New Construction or Old House? Tips for Charlotte Home Buyers
Which One is Right for YOU?
Are you trying to choose between Charlotte new construction and a resale home? While there are many differences between the two, the majority of the time, a Charlotte home buyer’s decision is made based upon one or more of the following factors:
WYSIWYG
RESALE: Yes, what you see is what you get with a resale! When purchasing a resale home (for the most part), what you see when you tour the home is what you get when you move into the home. Anything affixed to the property such as window blinds and shutters, build-in speaker systems, curtain rods and even the trees and shrubbery planted in the yard, remain with the home.
New Construction: You will want to be sure that you have a REALTOR® who is representing YOU to get you through the purchase of a newly built home in Charlotte. When you purchase new construction in Charlotte, or anywhere for that matter, you never know what the price is going to cover. Is it going to cover all of the fine appointments which you see in the model? Don’t forget about the blinds, the towel racks and the irrigation system! Those and many other items are considered ‘extras’ in the builders’ eyes and can be added at a premium, especially with a production builder.
When comparing costs, it may well be a smarter financially to purchase a resale in Charlotte as the upfront costs may very well be less than with new construction. Conversely, consider the age of the resale though - costs for upkeep may exceed those costs with new construction.
Price
Lifestyle needs are based upon location - proximity to work, schools or extracurricular activities are a major part of your home purchase decision. Don’t let that shiny new stainless sway you into moving to an outlying area where you won’t be happy. Conversely, if commute time is not important to you as you work from home, then location may not be a factor in your decision and may allow you to go for the shiny new construction home!
Price per square foot in a new construction home may appear to be fairly comparable to resale homes in the area. Don’t be fooled by this initial ‘cost’ as new construction costs typically bring final costs of well over the price per square foot of a resale in that same community.
However, the builder may offer some incentives which can bring those final costs down a bit. Dollar for dollar, old and new homes alike, have hidden costs that some buyers don’t think are important until they’re faced with them--either in maintenance of an older home or in capital costs for new neighborhood associations. Either way, your Realtor® will explain these costs to you as you make your way through the buying process.
Location
Location, location, location! How many times have you heard that over the years - especially when you’re the one who is in search of a Charlotte home? Old or new, ultimately the location of your new home is of utmost importance in not only your happiness but, your resale value.
Resales are typically in established Charlotte neighborhoods that boast mature trees and landscaping and already have the desired community amenities that you’re in search of.
Not so much with new construction - you don’t know if or when the community will be completed. You don’t know if those amenities that have not yet been installed WILL be installed and the landscaping typically leaves some ‘height’ to be desired!
Condition
Hands down, the greatest appeal to a new construction home in Charlotte is just that - the newness! Structure, style, appointments and all of the major systems are brand spanking new! This typically means lower maintenance and repair costs for you during the first 5 years of homeownership. You may find yourself a resale gem though, that has recently had major renovations including high-dollar items such as the roof, HVAC, windows and appliances. However, those gems are just that - GEMS!
But, don’t sell resales short - even new construction has its problems, so be sure that your agent shares the importance of a home inspection to you - and have that done BEFORE Closing. I have been witness to some new construction inspections that are far worse than any of the 50+ year old homes I’ve sold! If the builder's representative tells you that you don’t need an inspection, RUN! You most certainly do need one and you should not Close on the home until the inspections are completed!
In Closing
The decision to purchase a new construction home or a Charlotte resale is entirely yours. Begin with a thorough evaluation of your lifestyle needs, neighborhood preferences and narrowing down the perfect home for you should be an easy decision.
Search for new construction homes.
Search resale homes in Charlotte NC.
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Custom Luxury Homes
- Arcadia Homes
- Brewer Custom Homes
- Carolina Craftsman Homes
- Chelsea Building Group
- Citiview Homes
- Classica Homes
- Cyras Custom Homes
- Ingleside Builders
- Knight
- Simonini
- Waters
Custom Mid-Range Homes
Semi-Custom Homes
- Bonterra Builders
- David Weekley Homes
- Essex Homes
- John Weiland
- Meritage Homes
- Niblock Homes
- Orleans Homes
- Saussy Burbank Homes
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- Standard Pacific
Production Builders
Note: This is a partial List - for a full list of new construction homes, give us a call (704) 491-3310 or email SavvyBroker@me.com.
Thinking of buying a home in the Charlotte Metro region? Give us a call at (704) 491-3310. We’d love to help you find your dream home, whether it’s a glorious new construction home or a fabulous 75-year old home!
© Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group | SavvyBroker@me.com | New Construction or Old House? Tips for Charlotte Home Buyers
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