Buying a house should be a positive experience as you begin the next step in your life's journey. Not only will it provide safety and shelter for your family, but it will soon become the home base as your family grows together. You'll want a home with plenty of space to grow with you, but that isn't the only thing you should be concerned about. Deciding on whether to purchase a pre-owned home or a newly built home is also an important decision. Consider these pros and cons of purchasing a pre-owned or newly built home for your family.

Location

The location of a pre-owned home is already determined and can be either a positive point or a negative one, depending on the neighborhood and land surrounding the home. You may find yourself loving the house and hating the location. When you have a new house built, you get to choose the design of the house and the location. If you have your heart set on buying a new home with a view of the mountains or in a little country setting, you may be better off having a new home built in that location.

Energy Efficiency

If energy efficiency is one of your main goals, a pre-owned home, especially if it is an older home, may not be your best choice. Unless the home has been recently remodeled or upgraded, you may need to invest in new appliances, HVAC system, and energy efficient windows.  Newly-built homes are typically designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Safety

Pre-owned homes must pass inspection before they are sold, but that doesn't mean they are always safe. Inspectors can overlook problems, such as old wiring in portions or the home, mold in the walls, or asbestos or lead in insulation or paint. If you are purchasing a pre-owned home, make sure asbestos and lead testing is done before you sign the contract. They can pose serious health risks to you and your family. If problems are discovered after you make the purchase, it may be costly to correct the problem. When you have a new home built, you eliminate any surprises like water damage and mold hiding in out-of-the-way places. Likewise, a newly-built home meets all the safety codes in your area.

Space

Older homes may waste space with oddly-designed rooms, unused areas, and obsolete designs that don't serve your family well. For example, pre-owned homes typically contain a formal dining room. If you are into entertaining or your family dines together daily, a dining room may be a big plus. But if your family is constantly on the go and rarely sits down to a meal, the space may be wasted. Unless you can convert the dining room for another use, the space may go unused. Consider how your family can use the available space in a pre-owned home before you take the big step and purchase the home. Having a home built with a modern open design may be more to your taste and work better for your family.

Availability

If getting settled into a new place quickly is one of your main goals, a pre-owned home may be the most efficient route. Many are move-in ready and you can take occupancy as soon as you close the deal. Having a house built takes time, and it may not be available as soon as you would prefer.

Deciding whether to purchase a pre-owned home or to have a new one built is an important decision. Consider the pros and cons of each carefully before you make a decision so you can choose a house or condo that your family will love.