Thinking About Buying a New Construction Home?

When you're out hunting for a home and walk into a brand-new model with that fresh paint smell and shiny finishes, it’s easy to get swept up. Builders know this. They’re pros at making everything look picture-perfect, and when inventory is low like it’s been the past few years, they step in to fill the gap. But here’s something that might surprise you: just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s cheaper—or better.

Over the last several years, we’ve seen a consistent trend. The median price for newly built homes has almost always been higher than for existing homes. A big part of that comes down to size. New homes today are, on average, about 100 to 200 square feet bigger than older ones. And more square footage means more money, plain and simple. So when you see those higher price tags on new construction, it’s not necessarily price gouging—it’s just that you’re paying for a bigger house.

There’s also the upgrade factor. That model home you walk through? It’s loaded with high-end features that aren’t included in the base price. Add in landscaping, appliances, and design tweaks, and suddenly the cost jumps a lot higher than what was advertised. It’s kind of like seeing a car commercial with all the bells and whistles, only to find out those are all extras.

But here’s the other thing—existing homes might actually give you more bang for your buck. They often sit on larger lots, have mature landscaping, and might be located in more established neighborhoods with schools, shopping, and parks already in place. New communities can take years to fully develop that same level of convenience and charm.

Now, I’m not knocking new homes. In fact, there are definite upsides: energy efficiency, modern layouts, and less immediate maintenance. If your budget fits and the location works, new construction can absolutely be the right choice. But I believe it’s important to go in with eyes wide open. Just because something is brand new doesn’t mean it’s the better deal—it just means it’s different.

Over all, I’d say this: weigh your options carefully, and don’t overlook existing homes just because they’ve seen a little life. You might end up with more space outside, a better location, and a little extra money in your pocket.