Are you thinking about buying a new home? Congratulations! There are a ton of factors to consider: budget, size, location, lot size, style, and more. Another big choice that current buyers in the Greater Sacramento region are trying to make is whether to buy an existing, resale home or purchase a new home in a new build community. Here are some pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.
Existing Build Pros and Cons
Sacramento has some amazing older homes that date back to the early 1900’s. Let’s face it, the architecture back then was stunning! I’ve been in some of these magnificent homes that have one-of-a-kind woodwork and original brass fixtures. The character, history, and craftsmanship can’t be duplicated. However, older homes do have some serious drawbacks. California has extremely rigorous building codes and it can cost a lot of time and money to get your home up to modern standards. From new electrical wiring to new pipes and asbestos and structural changes, any renovation can be a nightmare.
A lot of home buyers desire established communities because the lot sizes tend to be a lot bigger. This means more space to plant that organic garden, build a pool, and not have your neighbors looking into your windows. Here are the cons: a large yard can cost a lot of money to maintain. Also, if you buy a home with an existing pool, depending on the age you may need to replace the old filtration system, resurface the pool, and possibly hire a pool service.
A definite pro is you know what you’re getting when you move into the neighborhood. The neighbors are established and you can drive around and get a feel for the community. There are also school scores that you can track and crime reports to look into. A new community is a blank slate; it will take years to gather and create that information.
New Build Pros and Cons
Surprisingly, new construction in the Greater Sacramento area is comparable to existing homes when you crunch the numbers. If you bought an old home and had to remodel the bathrooms and kitchen, you just might break even with a new home.
The con is that it can take around nine months from the time you sign a contract to move in. Also, many communities have a waiting list and delays due to lack of workers and supplies, so this timeline may be even longer.
A great pro to a new build is that you get to pick out the finishes and colors to your liking. You don’t have to live with a previous owner’s hideous palm tree wallpaper or tacky pink tiled bathroom. However, standard builder grade carpets and tiles can be boring or at a lower quality than you want. That marble tile, touchless faucet, custom rock fireplace, and thick second floor carpet can all add up pretty quickly.
Since new homes are, well, new, you likely won’t have to worry about problems that old homes have like mold in the walls, cracked foundations, replacing an old roof, or any of the hidden problems that you see on an HGTV flipping show. If problems do arise, they’ll likely be under warranty (but ask BEFORE you buy!).
So which is right for you? Call the Rick Fuller Team today to discuss your options! They know the neighborhoods and communities in the San Francisco Bay area and the Greater Sacramento region and they can help you to make the best decision for you and your family. It’s time to plan your future today!
