Choosing between buying an existing home and building a custom one is a big decision—you know because you’ve been debating this for weeks, and it seems like everyone has an opinion about which to choose. The good news? Utah County is a great place for both options!
Utah County is truly one of the best places to live in America. The cities have gorgeous mountain views, community events, and exceptional schools. Whether you’re buying a move-in-ready home or investing in one that perfectly fits your needs, the housing market here is a great place to find homes for sale in Utah. As you prepare for your new home journey, here are a few things to help relieve decision-making stress.
The Benefits of Buying an Existing Home in Utah County
Your Home Is Ready When You Are
One of the biggest advantages of buying an existing home is the ability to move in as soon as you finalize your purchase. If you’re trying to settle in quickly because the kids are starting school or you’ve got a new job, saving time matters!
If you’re building a new house, choosing a standard model usually takes about 9 months to build. If you’re opting to build a fully customized one (aka your dream house), that can take between 10 and 16 months. If you’re going for an established, already built home, you can usually move in within 30-60 days. The real challenge is finding the right one!
Lower Upfront Costs
Usually, the cost of purchasing a home is more affordable upfront than building one. The customization, materials, and design make building more expensive upfront. However, older existing homes might require more maintenance than new ones, so keep that in mind when house hunting.
Negotiation Opportunities
As a buyer, you have more negotiation power than ever. With the give-and-take in Utah County’s resale market, you may be able to score a better deal by negotiating lower closing costs or repairs. More and more sellers listing homes for sale in Utah just want to close the deal, which could work in your favor.
The Benefits of Building a Custom Home in Utah County
Build Exactly What You’re Looking For
The biggest difference between buying and building is the customization. No more fixer-uppers or compromising certain features for others. Building a custom home allows you to tailor every aspect of your new house.
From choosing your floor plan to handpicking finishes and features, you can create a home that has everything on your list. You can have both the open-concept kitchen and the home office!
Save With Modern Efficiency & Technology
Energy Efficiency
It’s much easier to incorporate the newest energy-efficient technologies in a new home than an existing one. Improved insulation, eco-friendly HVAC systems, and LED lighting can lower your energy bills and make your home more sustainable. Plus, getting a tax break for making your house more energy efficient never hurts.
Lower Maintenance Costs
When all your appliances, roofing, and windows are brand new, maintenance costs are at the bottom of your stress list. While buying a house may seem less expensive upfront, there may be hidden maintenance issues lurking a few months down the road.
Select the Perfect Location
Building a custom home also lets you choose your ideal location. For example, new communities like Abbey Road offer modern design and fresh neighborhoods. Here, you’ll be in a neighborhood safe from the commotion of busy roads but within 10 minutes of major grocery stores, trails and parks, and excellent schools.
Making the Right Choice for You
Every homebuyer’s journey is unique, and sometimes, your final decision might surprise you! Whether you’re exploring homes for sale in Utah or considering building in a new development, the key is choosing the option that best matches your needs and priorities.
Buying May Be Best If…
- You need a home quickly to meet immediate life changes.
- You prefer a simple, move-in-ready solution.
- You’re looking to save costs upfront.
Building May Be Best If…
- You want to customize your long-term home.
- You value energy-efficient, low-maintenance solutions.
- You want to maximize your home’s value now and in the future.
Regardless of your decision, Abbey Road Community is a must-see for future Utah County homeowners. To learn more about the development and ask any questions, reach out today!
