Purchasing a home is a priority for many individuals and families across the country. As an important rite of passage, many people work to afford a home they can call their own. When it comes time to sign on the dotted line, you’ll be faced with several critical decisions. For many, priority is in weighing the overall benefits of purchasing new construction homes in Las Cruces versus settling on existing properties.
In a survey, Americans reported their preference (41% to be exact) for a newly constructed house over purchasing an already-lived-in space. At almost two to one, that is a significant statistic. While many are partial to building a house from the ground up, there are still many factors that homebuyers should weigh before choosing one path or the other. Below are some benefits as well as some downfalls to new construction homes in Las Cruces.
Top Reasons Why You Should Look for New Construction Homes for Sale in Las Cruces
Before we jump into the benefits of a newly constructed house, there are a few obvious reasons that individuals and families vote in favor of a brand-new over existing structures. For one, many prefer the option of customizing a house prior to move-in. As you might imagine, we live in the age of custom everything and homes serve as no exception. Many would prefer to hand-select details that coincide with new construction such as floorplans, elevation, style, finishes, flooring, lighting, features, and even types of grass.
Secondly, a lot of homebuyers-especially first-timers-are looking for houses that are more modern. Unfortunately, used homes and older homes have dated designs and layouts that can be a dealbreaker for many. After all, you’ll have to put in a lot of effort into upgrading an older home, which can sometimes feel like just building a house from the ground up. Why not opt for the latter? Read more for the benefits of a new construction home in Las Cruces over existing inventory.
Benefits of Newly Constructed Homes
Beyond aesthetic appeal and ease of customization, there are other benefits to consider when looking to build a new construction home in Las Cruces. Below we’re giving you some top reasons to consider working with an experienced home builder to erect the house of your dreams. For more information on our extensive styles, floorplans, and lots, contact us to learn more.
To start, there’s certainly a lot that goes into designing and constructing a house from the ground up. As a helpful tip, you should always seek more information on the house building process before you move forward with your project. The downside of new construction is that it can sometimes be a lengthy process, which is why it’s critical to work with experienced homebuilders who can walk you through every step. Consider our top reasons for choosing newly constructed homes:
1. Energy Efficiency
New homes come with the ultimate benefit of being new. As with anything new, things tend to run seamlessly and efficiently, especially if you’ve chosen an experienced Sonoma Ranch home developer.
Yes, one of the virtues of a brand-new home is the savings that come from reduced energy and maintenance expenses. In fact, in an American Housing Survey (AHS), homeowners in a new house spent less than $25 per month on upkeep and maintenance. In a similar survey, homeowners residing in a new house spent nearly 27% less on electricity than those who lived in used or older homes.
New homes are nearly 30 percent more energy-efficient than a home built five years ago, even if they’re not certified green.
If you’re environmentally conscious, you can even select EnergyStar efficient appliances, WaterSense fixtures, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) systems, and even renewable resources and materials used in the construction of your new home. With older homes, you don’t have easy control over these wide arrays of options. Ultimately, these factors are less harmful to the local environment, as well as to the costs of living in your recently purchased home, long-term.
2. Quality of Construction
One of the beauties about constructing your home is ensuring top quality elements. For example, you’ll have more say for the standards of design and overall construction than just simply purchasing an existing, older home. You can personally select materials used from framing to lighting fixtures and budget according to your needs and preferences. Again, there’s not as much you can select from an existing home beyond renovating after you’ve purchased.
Secondly, as you might imagine, home codes, particularly for inspection, change regularly. Meeting building and safety standards is an integral part of designing and building a new house. For this reason, you should only work with home builders that offer warranties and peace of mind when it comes to meeting code and passing inspections.
3. Better Floorplans
Trends change and, unfortunately, for older homes it can be a huge burden to try and work lifestyles and choices into existing floorplans. Instead, building a new house allows you the freedom to select a floorplan that matches your needs upfront. Overall, modern floorplans have the versatility and can serve efficiently for families and individuals of all sizes. Open floor concepts are on trend right now as they allow easier flow and access without negatively impacting day-to-day, busy schedules.
While it may seem that older homes can simply be upgraded with new paint, decor, and even fixtures or design elements, one thing that is incredibly difficult to change is the layout of an existing house. Many that purchase a used home must work tirelessly to ensure that their furniture, daily activities, and even cohabitation is not disrupted by the design of the home.
Did you know?
Arista Development offers over 10 different styles and floorplans, all of which have a modern and clean feel. Browse our selections here.
