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New or Used: What is the Best Albuquerque Home For You?

by Sandi Pressley

If you're thinking of purchasing a home in Albuquerque, you have one big decision to make as you start your search. You have to choose whether to buy an existing property or a new one. In the decision-making process, you have to weigh the pros and cons of each.

In the past, buying a new house was almost always more expensive than buying an older one. The cost of building materials is lower now than in the past, so price isn't necessarily a determining factor, or at least not the primary factor for most people.

What Are the Upsides of Buying an Older House?

Some of the benefits of buying an existing, older home might include:

  • Higher quality construction: This is not to say that new homes cannot be well built, but older homes often have a higher level of attention to detail that is harder to find in something newer. The craftsmanship used in the building of these homes was often a point of pride for the people who worked on them and lived in them.
  • Bigger yards: Land used to be cheaper in the past, so older homes will have larger yards.
  • Character: An older home may appeal to you because of its charm and character.
  • Established Neighborhoods: There are fewer trees in newly developed neighborhoods, and they go through some growing pains. With towering trees and mature shrubbery, an established neighborhood may be more beautiful.
  • More walkability: You're likely to find that older neighborhoods are more walkable, and they tend to be closer to city centers, as opposed to newer houses which generally sprawl farther and farther away from cities.

What About the Downsides of an Older Home?

Buying an older home isn’t all about the dreamy craftsmanship and charm. There are certain negative aspects to consider. Here are some examples:

  • Smaller spaces: Older homes tend to have more rooms and are less likely to have an open-concept layout. Older homes will have smaller spaces than what we see today. Some homes have smaller garages and closets, and it may be difficult to remedy this problem.
  • Maintenance: With older construction, it's hard to find a low-maintenance home. You may discover tree roots interrupting your sewer line or a foundation problem.
  • Updates: An older home may need to be updated in addition to regular maintenance. In order to make the home truly functional for your needs, you might have to remodel the kitchen or the bathrooms.

What Are the Pros and Cons of New Construction?

You're likely not going to have to worry about any maintenance with new construction, as well as the fact that these homes have modern features that make life easier. Typical features of a new construction home include a built-in dishwasher, wired for electronics, and even wine coolers.

There is even a builder's warranty on some new construction homes. You can save money on heating and cooling by buying a newer, energy-efficient home.

The construction of a new home will adhere to current building codes, and when a new home is bought, it feels like yours immediately, rather than carrying the emotional baggage of people who have lived there before.

Finally, new construction can have the downside of lacking warmth, charm, or uniqueness. When you buy in a neighborhood with tract homes, every house will look similar.

It is likely you'll see a lot of dirt during construction as there are not many mature trees or yards in these neighborhoods.

Because newer neighborhoods are not close to downtown Albuquerque, your commute time may be longer. Also, new homes settle, so you may notice cracks in your walls and door frames.

There are clearly pros and cons to both options, and you must choose the home that works for you. People have a tendency to think they want one thing and then realize when they start searching that it isn't right for them. For example, you might think you want a charming older home, but as you begin your search and you start calculating the cost of upkeep, you realize you’re not ready for that. In short, do your research and relay on the expert help of the Realtors at The Sandi Pressley Team.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

62 Calle Monte Aplanado NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120

1688 CERRO VISTA Loop NW, Los Lunas, NM 87031

Incredible Sivage Thomas one story 3BDR/2BA home! Original owner, beautifully maintained and updated!! Master bdr split floor plan. Huge lot with BACKYARD ACCESS & RV PAD! Seller updates include roof, furnace, water heater, patio sliding door & most windows, flooring, & garage door! Light, bright & open great room with gas fireplace & formal dining room! Kitchen features Silestone countertops, gas stove & bkfst nook. Master suite on its own wing featuring a tray ceiling, remodeled bath with large shower, furniture style cabinetry, soft close drawers, quartz countertops, tile floor, walk-in closet w/custom shelving. Huge covered patio with lots of room to entertain family & friends! 2car finished garage, extra concrete pad, large storage shed, extended drive-thru for RV & double gate.

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

To Buy or Build a Home in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Today, selling a home in Albuquerque provides outstanding financial benefits. Now is the best time to list if you are ready to make a change, as homes are selling fast. However, if you decide to sell your house right now, you may wonder where you will live when you move.

You may be considering building a new home as one of your options, with so few homes on the market right now. Yet you might be unsure whether that is the best option. Whether you choose to buy a newly constructed home or an existing one, working with a real estate agent is essential to your success.

The Pros of Newly Built Homes

To begin, let's analyze the benefits of buying a newly constructed home. In a brand-new home, you can:

1. Create your perfect home.

Customizing your home from the ground up gives you the ability to choose features such as appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.

2. Energy efficiency.

Energy-efficient options can help lower your utility costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect the environment.

3. Minimal repairs.

Almost all builders offer a warranty, which means you won't have to worry about repairs. Furthermore, you won't have as many little projects to deal with.

4. Eveything is new.

New houses have the advantage that nothing in them will be used. Everything is brand new and yours from day one.

The Pros of Existing Homes

In comparison, let's look at the advantages of buying a home that's already built. With an existing house, you can:

1. Broader variety of home style and floorplan options.

There is a broader range of floor plans and designs to choose from since there have been decades of homes.

2. Move into an established neighborhood.

Before you commit to a new home, you can see the neighborhood, the community, or the traffic patterns first.

3. Mature trees and landscaping.

As well as more developed landscaping and trees in established neighborhoods, you will have more curb appeal and privacy. 

4. Lived-in charm.

It is difficult to recreate the character of older homes. You may prefer an existing home if you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements. 

It's up to you. It doesn't matter what route you choose to start your search for the perfect home - what matters is deciding what features and benefits are most important to you. Making the most educated and informed decision with the help of your trusted real estate advisor will enable you to move into the home of your dreams.

To learn what's available and what's right for you, speak with a member of the Sandi Pressley Tream.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

9701 LAYTON Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Rare find in La Cueva School District!!! This is technically a condo, but constructed as a townhome. NO HOA!!!! This centrally located gem features NEW Refrigerated Air, NEW Synthetic Lawn, NEW Fencing, NEW ceiling fans and more. The soaring ceiling in the Living Room makes for a comfy space with tons of light & gas fireplace, plus downstairs half bath. Open kitchen with gas appliances and tons of storage. Enjoy 3 bedrooms with balconies allowing for striking views. Schedule this one today!

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

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The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729

Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com