When it comes to buying a house in Metairie, almost the
first thing most of us do is to check the online listings to see what’s out
there that catches our eye. That quick first look will usually reflect some
preferences most of us don’t even bother to think about (that is, until we’re
buying a house).
Sometimes they stem from our earliest childhood memories—the
impressions that shape what ‘home’ should look like. Sometimes, those
preferences have developed over time as an expression of our personal style. One
preference can be a real trouble-maker if a couple discovers that their outlooks
don’t match. It’s the one about which kind of home is more appealing: a brand new
one (actually, the National Association of Home Builders defines a “new” home
as one less than four years old) or an older, established home.
People who automatically tilt toward new homes
can be following straightforward reasoning that goes without question. They
don’t shop for used clothing; they know when they need another automobile
they’re only interested in the newest model—so why in the world would they be
drawn to a house that’s a hand-me-down?
People on the other side of the preference divide find new
constructions lacking in the warmth and history an older home embodies. Out in
the yard, they see fresh cement walkways and new plantings as pale imitations
of the majesty of the grand, mature landscaping found in well-established
neighborhoods.
However, I’ve often found that when my clients are buying
a house in Metairie, their new vs. established home leaning will sometimes disappear
in the face of some immediate practical advantages. A few points:
More than 70% of single-family homes were built prior to
1990, according to Realty Trac. The result is more than twice the variety from
which to choose.
Older, established properties are synonymous with close-knit
communities where residents know one another and their children. Buying a house
in such a neighborhood can mean great support and community.
New developments can create a fresh gathering spot for
families who are all starting out together. The opportunity to build new
institutions shaped to modern preferences can mean the establishment of a host
of lasting friendships, in some cases bolstered by shared community
recreational facilities.
Older homes can have larger lot sizes owing to lower land prices
in the past. Then there are those shade trees that have been growing for generations…
Most new homes have been designed to accommodate our
modern addiction to acquiring stuff. If
a walk-in closet in a must, an older house is less likely to fill the bill.
Older homes are generally
more expensive to maintain. According to the American Housing Survey, 26% of
owners of older homes spent more than $100 a month on upkeep—while just 11% of
the owners of new homes spent as much. In fact, 73% of the new home owners spend
less than $25 a month for maintenance.
Ultimately the decision to buy an old or new house will
come down to a combination of personal taste (“I don’t care: I love this house!”) and/or requirements
(“I can’t live without _________”).
The takeaway: if you are planning on buying a Metairie
house, don’t automatically eliminate all the new ones or all the older ones. Give me a call: let’s take a look!
Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group
(504)297-2619
Harris.Terez@gmail.com
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Each office independently owned and operated. All brokers licensed in the state of Louisiana.
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