Older house vs. newer house (sales, HOA, how much)

[nancygluna]

Which type of home is better built and better to live in, an older home that has been built for decades or the new subdivision homes

[Sage of Sagle]

They've been slapping together houses cheaply for a LONG time now...older isn't by definition better.

I would actually suggest looking up the builder you're thinking of via some online searches and see what's being said about their work. For example, in Southern California, GL Lewis Homes in Villa Park and Orange were awesome homes, basically all custom homes and were very well built, while several others in the 70's were garbage just a block away.

KB Homes have a very bad reputation in SoCal. Friends of mine in the industry refuse to work with/for them due to their standards being well below what my friends are willing to do. But folks are paying BIG money for KB Homes too.

Talk to people in the area, you'll get an earful on how they like the tract home quality from X builder....

[Vinyard Meadows]

For outside architecture, I prefer the older. For indoor architecture, usually the old. Conveniences? I go for new. Size of the garden? I go for old.

New architecture features a garage front and center. Ick. Ick. Frank Lloyd Wright was not right about everything. Some homes are just plain ugly.

The need to replace water pipes and put in central heating and cooling adds to the overall expense of older homes. New shingles, new windows .. the costs add up, but we often like the charm and are willing to fix up the old.

Personally, I'm happy with a new home if it has the charm of the old. Rare. I'd rather build my own. No garage front and center. Sheesh!

[spirit lake]

Older, homes, are already done, landscaping etc, and normally a larger lot, these new homes, you can almost shake hands with the neighbors through you bedroom windows, go for older, and they are cheaper.

[Miborn]

We have owned both and I would go for the established home over new. Heres why. New homes without landscaping usually in the back sometimes no fence or sprinklers are more costly having them done by the homeowner opposed to the builder. Builders get brakes on those things. If you are looking at a home without the basement finished and cannot do it your self ask the builder how much more it would cost for them to do. Usually it will be cheaper for them to do it.
As for plumbing, electrical etc. That can be checked before purchase and even written up in the agreement for purchase to guarantee they are ok.
Older homes usually are better built not always though.
Contact the BCA building and contractor association they can probably give pointers on what to look for and maybe even builders to stay away from.
In the state of Idaho anyone can be a builder but it is the subcontractors that have to have all the licensing and what not. So beware.

[dawnlarzelier]

Hi!
As a new home sales consultant, I should be glorifying the joys buying in a brand new subdivision, right? But I have to say that it all depends on your lifestyle.

Some people prefer mature landscaping, or want to live in an established community. Some want to buy new so as not to worry about maintenance issues of aging furnances and air conditioners...or simply, they want a house that comes with a warranty. Newer communities offer prestige and class in their own right, but so do older neighborhoods.

It is good you are asking, because it sounds like you are putting some serious thought into where you might want to live. Some other questions to ask are: 1) Do I want to be part of a Home Owner's Association? 2) Do I have access to free community pool or clubhouse in my neighborhood? 3) Are there parks and walking paths nearby? 4) Am I able or willing to take care of any needed repairs in my home? 5) Do I want to pay for HOA dues? 6) Do I want CC&Rs in my community?

( For the record, personally, my dream is to live in a 100 year old home that has been converted to include modern plumbing, electrical and perhaps a modified kitchen layout~those older kitchens just aren't very functional for today's pace of life!)
Dawn Larzelier
[MOD CUT: No business promotion allowed]

[Zmehappy]

New homes these days can be built with old world charm. But, most likely you will be able to buy more home for the money by going existing. The biggest problem is you may be inheriting many items that may need renovating.

If you decide to go new, check the builders reputation. You can do this through the local Home Builders Association, BBB and previous clients of the builder. Tour the builders homes under construction, not just the model home. Prepare a New Home Wish List so you are not surprised with any additional over runs once construction begins. Get every thing in writing.

If you choose to go existing, spend the money for a good home inspection. Again, reputation is every thing. They can save you unforeseen dollars down the road.

Happy hunting!