Brand New Vs. Pre-owned: Which is Better for a Home?

As a veteran buying a home, a common factor you might consider is whether to go with a brand new property or settle for a pre-owned one. This is because you would want your family to have a comfortable and lasting home that can also make it easy for you to transition into post-military civilian life. When house hunting, depending on the house’s condition and your needs, both new and pre-owned come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. As such, it’s essential to go through each option to make a more informed decision. Here are some things to consider:

Budget and Price

When buying a home, you first need to figure out your budget. This means getting pre-approved for a mortgage, which will give you an idea of the home price range you should be looking in. There are different loan options, but as a veteran, you are eligible for a VA loan. It offers competitive interest rates and often requires no down payment, so if you want to buy a home with a higher price, it may be an ideal option. You can better understand your budget by applying for VA loans early, and help you make informed decisions sooner. That way, you can proceed with your home-buying confidently.

As for the price, a new home is typically more expensive than a pre-owned one. This is because everything will be brand new, making you the first owner and user of all facilities and fixtures that are also likely designed with the latest home features. Meanwhile, pre-owned homes are usually cheaper since they have been lived in before and likely follow outdated features unless their owners made it a point to update the property before listing their home.

Style and Layout

The style and layout of the home are another important consideration, especially if you have a family. Pre-owned homes may have outdated features or layouts that don’t suit your needs, but it can also be an advantage if the previous owners’ style matches your own and if you’re looking to move in immediately. Although you have the option to renovate and remodel pre-owned homes, this will incur more costs and may require you to live on the property or elsewhere while work is being done. Meanwhile, brand new homes can be designed specifically for the way you want to live, including every room’s function and design. Likewise, a brand new home can give you more room for getting creative with your space which will come in handy as your family grows.

Warranties

Another thing to consider is warranties. When you purchase a brand new home, it will come with a warranty from the builder. Its duration varies, but this is often mentioned in the sales contract. This protects you from having to cover the repair or replacement costs of any appliances or home systems that break down within a certain timeframe. On the other hand, warranties on pre-owned homes are typically shorter. It is also likely that these warranties are non-existent for much older homes. As such, make sure to check what kind of warranties come with the property and factor in the cost of repairs or replacements in your budget.

Furnishings and Appliances

When it comes to furnishing and appliances, new homes can ensure that everything is brand new but might not match your style and taste. Likewise, these furnishings and appliances will likely be things that you might need. Moreover, suppose you prefer to use your own furniture and appliances. In this case, brand new items would give you more options for managing them compared to pre-owned items. This is because you can simply sell or donate unwanted items at their selling price. After all, they haven’t been used yet.

On the other hand, pre-owned homes might have some appliances and furniture that you like, which makes moving in much more manageable since everything is already set up. But they may be outdated or in need of repair. Moreover, the home seller might leave things behind that you don’t want and might have to deal with when you move in. So, you would need to double-check with the home seller if these items come with the house or if they will take them when they move out. This will help you set expectations when buying a pre-owned house regarding its contents.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to do your research and plan ahead of time. Whether you buy a brand new home or settle for a pre-owned one, proper preparation will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible for you and your family as you transition into civilian life in your new home.

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