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Buying
a New Home
There
are many factors one must consider when deciding between the purchase
of a new home.
PLUSES
- Safety
and Peace of Mind
Newer homes must adhere to up-to-date standards for structural stability,
energy conservation and general safety, especially with regard to electrical
systems, fireplaces and heating equipment. Also on the plus side are
the lack of general wear, modern design features, contemporary conveniences,
and of course, the builder's warranty.
- Energy
Efficiency
With rising utility costs, lack of energy efficiency in an older, pre-1980
home is also a major consideration. Upgrades in this area can be cost
prohibitive. Insulation in ceilings, walls and floors is often substandard
or nonexistent, and old-style single-paned windows waste heat almost
as badly as if they were open. Old heating equipment is typically not
designed for efficient use of fuel, requiring more money to produce
a given amount of heat. Furthermore, with old heaters, safety problems
are more likely to occur.
- Finishing
Touches
In most new construction homes, the buyer gets to select the finishing
touches, such as floor coverings, cabinets, countertops, and colors
of paint. In an older home, these choices have already been made...
and not always in the best of taste. Red shag carpet and gaudily painted
walls in an older home can be replaced, but at additional time and expense.
MINUSES
- Landscaping
Most new homes are devoid of landscaping, or may have a token amount
small plants in the front yard. Plan on additional expenses to complete
the landscaping, to include fencing, deck or patio, and any special
touches such as a pool, pond, or other water feature.
- Window
Treatments
Unless you want to hang bed sheets over the windows, add window treatments
to your moving costs. Especially for the windows in bedrooms and baths,
where you need privacy screening.
- Construction
in the 'Hood
Plan on listening to hammering, compressors, generators, and heavy equipment
such as bulldozers if you buy a home in a new development. Until each
lot is filled with a house, construction noise and dirt will be a part
of life in your new home. It's not forever, but if you want peace and
quiet, a new development may not be your best choice.
Call
me to set up a convenient time to interview me as your Real Estate
Guy
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Have
a question about real estate in Port Townsend and surrounding areas?
Let me
help you. All my years of experience as a Realtor have given me a wealth
of knowledge about selling and buying real estate. If I don't already
have the answer to your question, I know just where to go to get it. Simply
use this handy
form.
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