Quote:
Originally Posted by margaretmattson
I have been in the market for a new home for over 6 months. I was beginning to believe it was just me! Yes, I agree, the quality of newly constructed homes is not worth the price. I am now beginning a search of preowned homes. So far, it seems you get more for your money. Location, at this time, is also better with preowned homes. As the Villages develop further this may no longer be the case. But, I'm not getting any younger! Not certain I have the time to wait.
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With pre-owned, get ready to sink some big bucks into the house, after purchase, to get it updated, unless you get lucky!
Projects, especially now, with it being a "contractor's market", everything comes with "sticker shock".
Sadly, you hold your breath if the contractors are any good, unless you know your contractor, or they come with recommendations.
We bought pre-owned and paid very close attention to window coverings, Interior/exterior paint, age of water heater, roof, HVAC, bond.
Flooring- lots of owners took the builders grade carpeting and never updated anything in kitchen or baths.
Lots of pre-owned homes were rentals, as are the surrounding homes. We paid close attention to shoddy looking yards, a clear giveaway!
To update or upgrade a kitchen alone is a small fortune, not to mention the mechanics of a home, such as HVAC.
Buyer Beware. There are no warranties on Pre-Owned as opposed to new construction.
As very experienced buyers, we knew we had a good foundation, and could happily live in the house, as is, without doing much of anything, but we did it all to make it ours. Just saying, it was costly.
Be somewhat a Devil's Advocate on each home and be aware of "staging" to draw at your emotional side. Best of Luck!!