There is something exciting about walking into a brand-new home. Everything is fresh, untouched and chosen by you. But new does not always mean better.

Here are 10 reasons why a previously loved home may give you more for your money and a better idea of exactly what you are buying.

1. You Can See Exactly What You Are Buying

With a resale home, what you see is generally what you get. You can walk through the actual home, stand in the backyard, look out the windows, check the natural light and see how the rooms feel.

With a new build purchased before construction is complete, you may be making decisions based on floor plans, renderings and a model home. It can be harder to visualize room sizes, lot positioning and how the finished neighbourhood will feel.

2. The Neighbourhood Is Already Established

One of the biggest advantages of buying a previously loved home is knowing what the neighbourhood looks like today.  You can see the homes around you, traffic patterns, parks, schools, shopping and nearby amenities. You can also drive through at different times of day to get a better feel for the community.

In a new development, the neighbourhood may continue changing for years as additional phases are built.

3. You May Get a Larger Lot

If outdoor space is important to you, resale homes are worth considering.  Many established Ottawa neighbourhoods offer properties with mature yards and lot sizes that can be difficult to find in some newer developments.

That extra outdoor space can mean more room for children, pets, gardens, entertaining, a future pool or simply some additional privacy.

4. Landscaping May Already Be Done

A finished yard has value.  A previously loved home may already have grass, gardens, trees, fencing, a deck, patio, shed, irrigation or interlock.

With a new build, some of those items may need to be completed after you move in and can represent additional costs that buyers do not always factor into their original budget.

5. Mature Trees and Greenery

You cannot speed up a 20-year-old tree.  Established Ottawa neighbourhoods often have mature trees, larger gardens and greenery that give streets and backyards a completely different feel.

New communities will mature over time, but if you love tree-lined streets and established landscaping, a resale neighbourhood may be a better fit.

6. You May Avoid Years of Nearby Construction

Living in a growing community can mean construction equipment, dust, unfinished roads and new homes being built around you.  Depending on the development, construction can continue through several phases.

When you purchase in an established neighbourhood, you generally have a much clearer picture of what surrounds your property and what daily life in the area looks like.

7. More Improvements May Already Be Included

This is where comparing price alone can be misleading.

A resale home may already include upgrades such as:

• Finished basement
• Window coverings
• Appliances
• Central air conditioning
• Fencing
• Deck or patio
• Landscaping
• Garage door opener
• Light fixtures
• Built-in storage
• Updated flooring or countertops

With a new build, buyers should carefully review what is included in the base price and what will cost extra.  The home that initially appears less expensive may not be once you add the features you want.

8. You Can Have a Home Inspection Before Buying

A resale purchase will often give you an opportunity to have the home inspected as part of your due diligence, depending on the terms of your offer.  An inspection can help you understand the condition of the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems and other components of the home.

No home is perfect, including a new one. The goal is to understand what you are buying and plan accordingly.

9. Your Closing Date May Be More Predictable

With a resale property, you and the seller negotiate a specific closing date.  New construction timelines can be more complicated, particularly when a home is being purchased well before completion.  If you need to coordinate the sale of your existing home, a mortgage, movers, school schedules or other commitments, having a defined closing date can make planning easier.

10. Established Homes Can Offer More Character and Choice

Ottawa has an incredible variety of neighbourhoods and housing styles.  A previously loved home could mean a century home near downtown, a mid-century bungalow on a large lot, a family home in an established suburb or a newer resale property where the original owners have already completed the expensive finishing touches.

Buying resale gives you the ability to compare homes from different eras, builders, lot sizes and neighbourhoods rather than limiting your search to what is currently being constructed.

What About the Cost of Buying New?  This is an area where buyers need to look beyond the advertised price.

There may also be upgrades, landscaping, fencing, window coverings, appliances and other expenses to consider depending on what the builder includes.

That does not mean a new build is a bad purchase. For some buyers, choosing finishes, having a new home warranty and being the first person to live in the property are important benefits.

The key is comparing the total cost and the finished product, not simply the starting price.

But before assuming that newer is better, take some time to explore Ottawa's resale market.  You may find that a previously loved home gives you a larger lot, established neighbourhood, finished outdoor space, more included features and a home you can see and experience before making your decision.  Sometimes the home that has already been lived in is the one that has the most to offer.

Thinking about buying a home in Ottawa?

I can help you compare new construction and resale options so you can understand what you are getting for your budget and make a decision that works for you.

Krista McFadden

REALTOR® | RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group

Helping you live and love Ottawa