Choosing Between an Older Home and A New Build

The age-old debate between purchasing a new home or an existing one is worth rehashing because when it comes down to it, both options have their benefits as well as their downfalls.

The Argument for an Older Home:

A Charming Setting
With an older home comes an element of charm that you can’t easily recreate in newer homes. A mature canopy of trees and larger lots can be a selling point for those raising a family.

What You See is What You Get
When it comes to older neighborhoods, what you see is what you get. You know what to expect—the good and the bad. If you choose to build a home in an emerging residential development, you may have to deal with the hassle of frequent construction trucks, loud hammering and dusty conditions as your neighbors’ homes are built. While waiting for your home to be built, there’s also that uncertainty that you may end up with something a little less than ideal if construction doesn’t go as planned. Many also argue that homes aren’t built as well as they used to be. You be the judge.

Historic Homes
If you opt for a much older house, one that qualifies as a historic home, you may be able to receive a tax break. The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program states that individuals rehabilitating historic properties can apply to receive 25 percent of the rehabilitation expenditures incurred during the rehabilitation process. This incentive is valid for up to 100 projects per year.

The Argument for a New Build:

Home Safety and Maintenance
With a newer home comes a stricter code, which helps minimize household hazards. Asbestos, lead paint and other issues aren’t a concern in newer homes because new knowledge has surfaced about the dangers of these toxins.

Customization
When you build a new home, you typically have a say in the design and implementation of rooms from start to finish. Picking the countertops, carpeting and cabinetry are some of the calls you get to make when you’re creating the home of your dreams. In an older home, you’re required to work around the established build, and remodeling can be a cumbersome process. It’s also much easier to attain green certification for your home from the beginning.

The American Family in 2008
New homes take into account the lifestyles of the modern American family—location of bedrooms, flow from one room to the next and so forth. Newer housing developments sometimes feature clubs with kids’ activities, swimming pools, fitness centers and playgrounds. Many parents like to see their kids learn to ride a bike in a cul-de-sac, and these developments typically feature less traffic, residential streets and sidewalks.

If you’re in the market for a new home, but not quite sure if you want an older home or a newer build, Gary May or visit RealLiving.com for more information.

Posted By Real Living Real Estate