Why new builds are best for first-time homebuyers

Buying a home is a huge step, and one of the biggest financial investments that many will make in their lifetime. For first-time homebuyers, the process can be especially daunting; not only are you learning as you go, but there are countless details to keep track of throughout the process. 

With so many moving pieces, you’ve got enough going on—the last thing you want is to watch your budget drain away toward repairs, maintenance, or worrying about whether your new home is up to code. When you buy new construction, some of the stress of finding a home falls away so that you can focus on the end goal: building your future. And that’s why many real estate experts agree that new builds are an ideal choice for first-time homebuyers.

Are new builds more or less expensive? 

While people tend to think of new construction as being more expensive, buying new can open up promotions and deals that you simply won’t find in the resale market. With new construction, you get the opportunity to work directly with homebuilders, who frequently offer incentives that can help you meet your budget goals. “We’re seeing builders get creative with financing [that is] lower than what you’ll see for existing homes,” says Alex Toth, director of homebuilder partnerships at Opendoor. 

As an added bonus, modern building codes and eco-friendly features often translate to lower bills. In recent years, energy efficiency and sustainable design have become increasingly popular; for instance, at Reed’s Crossing all new homes are designed to be solar-ready and electric charging station-ready, so you can save money and make a positive environmental impact at the same time.

Do new builds need maintenance? 

We’ve all heard horror stories about the people who bought a home and then spent the next decade of their lives slogging through multiple sets of repairs. Fortunately, buying new is a great way to skip the headaches that deferred maintenance can cause. 

When purchasing a home on the resale market, you never really know how the people before you treated it. But with a brand-new home, there weren’t any people before you! As the very first owner, you can move in with the confidence that you know exactly what you’re getting into. Plus, many new-home communities feature a helpful homeowners association, which can lessen your maintenance duties even further. For instance, at Reed’s Crossing the HOA covers not only common spaces, like dog parks and playgrounds, but also front-yard maintenance. No more weekends spent weeding—unless you want to!

Is it better to buy new construction or an existing home?

While no one can predict the future, knowing you’ve found a home that can grow with you offers a pretty major sense of relief. Unlike older homes, which can come with shoddy owner-installed “updates,” brand-new homes feature contemporary designs based around the way people really live. 

One trend you often won’t find in older homes is flex space, or areas that are designed to be used in different ways. As you can tell by the name, flexibility is key; as you go through life, the same space could be a nursery, a teenager’s bedroom, or a library or game room. At Reed’s Crossing, we’ve seen residents use their flex spaces as home theaters, guest bedrooms, yoga studios, playrooms, painting studios, and more. But the best thing about flex space is that it lets you change things up at any time—without having to move!

Does new construction increase property value?

While finding the right home is a big part of the process, it’s also important to consider the community you’re buying into. A master-planned community designed to make life easier can take a load off your mind, cultivating a well-rounded lifestyle for those who live there. 

Stepping into Reed’s Crossing, homebuyers find multiple parks, a brand-new school, a state of the art fitness center, a growing shopping center, and an interconnected network of walking and biking paths—not to mention endless opportunities to connect with neighbors through community events, from parties in the park to a monthly farmers market. We’ve even got a dedicated group of residents who volunteer their time to answer questions about the community and the area. That’s something you won’t find in most neighborhoods! 

Wondering how to find new construction homes? You’re in the right place! Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.