8 Reasons to Choose a New Home Instead of a Resale

There are several reasons to buy a brand new home when you are ready to purchase. Here are 8 top reasons to choose a new home over a resale.

 

1. Customization -  Even in a semi-custom home where options are limited, a homebuyer can frequently choose the type of flooring, colors, fixtures, appliances, etc., therefore, putting their own personal signature on the home.  In addition, if there are several homes in a subdivision, the buyer can handpick their lot.

 

2. Efficiency - Building codes have required higher energy-efficiency standards over the years.  In many cases, your utility costs will be lower because of energy efficient products in the home that are now government mandated.  As homes that meet code are being built, it's pretty clear that they are going to be more efficient.

 

In addition, newer homes tend to have a tighter-sealed building envelope, or the enclosed part of a structure, that helps prevent conditioned air — cool air in the summer, warm air in the winter — from escaping. Features that create this envelope include higher-efficiency insulation, doors and windows.

 

Owners of existing homes can always retrofit their property or buy higher-efficiency appliances, but doing so can be expensive.

 

3. Fewer repairs - The features of new homes should also hold up better than those of existing homes, which may have experienced years of wear and tear.

 

4.  Less maintenance - Today’s new homes are engineered specifically to minimize maintenance requirements. 

 

5. Warranty - Builders often agree to take care of the necessary repair work in a new home for at least the first year.  Some builders even offer a 2/10 warranty which provides limited coverage for up to ten years.

 

6 Fire safety - New homes often include fire-safety features that may not be in properties built years ago. For example all new homes are required to include hard-wired smoke detectors.  In addition, some homes are equipped with fire sprinklers and fire retardant materials. 

 

7. Concessions - Builders are accustomed to selling homes on a regular basis and have the experience and knowledge of how to transact a fair deal with the buyer.  This experience will often allow them to be flexible in areas where a private seller may not be able to.

 

8. Financing - Sometimes home buyers can take advantage of mortgage-financing perks available through their builder.

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA. with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.

 

 

Tips for Kitchen Remodel

Have you wanted to update your kitchen for a long time and are finally ready to get started? Be sure to read these tips first to be sure that some of your ideas have not become dated.

1.  Chef Stove - a stove with a flat griddle or area to place a searing pan or an extra burner ranks top choice. Even people who don't cook are attracted to a cool looking stove.

 

2.  Eco-Friendly features - Energy star and green certified appliances were among the most popular as people are becoming more environmentally conscious.

 

3.  Granite or Quartz Countertops - Granite still ranks most popular, but quartz is beginning to emerge as a top choice because it is stain resistant and doesn't burn as easily if a hot pan is set on it.

 

4.  Tile Backsplash - Tile is the number one choice for the backsplash in the kitchen  rather than other choices that are available. Many people consider the backsplash the "jewelry" of the room.  This is where you can add a pop of color if you choose or get a little creative.

5.  Flooring  - Hardwood is still the number one choice of flooring with tile coming in at a close second. 

6.  Stainless Steel - Stainless steel appliances continue to be the number one choice among buyers and homeowners when thinking about their dream kitchen.  

 

7.  Islands -  Islands are desirable but if you don't have adequate room for one, don't do it.  Having to squeeze around an island because the kitchen is not large enough to accommodate one will make you regret spending a big part of your budget on this item.

 

8.  Transitional Style - Transitional design has elements of the past, but presents them in an updated, fresh way.

 

9.  White Cabinetry- White or off-white cabinets continue to grow in popularity.  White kitchens look clean and un-fussy and continue to gain in popularity.

 

10. Shades of Grey - Although it is hard to go wrong with a white kitchen, grey tones have been very popular over the past couple of years.

 

Remodeling a kitchen can be exciting. The best advice I can give you is to keep these trends in mind when remodeling but be sure not to get carried away.  What might seem exciting and cool to you now, may not seem that way to a buyer purchasing your home in a few months or a few years.  You do not want to ask yourself down the road "What were we thinking?"

 

If you are thinking if selling or remodeling your home and would like a free consultation and perhaps a little direction before spending your hard earned money, call me at (805)710-2415. I always enjoy hearing from you!

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA. at Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  Go to Facebook.com/NancyPuderRealtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.