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Health & Fitness

Five Great Reasons to Purchase New Construction

Real estate agent Kristin Brown-Orr discusses the benefits to purchasing new construction in today's real estate market.

If you are looking to buy a new home, the question of whether or not to buy new construction has probably crossed your mind. Now more than ever there are many reasons to purchase a new home.

With interest rates at all time lows and great inventory to chose from, many people are finally coming off the sidelines and ready to make a move. Here are five reasons why you should consider new construction as opposed to a re-sale:

1. The ability to make it your own

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One of the most appealing reasons to buy new construction is the ability to design the home to be a true reflection of yourself and your tastes. You have the opportunity, to start with a blank canvas and select the colors, fixtures, appliances, flooring and any other personal touches that are important to you and your family. New construction will grant you the ability to create custom spaces, whether it’s your fantasy kitchen, a spa like master suite, or the home office you've always wanted. If you can dream it, the right builder will create it.

2. Less Maintenance

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Because new homes are well, new, they do not require nearly as much maintenance and upkeep compared to older houses. This means that you will not have to spend precious time or money on repairs for years to come. Some builders also offer warranties on new construction properties that will cover a range of issues for a significant amount of time. Be sure to ask what the builders policy is on providing a warranty.

3. Up to Code

Because building code regulations are constantly changing, there is a good chance that an older home will not be up to regulation. Older homes may even contain harmful chemicals such as asbestos and lead-based paint. These homes could also have structural issues that will not pass current building codes, which should you want to renovate, could make the work more expensive, as the builder will need to bring the home up to code in the areas they are renovating. New homes, however, are built according to current regulations and therefore do not require nearly as much effort on the part of the homeowner.

4. Energy Efficient

As more and more homebuyers are becoming energy conscious, new homes are being built with these concerns in mind. Most new construction is being built with materials to greatly reduce energy costs and utility bills; this makes paying more for a newly constructed energy efficient property a sound investment. Energy efficient features of new homes may include ENERGY STAR appliances, the newest forms of insulation and ventilation, along with insulated doors and windows, just to name a few.

5. State-of-the-Art Technology

Most new homes now feature state-of-the-art kitchen appliances as well as built-in wiring that is ready for easy cable and Internet set-up. New homes can feature "smart" options, such as computerized systems for temperature, lighting and security. Installing these features into older homes can be expensive and difficult. If these amenities are important to you and your family, it makes financial sense to purchase a home designed to work with these features in place.

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