Consider the Charm of an Existing Home
When homebuyers begin their research, they want to see all their available options! In many cases, they include both new construction and existing homes in their search; but is a new construction home really the house of their dreams?
According to a recent survey by Zillow, of the 38% of total buyers that added new construction to their list, only 11% ultimately purchased a newly constructed home!
Zillow noted that 71% of those who purchased newly constructed homes were repeat buyers who are financially secure, with 45% using the money from the sale of their previous homes to make a purchase.
Below are some reasons why buyers say they are interested in purchasing a new build:
Everything in the house is new/never used (49%)
To be close to family (41%)
The home is the best value for their money (37%)
Appealing home features (34%)
Desirable location (34%)
So, why did most of the buyers surveyed choose not to purchase a new home?
1) Location - Buyers could not find new construction in their desired neighborhood, and some felt that new construction is not established (e.g., landscaping, community, neighbors).
2) Timing - Buyers face the end of a lease or sale of their previous property and could not wait for a new home to be built.
3) Price - Some buyers felt that new construction base prices were deceiving. Adding upgrades and HOA fees no longer made the home fit in their price range.
4) Appeal - For some buyers, new construction homes are too “cookie cutter,” and models are limited. Others feel that the charm and uniqueness of an existing house trumps one that’s never been lived in.
Not all buyers are looking for a newly built house! There are many buyers looking for “the charm and uniqueness” of an existing home.
If your plans for 2019 include purchasing a home, visit us at hfamiami.com/homebuyers to learn about our first-time home buyers’ mortgage, low interest rates and down payment assistance program.
Note, information in this post was derived from Keeping Current Matters.
