Are you thinking about buying a new construction home in Huntsville, Alabama? Matt Curtis Real Estate is here to help. Read below to learn about the pros and cons of new construction properties so you can decide on the best housing option when you search “homes for sale near me.”
In the August Housing Update for Huntsville, Matt reports new construction is on sale due to a shift in builder strategy and other market factors. If you are in the market, now's a great opportunity to take advantage of the incentives builders are offering.
Pros of Buying a New Construction Home
If you are looking at new homes in Huntsville, AL, there are important things to consider. Understanding the several benefits of purchasing a new property, along with discussing your options with the best real estate agents at Matt Curtis Real Estate in Huntsville, AL, can help you make the best decision. Along with new construction homes being in pristine condition and having less maintenance cost in the first few years compared to a 'used' home, there are even more pros.
You Can Customize Your House
First, you can customize your new home with features such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. You'll be able to customize the space to your wants and needs instead of settling for a layout that doesn't match your lifestyle or is outdated. Before you move forward with this option, consider the foundation features you want, such as a finished basement, a garage, or a pool, so building a new home run smoothly.
You Get More Living Space
You also have more space than you would in an older home. The average square footage of a new single-family home in 2022 is 2,561 sqft. In 2000, the average square footage was 2,077 sqft. You have control over choosing specific floor plans, room sizes, and more to suit your needs. If you plan to live in the house for several years, you might be interested in buying a new construction home instead of one built in the 1990s, considering the shift in home layouts over the years and the implementation of smart home technology.
Choose the Location
The ability to choose the location of your new home is crucial in homebuyers deciding to build a new property from scratch. Deciding on a property close to school systems may be the top of your list if you have kids. Other factors that impact location decisions are moving close to shopping centers, public transportation, family, and other amenities.
Talk to an agent today about taking advantage of builder incentives.
Cons of Buying a New Construction Home
Although building a new home in Huntsville, Madison, and the surrounding area may seem enticing, building a new home has drawbacks to consider. Read below to review the cons of new construction properties so you can make the best choice for yourself and your loved ones.
Paying For a Custom Home
Being able to customize your living space is a big perk of building a house from scratch. But, you need to remember that you will be responsible for paying for the materials used to construct your home. High quality features and custom additions to the base model can quickly add up. You not only have to pay for materials but also for labor costs associated with constructing your home.
All Builders Are Not Equal
Buyer experience can differ because the policies, skills, and available options vary among builders. When choosing the builder for your new construction home be sure to research their past projects, housing developments they've built, and read reviews left by previous buyers.
Unfamiliar Neighborhood and Area
Finally, you might find that the neighborhood where you live isn’t what you expected. Your new neighborhood may also have an HOA or Homeowners Association that requires monthly or annual payments, which should be factored into your total purchase cost.
Other Things to Consider When Building a New Home
Cost of Building vs. Buying One That is Already Built
You should ask yourself “what is the cost of building a new house from scratch” versus “what is the cost of buying a new, pre-built home?” If you're building a new house from scratch instead of buying a new pre-built home, there may be extra costs to prepare the lot for building or additional infrastructure needs. Run the number and budget wisely.
Lot Size
Another thing to think about is the size of the lot. Make sure that the area has enough space for parking and outdoor living areas. If you have family pets and/or children active in sports, having plenty of outdoor space may be a priority for you and your family.
Finding the Right Contractor
If you’re looking for a contractor who can help you build a new home, then you should consider hiring a general contractor. A general contractor will oversee the entire process of building your new home. They will make sure that everything goes smoothly and that the project meets your expectations.
If you're thinking of a new construction home, talk to an expert agent today to help you make the best decision.