Weighing the Pros and Cons of Buying New Construction

Want to streamline your homebuying experience? When you consider the pros and cons of buying a new construction home, especially one in a Hillwood Community, you may find some of your decisions made for you.   

If you want modern features, your choice of floorplan, and a simpler buying and financing experience, you’ll definitely want to put new build homes at the top of your list.

But with any choice, you’ll want to weigh the advantages against any disadvantages. By considering the following pros and cons of new home construction, you can zone in on the type of house that’s right for your budget and lifestyle.

Why Choose New Construction?

The benefits of buying a new construction home are many:

Modern Design and Features – New construction homes are built for the way homeowners live today, with airy living areas, layouts that encourage together time while preserving private spaces, and design trends that are hot right now, not twenty years ago. Even better, the technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative designs incorporated into today’s new construction homes often save energy and lower utility bills.

Customization and Personalization – You don’t have to custom-build a $1,000,000 home to tailor your home to your preferences. Hillwood Communities allows you to personalize your home with a choice of:

• Exterior styles – Select the look you want from a number of architectural designs.
• Interior palettes – Our builders have curated design boards that help you choose paint colors, flooring, countertops, and more—the perfect blend of professional design and personal style.
• Optional upgrades – Every homeowner has a different dream. Maybe you’d like a spa-like bathroom, a game room, or an outdoor space for big barbecues. In Hillwood Communities, you can choose an upgrade that makes your dream come true.

Brand New Everything – No replacing old fixtures or dated finishes. New appliances, new systems, new everything—with warranties.

The Potential for Appreciation – Many factors positively affect home appreciation. New construction homes tick several of the boxes:

• Updated designs
• Energy efficient appliances and construction methods
• Modern floorplans

Newly constructed houses in Hillwood Communities go several steps further. Up-and-coming locations in top-notch school districts, quality home builders, and outstanding amenities have made Hillwood Communities’ new construction homes a great investment.

Builder Incentives and Financing Options – Homebuilders often offer attractive incentives to buyers, like cost savings or free upgrades. Not only that, but many can also help with financing (keep reading for more information).

Community Advantages – Many new home neighborhoods offer fantastic community amenities. Hillwood Communities, for example, boast resort-style swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and creatively designed playgrounds. Even the design of each Hillwood community is an asset, with walking paths, green spaces, and elementary schools built within walking distance. Their locations are another asset, combining the charm of small-town life with the convenience of easy access to big cities.

The Downsides: Considerations Before You Buy

Higher Initial Cost – New homes can be more expensive—to begin with. But that’s because the systems, surfaces, appliances, and fixtures are new which means they will likely not need to be repaired/replaced for many years. And in the unlikely event something does need repair in a new construction home, it is most likely covered by the builder’s warranty. With an existing home, it’s difficult to predict when a system will break down and need repair, even if you’ve had an inspection. 

Upgrades – These can add to the overall cost of a home. But unless you’re buying a spec home that is already completed, they’re optional. Just make sure to consider your budget before getting swept away by the idea of luxury upgrades.

Longer Timeline and Uncertainty – You might have to wait longer for a new home, especially if there are any construction delays. But you also won’t be waiting for existing owners to move, cleaning up after they leave, and redecorating—all of which takes time, too.

Limited Negotiation – There can be less flexibility in negotiating the price of a new construction home compared to an existing home—unless you’re buying into a new home community. Builders like to keep their inventory moving and do so by offering fabulous incentives like closing cost contributions, below-market interest rates, mortgage rate buy-downs, interest rate locks, flex cash, design center credits, free or discounted upgrades, and appliance/accessories packages. When you consider these incentives, you may find new build homes are more affordable than existing homes. 

Lack of Established Landscaping and Community – New communities may mean new trees and landscaping, and it can take a while to meet new neighbors. But some new home communities, like those from Hillwood Communities, avoid these growing pains by designing neighborhoods that incorporate existing landscape elements—like Treeline’s creek and mature oak trees—and by creating programs, like Lifestyle by Hillwood℠, that make it easy to meet neighbors and build relationships with others right from the very first day.

FAQs About Buying a New Construction Home

By determining which elements are most important to you, you can make a better decision about the type of home that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Explore the New Build Homes in a Hillwood Community

We believe the benefits of buying a new construction home in Hillwood Communities firmly place our new build homes favorably on any pro and con list. Come see for yourself. Visit one of our award-winning communities today. Our new construction builders have available homes, and many are offering incentives, so now is a great time to buy!