Although Maren Morris’ lyric reads, “When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter,” the right home really depends on preference.

Are new homes built to last? Are all bones good bones? While these are typical questions a home buyer might ask themselves during the home-buying process, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best type of home to match current lifestyle and future family expansions. But once a buyer finds the right space, it can have a lasting impact on the life they live.

Are you thinking about buying a home but are not sure where to start? Listed below are some of the main benefits of buying new construction versus resale homes:

Old-build homes

• Good bones: Older homes, built during the 1950s and ’60s, were sometimes constructed with materials that may not be used today, including dense, heavy timbers, which provide a very solid foundation, and plaster walls, which are often more durable and noise-resistant than drywall. Sometimes a strong foundation is more important than the current trends new builds typically offer.
• Character and charm: It’s hard to replicate a historic or distressed feel, therefore, some existing homes offer a vintage living experience newer homes cannot.
• DIY or remodel: Older homes may not be up to the same standard as a new build and could require more labor or hefty renovation, including updates to plumbing, electrical, and wall framing. Sometimes a complete remodel to common areas like the bathroom or kitchen is necessary. If you’re eager for do-it-yourself tasks, you should consider an older constructed home.

New-build homes

• Personalization: It’s common for homebuyers to be involved in the construction process when building new, giving them the freedom to personalize their space in many ways. In new-home communities like Estrella by Newland, many builders offer buyers the opportunity to work collaboratively when selecting structural options like added bedrooms, extended patios, and the addition of flexible spaces both indoors and outdoors. Once a floor plan is chosen, the homeowner may have creative control of many details and finishes, like cabinet color and flooring.
• Contemporary living: Most new builds feature the latest and greatest in recent trends and home technology, as well as eco-friendly green features that help with reducing utility costs or providing tax incentives.
• Repairs and renovations: New construction helps avoid those surprises that arise when renovating. Often, new homes are built to proper specifications and have the ability to be constructed with fresh designs, contemporary construction techniques, and quality materials to ensure a low-maintenance lifestyle moving forward.

Additional advantages of new-build homes include being move-in ready; trendy, fresh designs; ability to finance additions like pools and pergolas into the mortgage; potentially easier financing options with the homebuilder; a variety of floor plans from which to choose; and new home warranty protections.

Buying a newly built or previously lived in home is entirely dependent upon what is important to the buyer, their family and their lifestyle. Estrella by Newland residents enjoy resort-style amenities including three resident clubs, more than 50 miles of paths and trails, 72 acres of community lakes and an 18-hole Nicklaus-design golf course.

The Estrella community also offers a range of new and lived-in homes, where buyers may find the home of their dreams that suits the needs of every age and every stage of life.

Editor’s note: Bill Olson is senior vice president and division manager for Estrella.