your dream home, whether it is brand new or 100 years old.