Buying a new home vs buying resale

Things to consider

So you’re in the market for a new home but you can’t decide between buying an older home in an established neighborhood or a new construction home in a new community, like Kinston. Either approach has its advantages. And a few drawbacks. 

For instance, there’s the equity you can earn by restoring a fixer-upper. Older neighborhoods often have mature trees, and the patinated character that comes from years of homeowner personalization. Then again, older homes also have older plumbing and electrical systems. Homes with “character” can mean characteristically smaller closets, fewer bathrooms and creaky floors. And everyone loves a historic home until they see historically high energy bills. 

That’s not to say that new homes are perfect. When you buy a home in a community under development, you’ll probably have to deal with some construction traffic, heavy equipment noise and the report of pneumatic nail guns. Your amenities, like parks and community pools, may not be fully realized right away. You may also have to wait for your new home to be built, which although exciting, can be inconvenient. And the trees will need time to mature. 

However, new construction rewards patience. As a master planned community progresses, amenities come online and landscapes take root, home values tend to benefit. New homes also include new warranties, so homeowners are not on the hook for expensive repairs, and new homes are generally lower maintenance in the first place. New homes are typically more energy efficient and reliably wired for modern living. They’re equipped with brand new appliances and designed with a more contemporary open-concept floorplan. Many builders will even let you personalize finishes right down to the subway tile backsplash and farmhouse-style skirt sink. And, did we mention, new homes provide substantially more closet space? 

Old home or new construction? There is no right or wrong decision, it’s all about personal preference. But if we may offer a slightly biased opinion: Kinston is envisioned to bring the character of a historic neighborhood together with the contemporary convenience of new homes. It’s the best of both worlds.