Buying a new home vs. an old home: What are the benefits?

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Personally, GoGoLucky . . . I would never purchase new construction.

Give me an older masonry home (about 25 years or so) over the new "cookie cutter" homes of today. Generally speaking, better built, more exterior space and always more charm and character as well as personality.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH!

Why are you hollering at us? BOLD is hollering.

[artvandelay]

I don't think I'd ever buy brand new construction. It's basically like buying a car without tires, radio, or floor mats: You have an unfinished product and it's difficult to estimate the costs of finishing: I woulld guess $15-$25K for most cases.

I'v always looked at houses between 3-10 years old. They are "finished" and still energy efficient, wired for new technology, and you can see how neighbors live. You still get a cookie-cutter home, but at least it's finished.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by azloafer

Why are you hollering at us? BOLD is hollering.

Sorry, Azloafer . . . I always thought ALL CAPS was considered HOLLERING! ! ! ! !

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by artvandelay

I don't think I'd ever buy brand new construction. It's basically like buying a car without tires, radio, or floor mats: You have an unfinished product and it's difficult to estimate the costs of finishing: I woulld guess $15-$25K for most cases.

I'v always looked at houses between 3-10 years old. They are "finished" and still energy efficient, wired for new technology, and you can see how neighbors live. You still get a cookie-cutter home, but at least it's finished.

Excellent "middle of the road" suggestion, artvandelay!

Makes perfect sense to me!

[Elmonellie]

An older home is a good choice if you like a neighborhood that has a bit more "personality" (for lack of a better word).

If you are interested in "projects" it's fun. If you hate home repair on all levels it is a bad, bad idea!

To me, it is fun to get the crappiest house in the best area I can afford....the fix it up. You make money (eventually), it is fun and a challenge and very creative.

[GraniteStater]

In the middle part of the country where I currently live their has been some big changes in home construction quality over the past 10-20 years. Now, a lot of the newer areas have ugly looking cookie cutter houses with T-111 siding and stucco. This is in the central plains and the stucco cracks terribly when exposed to the cold/snow and freeze thaw cycles. I much prefer older brick masonry houses because the quality of construction is superior. For some reason, they do not build many houses with brick trim in the Kansas City region anymore. I do not know why. I know that in Arizona the stucco exteror and cinder block look is very common.
In summary, I think many areas of the country are becoming more cookie cutter with regards to housing and I personally would not buy new construction. I think a lot of the homes had better quality construction and materials 20-30 years ago, at least in my area.

[Bummer]

I agree, Plains

Granted there may be a few "updates" necessary but in the long haul, an older home built with a integrity with real bricks wins hands down over the "chop chop" cookie cutter specials of today.

Scary thought . . . what will these new construction homes will be like in twenty years?

[johnfthorley]

In today's crash market conditions the builders are throwing in cash back, HDTVs, tons of upgrades, and when you add in all the upgrades the average new construction house is $40k cheaper than used.

However as everyone said you're getting a cookie cutter chicken wire house. But then again the garbage tract homes built in the 80s in Phoenix are just as bad if not worse. Much older than that or you're either in the ghetto or in uber-expensive old neighborhoods like north-central Phoenix or Biltmore Circle.

[arun196]

I personally would wait 2 years to buy a house with the house prices going down. New homes have the best deals. Throw me a price with sqft of an old house , i can show you a newer house for lesser prices..

[sun queen]

Originally Posted by GoGoLucky

I am looking to buy a house...and i have noticed the "pool" homes that are affordable, then to be older and fixer uppers. But most dont have HOA either.

what are your thoughts on this?

what are the benefits, buying new over old, or older over new?

I've seen some interesting "old" properties in downtown phoenix, glendale, etc

are these worth it?

I would buy newer if I had it to do over. I chose an older house because the house was on a huge lot and there were no HOA. However I did not realize the work or problems that may come along with an older house. I am about 5K into a remodeling project that could go as high as 50k especially if I completely overhaul the plumbing and rewire. The kicker is I really need to do those things. If I had known how expensive this house was going to be I really would not have purchased it. I would have gone with a newer house. I am sure I would have less problems. I wish u well in whatever u decide