Remember Me
forgot your password?

New vs. Used Home

10 Reasons Why New is Better

Everything in your new home is new, so there are no worries about expensive repairs such as the roof, foundation, etc. New homes come with a builder warranty, and there are also usually warranties for new appliances and systems (such as air conditioning). With a used home, “prepare to repair,” as the old saying goes. This is especially true if your inspector doesn’t catch every problem, or if the previous owner has tried to hide faults.

Most homebuilders can help buyers with down payments and closing costs. Builders can also help buyers repair their credit and find affordable financing.

Today’s new homes have the latest energy-saving features, including insulation, double-paned windows and high-efficiency air conditioners. They use much less energy than older homes, and that can mean big savings on utility bills for your new home in Houston, Texas.

You can personalize a new home to your family’s tastes and needs. You get to choose your paint color, carpet, cabinets, etc. In many cases, you can customize the floor plan by adding an extra bedroom or bathroom.

You know who built your home. You can check out a builder’s reputation before choosing that company.

New homes must adhere to local building codes and regulations, so they are safer and better built. For example, they have modern electrical systems. They also must meet the strict criteria imposed by today's mortgage companies. This can result in lower insurance rates.

In a new home, you can usually include the costs of upgrades (such as adding an extra bathroom), into the primary mortgage loan, which has the best interest rate. With a used home, costs for remodeling or added features must be paid in cash, or with a second loan at a higher interest rate.

New homes have floor plans designed for the way families like to live today. Large family rooms are open to the kitchen, so everybody can socialize. Other modern features include walk-in closets, bathrooms with double vanities, media rooms and enough secondary bedrooms for the entire family.

Today’s new homes are healthier, no longer using asbestos, lead, formaldehyde and other materials that can harm your family’s health. Today’s building materials, such as brick and Hardiplank siding, are more durable, making your new home in Houston, Texas able to resist rot and insects.

In a new community, neighbors tend to get to know each other better, since they all moved in at about the same time.

Lisa Zapalac

Lisa C. Zapalac, Principal Partner and VP Public Relations for http://www.casanuevaguide.com has been actively working in the real estate and business industry since 1996; prior to opening her own public relations company Zapalac was named editor in 1991 for the Houston Chronicle Homeline and Real Estate sections.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Real Estate Articles
  • More from Lisa Zapalac

Easy yet Effective Ways to Improve your Credit Score

By: marco | 07/01/2010
If your credit score has been taking a beating during the last three years or so, you should not despair. By the way, once you have hit 700 on your credit score, anything that you can do will have much less force than if your score is at 600. If your credit is horrible, do not despair and do not panic thinking that you will never be able to buy a house or car unless you pay cash. Another thing that you can do to really help your credit score is to start paying on time, each and every time.

How to Use Reverse Mortgage for Your Next Home Purchase

By: Alvin Clavines | 07/01/2010
In order to sustain financial assistance to seniors and retirees who are in need of options for home mortgages, various government agencies regulated certain legislation to provide necessary alternatives to homebuyers and aid the poor real estate industry. This significant legislation is the Reverse Mortgage for purchasing a home.

Homeowner Strategies for Avoiding Foreclosure

By: Gary Ashton | 07/01/2010
Don’t be afraid of asking for help if you and your family are struggling to make ends meet and keep your mortgage paid up to date; there are programs out there to help families who are having a hard time keeping up with their payments that greatly increase your chances of working your problems out so that you can stay in your home.

Calculating How Much House You Can Afford

By: Lokesh | 07/01/2010
How much housing loan can I afford? What is the maximum amount of repayment per month that I can make? What is the maximum value of the house that I can afford? These are a few very related and pertinent questions which must be going on in the mind of every prospective home buyer. The biggest and the two most influencing factor which determines the value of the house that you can afford include the housing loan amount that a mortgage lender is ready to provide you with and tyour own contribution

Become a Real Estate Investor

By: Ralph D Bredahl | 07/01/2010
Are you looking for a new way to make money? Are you tired of your current career? If so, you may want to look into becoming a real estate investor. Thousands of people in Arizona have become real estate investors, and have in turn made tons of money.

Steps to Consider For Qualifying For Mortgage After Bankruptcy

By: Alvin Clavines | 07/01/2010
Bankruptcy can be difficult especially the long process that comes with it. But after the bankruptcy discharge has been issued, it is important to create good credit again for future purposes.

Steps to Consider For Qualifying For Mortgage After Bankruptcy

By: Alvin Clavines | 07/01/2010
Bankruptcy can be difficult especially the long process that comes with it. But after the bankruptcy discharge has been issued, it is important to create good credit again for future purposes.

Use your GI Bill

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
This new benefit will cover the full cost of education at any public school in the country and many private schools. To qualify for the benefits, a veteran has to have served at least 90 days of active duty post-9/11 and have remaining entitlement. Only post-9/11 active duty service counts toward this benefit. Any remaining Chapter 30 or 1607 entitlement can be converted into this new education benefit.

Military, Active Duty or Retired

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
What are my benefits? Frequently Asked Questions from the Veterans Administration

Texas State Veteran's Benefits

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
The State of Texas provides several veteran benefits. (VLB), a division of the Texas General Land Office, administers three veterans' loan programs: The Land Loan Program, Veterans Housing Assistance Purchase Program, and the Veterans Home Improvement Loan Program. Learn more about the Texas Veterans Land Board Programs.

Debt Relief for Service Members

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
Americans' personal debt reached $2.6 trillion earlier this year, and the men and women of the nation's armed forces have felt their share of financial pain. However, a nearly 70-year-old law is helping to ease the debt burden for those called to actively serve their country.

VA Guaranteed Home Loans

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
If you are a veteran and want to purchase a home, the Veterans Administration will guarantee up to $417,000 of your loan. If you are a homeowner and would like to refinance - you can either seek a lower interest rate or get a cash-out option.

Hope for Homeowners

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
Homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments and risking foreclosure have something to hope for congress recently passed the H4H or Hope for Homeowners program opening opportunities for homeowners to refinance their loans with a more affordable interest rate. This is another tool the government has put into place in an effort to aid distressed homeowners.

Protect Yourself From Real Estate Fraud

By: Lisa Zapalac | 18/05/2009 | Real Estate
Real estate fraud targeting home buyers has been increasing, but you can protect yourself by knowing your rights and opportunities. Read "The Home Buyer's Bill of Rights," presented as a public service by CasaNuevaGuide.com.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.16, 6, w3)