My H and I have decided we want to put our older home on the market and move into something newer - more efficient, greener, etc. We put a lot on hold with a builder and have a couple of weeks to decide if we want to go under contract. It would take a year to build so we were planning to list our house next year (it's pretty much always a seller's market here).
In driving around yesterday I spotted a house one street over that is beautiful. Same builder, same floor plan. Better lot, I like most of the finishes inside, and a lot of the extras have been done like a fence, back patio, etc. The resale home is asking the same as the new build would be (but we have more room to negotiate with the builder). We would have to move quickly on getting our house on the market though. A realtor has given us an analysis on it so we have a punch list in hand, all cosmetic. My H is adamant against rushing this but I can't get the resale home out of my head. It's about as turnkey as a house gets.
If you can get the resale home for the price you want, go for it. When we bought our current home there was a resale available. There was one big thing we didn't like about it though. However we used the price they had listed for that home and what we wanted in a new build to get our price for the new build reduced. I didn't even know you could negotiate the price on a new build, but you definitely can. From what we were later told is you get better results with that if you are not using a realtor.
I'm not sure what you're asking. Is it whether you should rush your home onto the market for this resale that you like but your H isn't convinced by?
In general I think a lot of new construction homes are less green than many established ones due to various modern housing practices. Obviously you can buy something very green (for a price), but there is no getting around the fact that you are still putting in all the resources to build another building. H and I struggled with this and ended up buying existing.
ETA - urgh, I hate when autocorrect makes me look like a grammar fool. I swear I know the difference between your and you're!
Post by Velar Fricative on Apr 25, 2017 7:55:57 GMT -5
New builds are not too common around here but I would imagine they're a headache to deal with. If you see a house already built with the features you want, I'd rather buy that one. If it's a seller's market, I don't see a problem with "rushing" to put your house up for sale.
Post by lightbulbsun on Apr 25, 2017 7:59:59 GMT -5
If you're looking for a "greener" home, I would stay away from new construction. The process of constructing a house is extremely wasteful (avg 8000lbs waste for a 2000sf home), and you can typically update existing homes with more efficient features. Maybe the builder you're working with uses different practices, but typically it's not greener to buy new.
ETA: That being said, if you really like the resale house, then I would go for that. It seems a lot easier than working through everything required to build your own anyway.
If you can get the resale home for the price you want, go for it. When we bought our current home there was a resale available. There was one big thing we didn't like about it though. However we used the price they had listed for that home and what we wanted in a new build to get our price for the new build reduced. I didn't even know you could negotiate the price on a new build, but you definitely can. From what we were later told is you get better results with that if you are not using a realtor.
We have friends that used the same builder and they told us to use a realtor - they paid way less for their house than their neighbors. The builder's representative has also essentially told us to offer anything because the builder is ready to close out building in that neighborhood. He's getting pressure from the city to wrap it up since they want to repave the roads but won't until the heavy equipment is out. But, it'll be a multi-year project for us to get the extras done.
I would get the existing one if you can. Building is a pain and avoiding that would be nice.
I agree that new homes aren't a green option but you can save significantly in energy costs on some newer homes if they have efficient windows, light roof, better insulation, smaller yard so less grass to water, new efficient a/c and heater. We have a newer home and save a lot on utilities due to it being an efficient build and having very little grass in a dry climate.
I'm not sure what you're asking. Is it whether you should rush your home onto the market for this resale that you like but you're H isn't convinced by?
In general I think a lot of new construction homes are less green than many established ones due to various modern housing practices. Obviously you can buy something very green (for a price), but there is no getting around the fact that you are still putting in all the resources to build another building. H and I struggled with this and ended up buying existing.
Yes, this is what I'm asking. Take our time and build - with our oversight the whole way through - or rush the process right now.
This is a super personal thing but I would want the existing house. 1- you said you are in a sellers market. It might not be in a year 2- the thought of having to build and pick everything that goes into a house sounds like a second job. I just dont have the time or patience for that right now.
I would get the existing one if you can. Building is a pain and avoiding that would be nice.
I agree that new homes aren't a green option but you can save significantly in energy costs on some newer homes if they have efficient windows, light roof, better insulation, smaller yard so less grass to water, new efficient a/c and heater. We have a newer home and save a lot on utilities due to it being an efficient build and having very little grass in a dry climate.
All the newer cost efficient features do not begin to mitigate the environmental costs of building a new home. There's no way you can ever make up the destruction to virgin environment by streets, infrastructure, sewer, etc.
