ROBINSONDENISE'S BLOG
Most Americans prefer new homes, survey says
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 11:28 AM
There’s nothing quite like moving into a new home knowing you are its first ever owner. There are no hidden surprises beneath the floorboards or in the attic (so no, you’re not going to find any buried treasure) and you can be quite sure of it has never been in a fire or a flood. No wonder a recent Trulia survey found, “Twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes.”Some people prefer the older architecture of pre-owned homes. Older homes also tend to have bigger lots, established landscaping, and closer-knit neighborhoods. Pre-owned homes also tend to be a little cheaper than new ones and can sometimes be turned into investment opportunities if you can get them for the right price and you know enough about DIY home construction and maintenance.
However, Americans just can’t get away from the dream of building or buying a brand new home, and life, for themselves. Here are some reasons why new homes are so appealing:
Modern floor plans
If you enjoy modern architecture and floor plans, the small rooms and pine paneling of an older home might not appeal to your senses. Newer homes will have the in-vogue open floor plans, master baths and closets with plenty of space, bigger kitchens with room for socializing, and more storage space, since it never seems like you can have quite enough. Author and real estate expert Michael Corbett pointed out, “Many older existing homes built between the 1920’s and the 1990’s often lack one or more [of] those features as part of their original home design.”
Customization
If you buy a home under construction, home building contractors often allow you to customize your design choices, including everything from lighting to countertops to paint colors. Depending on the builder, some changes to the original plan will constitute “upgrades” but there are often choices that won’t influence the home price, too. Building your own home, of course, allows you even more latitude—too much for some people, who must make every decision about the home’s interior design.
Lower utility costs
Major technological improvements in recent years have made homes more energy efficient, thus making them more environmentally friendly and lowering your utility bills. New homes have the best insulation, double-paned windows, and efficient A/C and heating systems. Corbett added, “Many new homes are incorporating renewable sources of clean energy like solar. All of this new home tech could save you thousands over the course of the years you live in the home.”
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Source: huffingtonpost.com/michael-corbett/why-new-construction-home_b_6029436.html
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