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Originally Published: January 29 2021
When an individual or family sets out to buy a home, they have two choices. They can buy an existing home, or they can build one. One choice is not better than another it is all about what fits you best.
As I am moving forward and making this decision with my own family, I thought it would be fun to explore the hidden benefits to these options.
Today I will focus on the benefits of building.
Neighborhood bonding
Do you love living in a place where everyone knows your name? Do you enjoy get together with neighboring friends? Building might be your cup of tea! When a community is first developed no one really knows one another and everyone wants to reach out and create friendships. You find homeowners out working in their yard, chatting with the neighbor who is also working in their yard, discussing their plans for landscaping or what they are enjoying about their new space. You don’t feel like a fish out of water because everyone is out of water…everyone is new.
New neighborhoods tend to start fun traditions or events like 4th of July gatherings or block parties. Everyone is anxious to put their best foot forward and be inclusive. Often new communities consist of individuals and families who are in the same stage of life, have children of similar age, attending he same school. Parents are involved in PTA or youth sporting events.
The special feeling of community begins and you as a new homeowner in this new community are part of the magic!
Clean and Fresh
If you have built a home before you know that awesome feeling when you walk into a brand-new place of your own. Someplace no one else has touched. The smell of the new paint, new carpet and new wood fill the home and it shouts possibilities! I remember walking into a home we built for our family right after they had installed the kitchen cabinets, I cried! I was so excited to see my hopes and dreams come to life! Building can be a stressful experience, but it can also feel amazing!
Latest and Greatest
Today when you build a home you have the benefit of adding the latest technologies. From energy saving technology to building your dream home theater system, you can add bells and whistles exactly where you want them. This would include outlets where you need them. I know for my family outlets higher up on the wall in just the right places and outlets on the floor in just the right places are a huge bonus! The same could be said for USB chargers…. lets face it, we all need plenty of those!
You can still acquire many of these things with an existing neighborhood but it takes more effort and for the new technology you will need to hire some help. If you want a to create a new circle of friends for you and your family, get a fresh start and be in a place no one else has ever lived then building is the way to go!
National Association of Home Builders gives this advice when deciding on the right builder.
“Besides the questions of “How much does it cost?” and “When can we move in?” here are some other questions you should ask:
- Will the builder give you references of recent buyers/occupants?
- Does the builder have a financing plan established?
- Are there options in the floor plan — for example, can a basement or deck be added?
- Can a room such as the basement be left unfinished?
- How much “customizing” can be done versus standard features?
- Can appliances be up- or down-graded?
- Are there any additional fees relating to the home or development?
- Will there be a homeowners’ association? If so, what will the dues cost and what do they cover?
- Does the builder offer a warranty program?
- Does the price include landscaping? What if the plants die within a year?
- Are there any restrictive covenants?
- What are the estimated taxes on the property?
- How is the school system rated?
- Are day care and grocery store convenient and satisfactory?
- What about emergency facilities — police, fire department and hospitals?
- Are there any major development plans for the area in the next five years?”
The following words…
*Fresh
*Latest and Greatest Technology
&*New Friendships and Feeling of Belonging
Sum up the hidden list of the benefits of building.
I may have just talked myself into building.
Last thing to remember, you don’t have to navigate through the building process alone. When you are looking to build include your favorite Real Estate Agent and allow them to help make your experiences a positive one. Your Relator can do the ground work before going to visit builders and be your advocate during the building process.
Give me a call, I’d be happy to help you find the right builder for you!
Brenda Horrocks, Realtor
801-243-1908
