Believe it or not, many people believe that buying a brand new home is less desirable than purchasing a previously owned home. There are quite a few myths in circulation that suggest new homes come with an undue financial burden, too many defects, or not enough space.
Such falsehoods might prevent home buyers from looking at brand new homes--but that doesn't have to be the case. Here are five myths about new homes, along with the truth about each of those myths.
1. New homes are more expensive.
Just like existing homes, there are new homes in every price category. There are certainly new homes that are expensive, but there are also affordable new homes.
Different builders build toward a variety of specifications, depending on the goal of a given development, the community for which the homes are being built, and the quality of the new homes. Developers build affordable homes just as often as they build luxury homes.
You can work with your real estate agent to find new homes in a variety of price ranges, just as you can find old homes at any price.
2. New homes are poor in quality.
New homes get a bad rap for being constructed out of newer materials, which are often perceived as being cheap or of poorer quality. In fact, the latest theories in architecture and building have helped make constructions cheaper without sacrificing quality.
Builders can do more today than ever before with lightweight, energy-saving materials that withstand the elements and protect dwellers. Sure, there are some new buildings that are badly made from poor quality materials, but not every new house has been built that way.
If you have any doubts about the quality of a new home, you can have a builder warranty inspection done. You should also order a home inspection to uncover any problems that may present themselves; inspections aren't just for old homes!
3. New homes are actually worse for the environment.
This myth stems from the idea that we should continue living in existing structures and stop building new ones to live in--that the energy that goes into building a new home is wasteful when there are already homes available. But there aren't enough homes to go around, especially in Arizona's growing communities.
At the same time, new homes are also being built to be more efficient with resources than older homes. This means that the materials that go into building a home, the appliances that run inside of it, and the resources the house requires to function, are generally better for the environment.
The latest trend in the building is "green," which means new homes are made to be better for the environment and better for your pocketbook.
4. New homes are all in the suburbs.
While many new homes are located in the suburbs or in developments on the outskirts of town, there are also plenty of new homes that are being built in older neighborhoods and existing developments within town. For example, Tucson's Northwest Side, the Catalina Foothills, and Oro Valley are all home to plenty of new homes alongside the older ones that have been there for decades or longer.
5. New homes are tiny.
With the trend in micro-housing and the popularity of tiny homes comes the criticism that all new houses are lacking in space. This is simply not true.
There are of course plenty of new houses that are built on smaller square footage with maximized interior space. There are also plenty more new homes that are large, have plenty of space for all your needs, and offer ample storage.
From luxury homes to moderately priced abodes and affordable housing, there are layouts of all sizes, shapes, and price ranges to meet any home buyer's needs.
As with most things in life, there are positive and negative aspects to both brand new and lived-in homes.
In the end, it comes down to what you are looking for in a house and where you can best find your needs met. Your realtor can help you look at both old and new homes to find the right one for you.
