The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home
in a Newly Developed Planned Community
Are you contemplating buying a new construction home in a newly developed community? From moving into a brand-new home built to the latest construction standards to having various community amenities on your doorstep, there's much to like about newly built homes and communities.
There are also plenty of them to choose from, with new homes making up nearly a third of all available inventory in the country. Millions of individuals and families are considering whether or not to put down roots in a new home development, continue renting or buy a resale property.
As leading nationwide home builders, we know that they appeal to almost all age demographics. But they aren't for everyone. Let's examine what makes them such a great place to live and what you might need to consider before taking the plunge to ensure you're thrilled with your purchase. Remember that most new homes and planned neighborhoods offer similar benefits; throughout this article, we'll explore the benefits of buying new construction homes in planned communities, emphasizing LGI Homes residences and developments.
Pros of Buying a New Home in a Master-Planned Community
Buying a new construction home in a planned community is much more than changing your address. It's a decision to improve your quality of life by purchasing a home built to higher standards, with ultra-modern designs inside and out, within thoughtfully designed neighborhoods with parks, trails, sports courts and state-of-the-art facilities.
Near schools, new commercial centers, shopping, dining and freeways. By design, master-planned neighborhoods have everything most families want and need nearby.
Below is a selection of the key advantages of moving to one of these developments.
Homes of Modern Construction and Design
While it might seem obvious, new homes have numerous advantages. Unlike homes built 20, 30 or even 40 years ago, today's residences are built to far more rigorous standards using the latest construction materials, offering more durability and efficiency. They must adhere to recent updates in building codes; every LGI home exceeds them.
Energy efficiency is at the forefront of the design and construction of these homes. They're pre-wired for smart devices and include advanced HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, premium insulation, Low-E windows, and energy-efficient lighting fixtures and appliances, all of which come as standard at no extra cost to you. So, you get a home built to last, and it's easier to maintain with lower utility bills.
Our interiors are designed to meet modern living preferences. Open-concept floor plans deliver spacious living and enhance interaction and entertainment. At the same time, innovations like flex rooms allow homeowners to maximize available space by combining home offices, home gyms and guest suites.
Community Amenities
Of course, another advantage of new construction homes is that they are often part of master-planned communities offering a range of amenities. These neighborhoods usually fit naturally into the surrounding area and have a community theme, featuring landscaped parks, hiking and biking trails, picnic and BBQ areas, and green spaces for relaxation, recreation and socializing.
Another standard amenity within neighborhoods based in warmer regions is a central community pool, which serves as a social hub in the summer months. It offers a refreshing escape from the heat and a great place for neighbors to gather and socialize.
Meanwhile, fitness centers equipped with modern exercise equipment eliminate the need for external gym memberships, conveniently supporting residents' health and wellness right at their doorstep.
These amenities are thoughtfully integrated within the community layout, ensuring they are easily accessible to all residents, enhancing daily life without the commute to city centers.
Upgrades and High-End Finishes Included
Knowing everything is new is one of the most appealing aspects of buying a new construction home. They include modern, fantastic finishes and features. From sleek stainless steel appliances that enhance the look and feel of your kitchen to enduring and stylish granite countertops, these upgraded finishes and features are available in every LGI residence.
You won't need to worry about renovations or replacing outdated appliances shortly after moving in. Everything you need, including a refrigerator, is there from the get-go.
While some builders may charge homebuyers more than the list price to get designer upgrades and chef-ready kitchens, LGI Homes includes them as standard in every home we build.
Financial Incentives and Value
As if the benefits of modern design and included upgrades weren't enough, there are plenty of financial benefits to add to buying a new construction home.
Affordable new homes qualify for favorable mortgage options, such as FHA, USDA and VA loans, making them accessible to first-time buyers and veterans. Many state and federal programs offer grants and down payment assistance programs.
Ask an LGI Homes' New Home Consultant about programs you may qualify for; our preferred lender can check your eligibility and see if you qualify during your first visit. When you're ready to buy, everything you need is conveniently under one roof!
Adding to these advantages, some builders, including LGI, go the extra mile by offering incentives such as interest rate buydowns and builder-paid closing costs in select communities. These programs can result in significant savings, making homeownership even more attainable.
And let's remember the long-term financial benefits. Homes in well-maintained, master-planned communities tend to hold their value and often have more significant appreciation potential compared to older homes or those in less desirable locations.
*We can't guarantee that your home's value will increase. Ask a real estate professional if this is important to you.
Homes Ready to Move Into
New construction homes put off many home buyers due to the long, often unpredictable construction timelines. However, purchasing a move-in-ready home eliminates these wait times, mainly benefiting individuals and families facing time constraints from relocating jobs or other life events necessitating a swift move.
Choosing a move-in-ready home from LGI streamlines the home-buying process. It eliminates the stress of construction delays and unforeseen issues. You can walk through a model home, experience the layout and finishes firsthand and envision your life within the space.
30 to 45 days after finishing your home financing paperwork, you'll have the keys to your brand-new home!
Considerations When Buying a New Home in a Developed Community
There are many advantages to buying a brand-new home in a master-planned community. But they're not for everyone. While they cater to almost every demographic, it's essential to consider the following aspects to ensure you enjoy a fulfilling living experience.
Community-Centric Living
Master-planned communities thrive on a sense of shared experience and connection. Their design encourages interaction among residents and meeting your neighbors, fostering a strong sense of community.
This can be a significant advantage for those who thrive on an active and engaging social life. If you prioritize privacy, you can find privacy in a planned community; its design makes it easy to meet your neighbors, but no one forces you to participate in community events. It's about finding the right balance and choosing a community that complements your preferred lifestyle.
Proximity to Urban Amenities
Something else to consider when choosing a new construction home is the location. Many of these communities are strategically positioned near urban amenities, providing residents fast and easy access to daily conveniences. They're often near schools and new commercial centers, where you'll find shopping, dining, entertainment, and essentials like healthcare clinics. Freeways with access to downtown areas are a short drive from new communities, making it easy to commute to work and enjoy downtown events and urban conveniences.
These features are a significant draw for most people, eradicating long journey times to the places and activities they do most. While some communities are planned and developed further from city centers than others, they are rarely isolated from the conveniences and attractions that urban areas offer.
Weighing Your Decision to Choose New for Your Next Home
There's plenty to like about choosing a new construction home in a well-appointed community. Everything in your home and community is new, and your floor plan is open with spacious rooms. LGI homes are built to superior construction standards and include designer upgrades, high-end finishes, appliances and integrated technology at no extra cost.
Outside your home, there are often amenities like sports courts, picnic tables, parks, walking trails and even resort-style amenities.
That said, you should not rush into a decision. Weigh the pros and cons and consider the essential things you care about. We want everyone to own a home; if they choose to purchase a resale property, we hope it's their dream home. If you still have doubts, check out our resource: 8 Persuasive Reasons to Buy a New Home versus Resale.
If you're ready to discover the possibilities, explore the various LGI Homes' new construction communities via our interactive map. You can also contact us today to schedule a tour or discuss your home-buying journey with one of our experienced New Home Consultants.
With move-in-ready options available nationwide, your dream of owning a brand-new home could be closer than you think.