Why is the resale home being listed? It can't be more than a year-three years old, right? I'd do some digging and see if something like groundwater, etc. is an issue.
Why is the resale home being listed? It can't be more than a year-three years old, right? I'd do some digging and see if something like groundwater, etc. is an issue.
There is a large military presence here. They are transferring out.
I would get the existing one if you can. Building is a pain and avoiding that would be nice.
I agree that new homes aren't a green option but you can save significantly in energy costs on some newer homes if they have efficient windows, light roof, better insulation, smaller yard so less grass to water, new efficient a/c and heater. We have a newer home and save a lot on utilities due to it being an efficient build and having very little grass in a dry climate.
All the newer cost efficient features do not begin to mitigate the environmental costs of building a new home. There's no way you can ever make up the destruction to virgin environment by streets, infrastructure, sewer, etc.
Oh I know. As a homeowner though it is attractive to some people due to the utility savings.
All the newer cost efficient features do not begin to mitigate the environmental costs of building a new home. There's no way you can ever make up the destruction to virgin environment by streets, infrastructure, sewer, etc.
Oh I know. As a homeowner though it is attractive to some people due to the utility savings.
And that can really, really depend. Our house is over 100 years old, but it's solid brick vs. stick built, so it's easier to cool and heat because the temperature inside stays fairly consistent. Established trees also mean we get good shade in the summer. Instead of double-paned windows, we have custom inserts in our original windows; the air space between the panels and windows is slightly larger, so they're actually more efficient than double-paned windows. We did some HVAC work when we moved in so our furnace/AC and water heater are more efficient, we use third-party "tools" like smart thermostats and home automation and LED bulbs, etc. And the net is that our utility bills aren't substantially different than they were in our modern townhouse that was half the size.
Oh I know. As a homeowner though it is attractive to some people due to the utility savings.
And that can really, really depend. Our house is over 100 years old, but it's solid brick vs. stick built, so it's easier to cool and heat because the temperature inside stays fairly consistent. Established trees also mean we get good shade in the summer. Instead of double-paned windows, we have custom inserts in our original windows; the air space between the panels and windows is slightly larger, so they're actually more efficient than double-paned windows. We did some HVAC work when we moved in so our furnace/AC and water heater are more efficient, we use third-party "tools" like smart thermostats and home automation and LED bulbs, etc. And the net is that our utility bills aren't substantially different than they were in our modern townhouse that was half the size.
Exactly. We put in new windows, more insulation, a new furnace/ac unit in our 1961 ranch. Plus changed the landscaping around, and hey presto we're one of the most efficient houses in town. Not only that, but since we didn't build on the outskirts of town, we're in a primo location close to everything we could want.
"Green builds" are usually nothing more than a selling tactic builders use. They're not any more efficient than any other new builds.
All of these are good points. We're going to go look at the resale and see what's up. Or I am at least since my procrastinator H is metaphorically holding himself and rocking in the corner.
I'd go for the resale unless there are major incentives to building. We built in 2015, and we had no closing costs and the house comes with a 2/10 warranty. Those incentives, combined with the fact that we could do way better price wise with a new build, justified the hassle and 10-month wait. That said, if we could've found a comparable home at a comparable price point, we would've bought an existing home.
And that can really, really depend. Our house is over 100 years old, but it's solid brick vs. stick built, so it's easier to cool and heat because the temperature inside stays fairly consistent. Established trees also mean we get good shade in the summer. Instead of double-paned windows, we have custom inserts in our original windows; the air space between the panels and windows is slightly larger, so they're actually more efficient than double-paned windows. We did some HVAC work when we moved in so our furnace/AC and water heater are more efficient, we use third-party "tools" like smart thermostats and home automation and LED bulbs, etc. And the net is that our utility bills aren't substantially different than they were in our modern townhouse that was half the size.
Exactly. We put in new windows, more insulation, a new furnace/ac unit in our 1961 ranch. Plus changed the landscaping around, and hey presto we're one of the most efficient houses in town. Not only that, but since we didn't build on the outskirts of town, we're in a primo location close to everything we could want.
"Green builds" are usually nothing more than a selling tactic builders use. They're not any more efficient than any other new builds.
Can I ask about your insulation changes? We bought a 1962 ranch in west Denver in the fall and this is something we'd like to improve. Our utility bills haven't been much different vs our previous home (new), but you can feel the difference between exterior and interior rooms, and especially the basement (which was more recently finished with better insulation). I was investigating the spray foam type that can basically be retrofitted (since we don't have the budget or time to tear out and re do drywall or anything), and possibly just adding a bunch of regular insulation to the attic. What did you go with? Do you mind sharing the process/cost?