4. Personalize Your New Home
As we mentioned, customization has become an integral part of everyday life. Why sacrifice choice when you’re making a big home purchase? Buying a home is a huge commitment, so you should have a say in what goes into it.
Luckily, if you’ve chosen on a newly constructed home you will have the option of selecting the design, layout, and even the details that make up every wall, floor, bedroom, and bathroom. It can be a lot of fun, too! Tailor your style and make the space all your own. If you’re purchasing an existing house, it’s much harder to customize the look and feel. Not to mention, you’ll ultimately deal with the headache of renovations, which is never as easy as it looks. Instead, opt for a move-in ready house that you selected upfront.
4. New Construction Homes Offer Hassle-free Move-In
One of the most amazing things about building a new house is that it’s always move-in ready. No need to shuffle personal items from one room to another, as you attempt remodels. In fact, no need to lift a hammer, paintbrush, or finger. Given that you chose everything, in the beginning, you can move into your newly constructed home hassle-free.
Similarly, there won’t be much maintenance on a new home. While an older home often requires checks and even occasional upgrades, a new home should keep you with minimal work for at least a few years. It’s time to kick back and enjoy your big purchase!
Although choosing to build a new construction home in Las Cruces comes with a wide range of benefits, purchasing an existing home has a few upsides worth mentioning too. Homebuyers who value convenience over customization might be sold after reading these benefits that come with buying move-in-ready property.
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Less waiting time?
The process of building a custom home can take anywhere from eight months to two years – depending on the size and complexity of your home design – while the process of purchasing and moving into an existing home might only take around six weeks. Having time on your side is a necessity when it comes to building a custom home and for many homebuyers, this is a big reason why they choose to purchase an existing property. That said, choosing an experienced and efficient home builder can make all the difference when it comes to saving you both time and money throughout the process of building a custom home. A good contractor will approach the pre-planning and estimating stages with you well before breaking ground so that little time goes to waste.
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Cheaper costs
Cost is always a huge factor to consider when it comes to choosing between buying an existing home and a custom build. In 2019, the average cost to buy a home was $309,000 while the average cost to build a home was $485,000. Purchasing existing property also comes the opportunity to negotiate which can cut the original asking price down even more. However, while the $177,000+ difference between buying and building might be enough to sway your decision, it’s important to remember that with existing homes, you pay for what you get. You don’t have the luxury of choosing every detail of your home which is where the price of a building starts to look a bit more reasonable.
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Mature landscaping?
The lure of landscaping can be enough to sell homebuyers on an existing property. Especially when this luxury is included in the overall cost of a home. Mature landscaping can not only provide shade and a more private backyard but an increase in the overall value of your existing home as well. If you’re ever looking to sell, mature landscaping can add a few dollars to your asking price. However, while tall trees and luxurious lawns can provide homeowners with a background oasis, they also can require a lot of attention and upkeep. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering a pre-existing home over a new custom build.
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Renovations
While you don’t have the luxury of hand-picking your amenities when you choose to buy an existing home, you do always have the option of renovating. Buyers looking for an existing property can make any necessary or wanted changes to their home, and by doing so, increase the resale value of their home by up to 75%. Certain projects like remodeling a master suite or redesigning your kitchen may be more expensive than others so it’s important to consider potential renovations before buying an existing home. If your plans involve remodeling from the ground up, you might actually save money by choosing to build custom instead. A complete remodel can be 20% more costly than designing a new home.
Now is the right time to buy a new construction home in Las Cruces, or anywhere for that matter. Homebuilder sentiment in the United States has risen to its highest level since 1999. With strong sales and a low supply of existing homes, the need for newly constructed homes is growing. As reported by CNBC, the National Association of Home Builders Chairman Greg Ugalde stated, “Builders are continuing to see the housing rebound that began in the spring, supported by a low supply of existing homes, low mortgage rates, and a strong labor market.”
Arista Development is a Las Cruces premier home builder with years of collective experience. Offering a wide range of lots and design options, our newly constructed homes are made for our homebuyers. Select from beautiful, emerging areas like Sonoma Ranch and Metro Verde that offer great views, incredible amenities, and modern designs. Or, choose your own community. Arista Development, LLC builds in all communities throughout Las Cruces and its surrounding areas. We help our home buyers select their dream homes and assist them through the entire home-building process from start to finish. Browse our new construction homes for sale in Las Cruces on our Available Homes page and contact us when you are ready to learn more about our process and homes.
