Buying New Construction:

PROS:

1. YOU’LL BE THE FIRST OWNER: You won’t inherit someone else’s problems of the past. You will have the full lifespan of your appliances and with modern technology, they will be more energy efficient.

2. YOU CAN MAKE CUSTOM SELECTS: If you can get under contract for a new construction home before its completed, you might have the ability to do some customizations. The builder might let you pick out new finishes, tile, lighting, etc.

3. YOU GET A WARRANTY: Most builders will offer some kind of warranty for defects in workmanship or materials. They will also cover anything within the walls, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling. And most warranties will come with a structural component that will cover the foundation, roof, or any major structural defects.

CONS:

1. IT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE: Building a home takes time and can take unexpected turns. There could be a delay in materials. Building material costs could go up during the build. There might be permitting issues with the city or county. If you are on a strict timeline to move into a new home, you will be taking a risk with new construction. Anything can happen during a build and it's best to plan for things to go wrong.

Buying a Resale:

PROS: 

1. YOU PICK THE LOCATION: The biggest pro to a resale is the potential to live in the neighborhood that you want to be in. With new construction, you are at the mercy of where the new builds are. With Resales, you pick the neighborhood you like and wait for a home to pop up that fits your needs.

2. MOVE IN QUICKER: Unless you find a new construction home that is complete, a resale is a great option for getting into a house sooner. Construction can take time and have unexpected delays. With a resale, you can close as soon as closing documents are ready and funds are available.

CONS:

1. INHERITING SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEMS: If you have an owner that didn’t maintain their home properly, it could be a problem for you in the future. That’s why it’s very important to get a home inspection done.

2. INHERITING SOMEONE ELSE’S DESIGN TASTE: To bring it up to your design standards will take extra time and money. Not to mention, if remodeling needs to happen then your life is disrupted and is more of a headache.