interior design

The minute you start thinking it might be time to move into a new home – or at least “new” to you – how to choose between a home that’s “new” or “used”? How do you actually go about making that decision?

In our opinion as experienced Realtors®, there are definitely pros and cons to both choices. The final answer, of course, lies with you – the buyer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look for a little help along the way to make sure you’re considering it from the viewpoints that matter to you. We thought we’d lend you a hand with some of the benefits of each!

The Case for Choosing a New Home

We’ll start here, since the Las Vegas valley does have its share of new home builders to choose from. And you’ll certainly hear from them (and their supporters) all the benefits that new homes have over used ones. They include (but certainly aren’t limited to):

• You’re getting a new, blank slate. One that’s just waiting for your personal tastes and preferences to be applied. It’s a compelling argument, because fresh, clean and new can be very appealing to many people – especially if they’ve never lived in a new home before.
• Updated design and features. Floorplans, looks, and lifestyles change over time. For example, today, it’s not unusual to see multiple generations living in one home – and many new home builders design specifically to meet this need. If you’re in search of lots of light and an open floorplan, that’s probably not something you’re going to see in a typical resale home. Like we said, tastes change – and home designs change with them over time.
• Everything is under warranty. Whether it’s your homebuilder warranty, or the manufacturers of major items in your homes, from appliances to HVAC systems. Those warranties can be real money-savers – not to mention they offer you an opportunity to live frustration-free (for a time, anyway!) That’s more time for you to enjoy the new home and life you’re building, and less time to spend repairing things.
• Energy efficiency and the latest in building materials and construction codes. That can also include safety features, too – not a small consideration, really. More fire-retardant materials, hard-wired detectors, and mechanisms on garage doors or other items to help avoid injuries.
• Location. One of the biggest rules about real estate, as we all know. New homes are built in new communities, near new schools, shopping, and other conveniences. There are often more parks and recreational facilities nearby – because new home builders plan their communities to meet the needs and wants of today’s buyers.

Now let’s consider . . .

The Case for Choosing a Resale Home

• Character. This might sound like an odd reason at first, but the truth is not everyone is wild about brand new items. It’s like the difference between those who love classic cars and those who have to have the latest model every year. A resale home has been lived in and has acquired a personality from its surroundings and the people who live there. From the nearby community, and the people in the neighborhood. It’s individual and personal in a way that new homes aren’t.
• Appeal. Finding an older home may also mean you’re escaping the cookie-cutter appearance and floorplans of small, tightly-packed new home communities. Plus, you’re choosing an established neighborhood with a look and feel you prefer. (Not to mention, zoning changes are unlikely to occur in older areas. You know what’s around you and that it’s more likely to stay there.)
• Quality. New homes may be made with the latest materials – but older homes can offer a level of craftsmanship you’ll never find in a new one. Over the years, the previous owners may have remodeled, adding features and spaces that are unique to only this home, too. Artisans often play a role in these changes and that can result in stunning results that may just seal the deal for you.
• Larger property. Years ago, when land was cheaper, builders built on larger lot sizes, leaving room to accommodate spacious yards, pools, and more. You have the chance to stretch out and relax with some privacy. And, there’s something to be said for that huge, shady fruit tree out back (especially in Las Vegas.) Not to mention established gardens and huge tree canopies seen from the street – all of which add considerable beauty to your living environment.
• Longer-term neighbors. In Las Vegas, this might even be a bit of a rarity – but getting to know your neighbors and having that community nearby to rely upon is one of the reasons many of us enjoy putting down roots in the first place.

The one thing that we haven’t mentioned in either list, though, is the price. That’s primarily because it used to be that a resale home gave you more value for your money. But new home builders have evened the score a bit in that area. This includes walled yards (so you no longer have the expense of adding those yourself), included landscaping, and often perks or discounts for upgrades and options to be included in the deal.

So, when it comes down to the final choice – it can be a toss-up in cost…and the home you select is simply up to your personal preference. You just need to take into account which details matter the most to you and your family, and perhaps this list will help you start thinking along those lines. Although when it comes to getting your mortgage financing, one thing stands true for all homes – whether new or resale – and that’s to shop different lenders to make sure you’re working with the best! You can learn more about that from one of the best local mortgage brokers in Las Vegas, Premier Mortgage Lending.

And keep in mind that no matter which type of home you choose to buy – new or resale – it’s important to rely on the services of an experienced Realtor® to look out for your best interests. That’s the only person who will be working for you — not for the builder, and not for the seller. Only you. (And yes – that’s exactly what we do at New Home Resource!)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

You know how sometimes you just need a change? And not just a personal change – but sometimes for your business, too. Especially if your business is in Las Vegas, because there’s always something new happening in this city – and the real estate market is no exception. At New Home Resource, we thought it was time for us to mix things up a bit– and the next thing you know, “Voila!” We have a whole new look for our website!

But not just a new look – a whole new way to navigate to find the things you need. Like what? Well, we thought you’d never ask! Allow us to give you a guided tour:

Easier to Find Exactly What You’re Looking For

• Search our gorgeous current New Home Resource property listings
• Search the MLS listings through our site
• Inquire about the value of your existing home
• Learn more about our stellar Property Management Services

Easier to Learn About Us

• You should want to know more about the people you’re doing business with. Fortunately, we’re not shy – we’re happy to tell you who we are, our experience, how to contact us, and let you know where to find us on Facebook, too.
• See what our customers have to say about New Home Resource on our Testimonials page. (May as well put your feet up, because there’s lots of reading to do!)

Helpful Information About Buying, Selling, Leasing, Owning, and Enjoying Your Home

• In our blog articles, we cover pretty much every topic from the local housing market to what to look for in a Realtor, how to shop for a mortgage lender, information for keeping your home maintained, insider tips for both buyers and sellers, statistics, interior design, landscaping, holiday décor, great recipes . . . you name it, and we’ve probably written about it. (Anything you’d like to see that we don’t have? Just send your topic suggestion to Joanna@NewHomeResource.com – we’ll be happy to explore it!)

Our goal – as always – is to make reaching your real estate goals – whether buying, selling, or renting – as smooth and worry-free as possible. We think our website now does a better job of reflecting that goal, too.

For more information about how New Home Resource may be the perfect match for your real estate needs, give us a call as 702.365.1000. Or <nudge/wink!> – you can visit our new website, too!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, a newly built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to provide just the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!