This is the first part in a five part series on buying specific types of property. In each column the case will be made to buy a property like the one being described in the title.
There are an infinite number of variables that will impact your decisions to buy a particular home. This column makes the case for buying a brand new home. In the name of full disclosure, I am currently marketing several brand new single family homes and a brand new condo project, so I am somewhat biased. I also live in a home that was brand new when my wife and I moved in. I'm not going to lie it's pretty sweet. I like it a lot.
First, the bad news: The first thing that you need to know about buying brand new is that it is a more involved process than buying a home that has already been lived in. There could be time over-runs or things may not look exactly as you anticipated. You may lie awake at night wondering if you will actually like the house when it is done. You have to navigate the world of home warranties. You will go for walk-throughs and you will see things that are unsettling. You may be wondering what exactly is going on right up to the minute that you move in.
Now, the good news: Living in a brand new home is sweet. There are three reasons that make it worth pursuing: The security of a home warranty, having a home built with current technology and design, and knowing that you are the only one to ever, ever make a mess in your home.
When you purchase a new home you generally don't have to deal with the basic upkeep that will arise in an older home. Additionally, a new home warranty contributes to your peace of mind; however, it is very important to read your warranty coverage thoroughly so you know the rules of the game. Regardless, it is very comforting to know that for up to ten years, any major issues with your home are covered by an insurance policy that comes with the home simply by virtue of when it was built.
Having a home built up to modern building code, with current construction technology, contemporary layout and stylish, modern building materials is worth sacrificing for as well. Construction technology has evolved considerably in recent years. Foam block foundations, advances in vapor barrier and insulation, air exchangers, hot water on demand these are just a few modern construction elements that make a new home more comfortable and stable than an older one.
Having a modern layout and stylish materials in your home is also a great feature. It will also ultimately contribute to the re-saleability of your home when it does come time to sell. If you act soon enough, you may even have a say in the finishing of the property.
Lastly you and your family will be the only people that have ever made a mess in your new place. That is a great feeling. You have no one to blame but yourself, your husband or wife or your kids. It's always easier to deal with the mess of someone you love than the mess of someone that you have never met.
Here in Dawson Creek there is a broad price range for new homes. On the market right now you can get a brand new, one bedroom condo for as little as $139,000. You can get almost 1000 square foot condo unit for around $189,000. Semi-detached townhouse's sell for less than $300,000 and single family detached homes will go for as little as $334,000.
There are many variables that will help you to determine the right house for you and your family. Brand new is one option. Our local market offers a variety of options for every home buyer. Stay tuned to future articles as I explore the benefits of a few different ones.
Kevin Kurjata is a Dawson Creek Real Estate Specialist with Remax Dawson Creek Realty. Go to www.kevink.ca/forbuyers.php for more information on the steps you can take towards purchasing your next home. He can be reached at 250.719.3538 or at kevink@kevink.ca. He is currently accepting new clients.
