4 Things To Consider When Buying A New Home In Florida

If so, then there are several things that you need to consider. The tropical climate is one of the benefits of living in Florida, but it does present unique challenges when it comes to buying or building a new home. Also, older homes may have hidden repair and remodeling costs that the buyer has not considered. The educated buyer would do well to take all of these factors into consideration when deciding on whether to purchase an existing home or have a new home built.

Purchasing an existing Florida home

At this time, there are a flood of existing houses for sale in Florida. Market conditions now heavily favor the buyer, and many Florida home buyers are looking to take advantage of these conditions by finding a great deal on an existing home. However, buyers must take into consideration some of the repair and remodeling costs that may come with an existing home.

The buyer may think that they are getting a new home at a great price, but in reality, they could end up spending a great deal of additional money before the home is ready for occupancy. Older homes are especially prone to needing costly repairs. On average, a Florida home begins to require major repair and remodeling after twenty years. Electrical and plumbing systems age, wood frame homes are often susceptible to wood rot and insect infestation, and appliances wear out after years of use.

Many older homes were built before lead paint restrictions were put into place, or were built without central air conditioning and heat. Older furnaces are often unsafe and are expensive to remove, and it is difficult (not to mention costly) to install central heat and air in homes with out-dated electrical systems.

Building a new Florida home can save you money

Building a brand-new custom home may be more affordable than you think, and will alleviate several of the home buying worries that come with an existing home. If you consider the fact that you will not have to spend a penny on repairs or remodeling, a brand-new home will likely end up saving you money in the long run. There is no need to worry about replacing outdated electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems. There is no fear of wood rot, water damage or insect infestation. Everything is brand-new, and often under warranty.

Hurricane protection is another area where you can save money by having a new home built. Many existing Florida homes were built before stricter hurricane building codes were put into effect, and even newer homes may not be built to withstand a strong hurricane.

Today there are home builders in Florida who are offering homes built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. These builders use solid concrete construction, additional roof truss straps, and impact resistant glass to provide the highest level of hurricane protection for your home. In addition, these above code homes can save you money on homeowner's insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who purchase homes with these protective features.

No need to spend time and money on messy remodeling projects

When you decide to have a custom Florida home built, your builder should provide a wide array of style and décor options. You choose the floor plan, interior and exterior colors, flooring, cabinetry, and lighting for your custom home. This means that you get the home you want: a home that reflects your personal taste and style.

In a brand-new home, floor plans are often more airy and spacious than those found in older existing homes. Appliances are up-to-date and top of the line. The homes are usually pre-wired for ceiling fans, cable and internet, and there is an increased number of electrical outlets in every room. These are all features that you would likely have to pay to add to an older existing home

Purchasing a new home from a builder saves on commission costs

Finally, you can save money on a brand-new custom built home by purchasing your home directly from the home builder rather than acquiring a realtor to negotiate your purchase. If a home builder does not have to pay a 3-6% commission to a realtor, they will often pass these savings on to you by reducing the price of the home or adding additional features and upgrades free of charge.

In the long run, purchasing an older existing home, even in the current buyer's market, may cost you more money than you think. It may be much more affordable, not to mention less stressful, to build a high-quality custom home instead.