New-Build vs. Existing Homes Explained
Along with the many important questions raised when embarking on your home buying journey, the decision to purchase a new-build vs. existing home should be near the top of your list. But which is right for you? The answer often lies in three important factors: your home buying priorities, timeline, and budget. Of these sometimes competing priorities, which ranks higher for you? A speedy move in or an opportunity for greater customization? A higher purchase price or higher maintenance costs over time? A more modern home or a home in an established neighborhood? Answers to those questions, and more, can help you narrow down which type of construction best meets your needs. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of building a new house vs. buying existing construction.
Benefits of Choosing a New-Build Home
There are many compelling reasons to buy either a new-build or existing home but only one provides the level of personalization, efficiency, and peace of mind that you may desire. Here are a few big reasons why opting to purchase a new-build home from Holt Homes may be the right choice for you.
Personalization Opportunities
You have a vision of how your lifestyle and your family’s needs impact the layout and aesthetics of your home. From smaller details like finishes and paint colors to larger features and upgrades, Holt Homes is proud to offer dedicated design center partners to help you along the way. The ability to customize your home from the ground up is a potentially huge benefit if you’re the type of buyer who hopes to see themselves truly reflected in how your home looks, feels and functions.
Modern Features & Energy Efficiency
The needs and preferences of home buyers have shifted over the years and new-build homes offer an array of conveniences and upgrades that older homes may not. From open floor plans, the option to add more bedrooms or larger garages and even additional suites for multi-generational living, there’s many ways to meet your family’s needs with a new-build home. If you find yourself recoiling at the mere mention of “DIY” and “renovation” then a new-build home might be the perfect pick for you.
A newly built Holt Home is a “smart home” that features eco-friendly design choices. With energy efficiency in mind, not only do these features help to reduce your monthly costs, they're also kinder to the planet. A smaller carbon footprint is a meaningful choice that helps reduce your home’s impact on the environment and is a big draw for many home buyers. With smart features that reduce air leaks through improved construction of walls and ducts, new-build homes offer a lower cost of utilities while keeping your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature. Additionally, utilization of a greener source of energy also helps to reduce your energy bills. And, all Holt Homes come built zero-energy ready, a phenomenal feature that prepares each home to be one step away from off-setting some or all of the energy it uses.
Peace of Mind with Warranties
The hope is that you never have to use it, but if defects do occur, a new-home warranty can come in pretty handy and give you a priceless sense of security. Each new-build Holt Home comes with a 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty that provides you with 10 years of structural warranty coverage and one year of distribution and workmanship coverage. This type of coverage can cover repairs to finishes and features inside your home like flooring or countertops, as well as larger structural repairs to areas like the roof and foundation. And, should you choose to sell your Holt Home while it's still under warranty, it will transfer to the new seller! To learn more about this valuable feature, be sure to check out the Holt Home Warranty blog for additional information.
Advantages of Buying an Existing Home
Opting to purchase an existing home can be attractive for a few reasons. From finding a more established neighborhood and a home with mature landscaping, to a shorter timeline to move-in than some new-build homes, there may be many circumstances that inspire you to opt for this route. The potential for negotiating and haggling with the sellers can also be an enticing aspect of your home-buying journey for those with a little more experience under their belt. However, there are some challenges purchasing an existing home presents and older homes often harbor some surprises down the road. Here are a few pros and cons of buying an existing home to keep in mind!
Established Neighborhoods
Existing homes often come with the added benefit of a community of people who have known each other and the neighborhood for a while. Established neighborhoods are also typically well-served by amenities that have grown to accommodate the nearby residents. These are both significant features to purchasing existing construction that can help tip the scales in your search for your next home. Often, finding both a home that meets your needs, and a neighborhood that feels like a good fit can be a challenge that requires buyers to make some sacrifices. Love the home, but the neighborhood leaves something to be desired? Or vice versa? If you can’t have both, it’s essential to know what your non-negotiables are.
Faster Move-In Timeline
Perhaps you have a baby on the way or you’re starting a new job and relocating to a new town, making timing an essential element in your home search. In cases where a speedy timeline is of the essence, purchasing an existing home may be right for you. Like so many buyers before you, finding a home that ticks just enough boxes in the short term may outweigh your desire to meet longer-term needs. But before you rule out a new-build Holt Home, be sure to check out the ever-growing availability of new construction communities– one may very well meet more of your home-buying needs and your timeline than you think!
Potential for Negotiation
The thrill of the chase and the delight of negotiating the deal– some buyers love the process of haggling! If that sounds like you, and you feel confident that you have the know-how about the home buying process to confidently work with your realtor to make some savvy decisions when it comes time to negotiate the terms of sale, then purchasing an existing home might be the right solution for you. If you feel less confident about navigating what can sometimes be a complex closing then a new-build home might better suit you. A benefit of purchasing a new-build vs an existing home is fewer surprises with all costs and fees established upfront.
Choosing Holt Homes for a New-Build
With deep roots in Oregon and southwest Washington, Holt Homes is a locally grown builder with a commitment to constructing homes and communities that exemplify quality and livability.
By choosing to purchase a new-built Holt Home, you’re guaranteed to experience our commitment to ensuring an easy and accessible home buying experience as well as the promise of years of enjoyment in a home you had a hand in customizing.
Conclusion
Whether purchasing an existing home in an established community or playing an active role in customizing a new-build to your precise preferences it’s essential that you balance the pros and cons of both to meet your family’s home buying needs.
New Construction Home Pros:
- Personalization options to build a home that’s just right for you
- A modern home with energy efficiency that can save you money and reduce environmental impacts
- Peace of mind with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty that transfers with the sale of your home
New Construction Home Cons:
- A longer move-in timeline
- Less established neighborhoods that may be further away from amenities in the short-term
Existing Home Pros:
- Established neighborhoods, landscaping and nearby amenities
- A shorter move-in timeline
- The opportunity to negotiate and haggle
Existing Home Cons:
- Little or no customization of your home
- More unknowns and surprises with the potential for costly repairs down the line
- A more complex buying process
We encourage you to schedule a visit to any of the Holt Homes communities around Oregon and Washington to get a better idea of what you can expect when you become an owner in a Holt Homes community. And don’t miss out on the many resources right at your fingertips– our blog page has answers to a lot of common questions. We look forward to meeting you!
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Apr 14. 2025