Exactly. We put in new windows, more insulation, a new furnace/ac unit in our 1961 ranch. Plus changed the landscaping around, and hey presto we're one of the most efficient houses in town. Not only that, but since we didn't build on the outskirts of town, we're in a primo location close to everything we could want.
"Green builds" are usually nothing more than a selling tactic builders use. They're not any more efficient than any other new builds.
Can I ask about your insulation changes? We bought a 1962 ranch in west Denver in the fall and this is something we'd like to improve. Our utility bills haven't been much different vs our previous home (new), but you can feel the difference between exterior and interior rooms, and especially the basement (which was more recently finished with better insulation). I was investigating the spray foam type that can basically be retrofitted (since we don't have the budget or time to tear out and re do drywall or anything), and possibly just adding a bunch of regular insulation to the attic. What did you go with? Do you mind sharing the process/cost?
I didn't do the pricing for materials, as that was dh's job. When we first moved in, we added several inches of insulation to the attic which helped immensely. Then we tore out the walls to the bathroom and kitchen upstairs and added insulation. The other rooms we haven't added wall insulation. Really, if you can stop the heat from escaping/getting in from the roof, that's the most important part.
Can I ask about your insulation changes? We bought a 1962 ranch in west Denver in the fall and this is something we'd like to improve. Our utility bills haven't been much different vs our previous home (new), but you can feel the difference between exterior and interior rooms, and especially the basement (which was more recently finished with better insulation). I was investigating the spray foam type that can basically be retrofitted (since we don't have the budget or time to tear out and re do drywall or anything), and possibly just adding a bunch of regular insulation to the attic. What did you go with? Do you mind sharing the process/cost?
I didn't do the pricing for materials, as that was dh's job. When we first moved in, we added several inches of insulation to the attic which helped immensely. Then we tore out the walls to the bathroom and kitchen upstairs and added insulation. The other rooms we haven't added wall insulation. Really, if you can stop the heat from escaping/getting in from the roof, that's the most important part.
Interesting. I would have guessed the walls being pretty thin would matter more, but I guess that does make sense scientifically. Thanks!
Post by gerberdaisy on Apr 25, 2017 9:41:33 GMT -5
Assuming you like the resale, no question I would do that one. I just think that new builds are the biggest waste of resources, not to mention the hassle and headache of going through it. The costs really add up too, so why not take advantage of someone else going through that hassle.
That being said, my current home is the newest I've ever lived in (1950's), my parents is 170 years old, so the allure of a new house is lost on me.
Can I ask about your insulation changes? We bought a 1962 ranch in west Denver in the fall and this is something we'd like to improve. Our utility bills haven't been much different vs our previous home (new), but you can feel the difference between exterior and interior rooms, and especially the basement (which was more recently finished with better insulation). I was investigating the spray foam type that can basically be retrofitted (since we don't have the budget or time to tear out and re do drywall or anything), and possibly just adding a bunch of regular insulation to the attic. What did you go with? Do you mind sharing the process/cost?
I didn't do the pricing for materials, as that was dh's job. When we first moved in, we added several inches of insulation to the attic which helped immensely. Then we tore out the walls to the bathroom and kitchen upstairs and added insulation. The other rooms we haven't added wall insulation. Really, if you can stop the heat from escaping/getting in from the roof, that's the most important part.
I need to do new attic insulation.
I dream of putting a new home on my lot and have been looking at prefabricated homes because they're supposed to be more efficient and less wasteful builds. I'm ready for CEP to ruin this for me.
Post by fuckyourcouch on Apr 25, 2017 9:50:25 GMT -5
Oh and to address OP, I would no question do the existing one if you like it. Building a home was a fucking nightmare every step of the way, and timing it with selling our first house was a fucking mess. The existing one has already gone through the nonsense punch lists and everything else with the builder. Save yourselves the headache.
I've built 2 homes. If you like the one already built then go for it. The builder is in more of a position to negotiate on that one. He's already made most of his profit in the neighborhood with other builds and he's ready to move on.
Hands down existing home. We built the house we live in currently and it was stressful. I will never build again. Also the price of building balloons as you get nickeled and dimed for every upgrade.
This x 10000.
Here's what I've seen so far in my search between the two.
$X Land + $X as the location gets better $X/sq ft $X 50% - 75%/sq ft basement
Now this is at builder grade. Add uniqueness is addl $X