When you start shopping for a home, one of the first considerations is whether you want to buy new construction or an older, resale home. Whether you’re looking for new homes in Johnson County, Kansas City or anywhere in between, there is no shortage of new subdivisions. But there is a big inventory of older homes in more established neighborhoods to consider, also.
There are clear advantages and disadvantages to both new and old, and you’ll need to weigh them carefully when you start your home-buying search. But there are definitely a lot of positives about buying a new home, including:
- Less Maintenance: Everything is brand-spanking new in a new home, so you won’t need to replace anything in the near future. New-home owners won’t have to worry about replacing the carpet or installing a new roof for at least 10-12 years.
- Modern Conveniences: New homes include many amenities as standard, including built-in dishwashers, microwaves, jetted tubs and wine coolers. New homes might feature master suite baths, workout and media rooms. Often, wiring systems are networked, meaning you can connect lights, heating and security systems together with one control, or even an app for your smartphone.
- Builder’s Warranty: Most new homes come with peace of mind in the form of a builder’s warranty that extends at least a year after the purchase. In California, builders are required to give buyers a 10-year warranty. Of course, it’s still important to buy from a reputable builder who will agree to stand behind the home’s structure, foundation and components.
- Energy Efficiency: Many new homes in Johnson County are built with energy-saving features that can reduce your monthly utility bills. For example, many new homes feature solar panels on the roof, which can supply energy for your home. New appliances use less energy. A new home’s walls, ceilings and floors are well insulated, saving on heating costs. And dual-pane windows retain more heat in winter and keep the home cooler in summer.
- Built to Code: Code regulations change all the time. New construction is required by law to conform to current building codes and consumer safety issues. Older homes are not required to meet these standards.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to buying a newer home. For example, within a certain trendy neighborhood, all the new homes may differ only in color so your home is a cookie-cutter copy of your neighbor’s home, and of all your neighbors’ homes! With a new home, you’ll have to invest in landscaping, especially if you want mature trees to provide shade. If you want a fence around your property, you’ll need to pay for that, too. And many new homes don’t come with window blinds or coverings. That can be a significant cost for new homeowners. But a lot of the benefits of a new home outweigh the few negatives. The key is buying a well-built home, regardless of age.
If you need an experienced real estate team to lead you through the home-buying journey, call on Team Real Estate KC. Whether you’re looking to buy a new or older home, we’ll be on your team to help you at every step. We can show you all the best new homes in Johnson County or anywhere in KC. Visit www.teamre.com.