Buying a New Home vs. Buying a Resale Home

Benefits of Buying a New Construction Home

Having a Home That is Energy Efficient

Homes today can be built to allow homeowners to save up to 50% on energy bills thanks to smart homebuilding. Although, not all homebuilders are alike. At Meritage Homes, the techniques and materials that are used include spray foam insulation, which reduces heating and cooling costs and helps block outside noise; UV-blocking windows, which deflect heat and UV rays that up energy bills; advanced framing, which helps boost energy efficiency; and, of course, energy-efficient appliances.

The Protection Of a Warranty

When you move into a new construction home, you have the security that the home will be protected with a warranty. So, if certain issues come up during that period, you’ll be covered. Additionally, everything in the home is new, from appliances to the heating and cooling system. “The advantage is that you’re not inheriting somebody else’s problems, like you would with an existing home,” says Stahl. In a pre-owned home, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in surprise bills if, for instance, an aging furnace suddenly needs to be replaced.

Homes That Match Your Lifestyle

If you purchase an existing home, you might want to make big changes to give it an up-to-date look. This might include things like removing a wall or replacing the flooring, which can get pricey and take a lot of time. With Meritage, you can find flexible floorplans with designer-curated interiors that really match your lifestyle. “All the current trends and design ideas also go into homes of today to fit your lifestyle,” says Stahl.

Living With a Worthwhile Investment

Is it better to buy new construction or an existing home? People often believe that a new construction home is more expensive than buying an existing one. “But with energy-efficient houses and the resulting savings on energy bills, I don’t believe that to be true,” says Stahl. New home construction can also offer features like water-saving appliances which help promote better water flow and can help you save money. Today’s homes are built to last and are engineered to require less care and maintenance, which means fewer out-of-pocket expenses. If you buy an existing home, you may have the additional costs of making updates or renovations, or an unexpected expense if a key system breaks down.

Buying a home is a big decision, but “there’s an excitement in buying something completely new that is specifically yours,” says Stahl. That’s why he suggests that as you make that decision, take time to consider the many advantages of buying a newly built home.