RockWell Homes
Nov 30, 2022

Buying a New Construction Home vs. Existing in Central Florida


There are a lot of things to take into consideration when you are at the beginning of your home search. One of the first things you will decide is the general area you want to move to. If you chose the Orlando area, you are already making a great decision. This major Florida city has people from all over flocking here to enjoy its many benefits like a thriving economy, diverse population, and many entertainment options.


The next thing you will need to narrow down is whether or not you want to purchase a new construction home or an existing one. This decision will depend on a few variables including what kind of lifestyle you want, your budget, how quickly you need to move, and more.New construction homes in the Orlando areaseem to be the popular pick, but here are a few comparisons to help you decide which is right for you.

New Construction Homes vs. Pre-Owned Homes

Location, Location, Location


New Construction:Location is more than just the city or town you choose to live in. New construction homes are built in a mix of new and established communities where there are many ways to meet your neighbors. You can get to know your neighbors by visiting one of the amenities (another plus for new construction) at the community pool, fitness center, or an event at the clubhouse. It is nice to know that if you are new to the neighborhood, there are plenty of friendly faces that may also be new. These communities are also located in ideal spots near schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment.




Existing Home:There is no guarantee that the existing home will have modern amenities if any at all. You will have to do some research to see if there are any local conveniences or amenities nearby. Most areas with existing homes will be pretty established. This can allow for some genuine connections between neighbors. The only downside is you will have to find a way to fit in with an already-established group of friends. It is also unlikely that there will be planned events for everyone in the neighborhood to get together and meet new neighbors.

Overall Cost


New Construction:Budget will come into play with both types of homes. New construction homes in Central Florida will include the base price, lot premium, and optional upgrades. They can be more expensive than an existing home but offer cost-effective benefits. For instance, all of the systems are brand new, including the HVAC system, appliances, roof, and foundation. This means you won’t have to worry about costly repairs and can typically find cheaper home insurance. The energy-efficient features found in a new home will also save in utility costs. Another cost-saving benefit is that many builders partner with credible lenders with great financing options. Builders also offer perks to help with paying points, closing costs, and/or buying down certain rates for you.




Existing Home:It is certainly possible to find an existing home in the same size and style that costs less upfront. Because of the lower price point, you may be able to take advantage of saving on property taxes in an older home. However, an older home may cost more in the long run when you realize they are almost always priced lower due to needing several repairs. It is important to consider the immediate and long-term costs associated with buying an existing home. Additionally, major repairs like needing a roof will not be favorable when shopping for home insurance.

Timeframe


New Construction:If you are interested in building your new home from the ground up, the timeframe will range. You will have plenty of time to sell your current home or save for any new furniture. It is also exciting to be a part of the process and see the progress of your home from its inception. The great news is you do not have to wait for a new construction home to be built.Quick move-in or inventory homes have shorter wait times since they are either on their way to being built or are ready for sale. You will not only get a brand new, never-lived-in home but be able to move in sooner. Either way, there is an option that will fit with your timeframe.


Existing Home:When searching for a new construction home vs. an existing home, the timeframe is important. You can surely find several existing homes right away, but it will take time to narrow down the right one. For an existing home, you might have to go through a variety of options to ensure the home matches your needs. You will also have to work within the timeframe of the seller who can back out at any moment.

The Benefits


If you are still on the fence about choosing between a new construction home vs. an existing home, here are a few more benefits to consider.

Unless you are willing to pay extra for renovations in an existing home, a new home is your best bet when it comes to meeting the needs of how you live today. It is designed with a modern, open floor plan that you can customize to suit your lifestyle, as well as large kitchens and living rooms, and flex spaces that can be used for whatever you need. It is also worth noting that a new home is equipped with energy-efficient and smart home features to make every day easier. Especially in a hot state like Florida, you will be thankful to have updated windows, an updated thermostat, and a new HVAC system to help regulate your home's temperature. Plus, you will be saving big on energy costs.




Buying a home is a big purchase worth protecting. Luckily, with a new home, you will have the guarantee of a builder's warranty. A new construction home warranty can last anywhere from one to ten years. It can be used for materials and workmanship, plumbing and electrical systems, and even costly structural repairs. It can even help when it comes to securing a mortgage and help lower the cost of home insurance. Not only will you have peace of mind that your purchase is protected, but you will also save money on costly repairs.

Connect with RockWell for New Construction Homes in Central Florida


Join the multitudes that are choosing new construction homes in the Orlando, Florida area. Enjoy the many benefits that will make your move here even better. From customizable, modern floor plans and cost savings to warranties and prime locations, it is hard to turn down the opportunity to live in a new home.


RockWell Homes has over 20 years of homebuilding experience and we have helped many buyers find the right home for a great rate.Our close-knit communities offer amazing amenities in the best areas of Orlando and Central Florida with exceptionally built homes.Get in touch with us online to learn more about our homes and communities. We are here to help!


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