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What’s Motivating More Buyers To Choose a Newly Built Home?

Homebuying Tips

What’s Motivating More Buyers To Choose a Newly Built Home?

Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Data shows more buyers are finding new home construction appealing – and you might find it’s exactly what you want too.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s the highest percentage in 17 years. More people are opting for new builds, and the trend is climbing steadily.

Why Are Buyers Choosing New Builds?

To get a closer look at what’s driving this trend, NAR surveyed recent buyers. Here are the top reasons why new homes are gaining popularity:

1. Avoiding Renovations or Problems with Plumbing or Electricity (42%)
The biggest draw? Peace of mind. Buying a home today is expensive, and with inflation squeezing budgets, avoiding unexpected repair costs is crucial. A new home means less maintenance upfront and fewer surprises. Plus, many builders offer warranties that protect major systems, giving buyers even more confidence.

2. Ability To Choose and Customize Design Features (27%)
New builds often let buyers personalize the home to their taste. From choosing cabinet finishes to selecting floor plans, the customization options can make a house feel like a home from the start. If the market isn’t offering what you’re looking for, building might be the answer.

3. Amenities of New Home Construction Communities (25%)
Many new developments come with added perks like parks, pools, and community centers. These features enhance the lifestyle and foster a stronger sense of community – a valuable asset for families and individuals alike.

4. Lack of Inventory of Previously Owned Homes (15%)
Existing home inventory remains low, and this shortage is pushing buyers toward new builds. Builders are keeping up with demand, filling gaps where resale homes fall short. While there’s no overbuilding happening, there is a focused effort to meet current needs after years of underbuilding.

5. Energy Efficiency (14%)
New homes are often equipped with the latest energy-saving technologies and materials. This can significantly reduce utility bills and environmental impact. According to Kevin Morrow, Senior Program Manager at NAHB, "The more energy-efficient mechanics of the house also help reduce utility bills for new home buyers . . . Newly-constructed homes often include green systems and appliances that homes built years ago might not."

6. Smart Home Features (11%)
Tech-savvy buyers love smart home features, and new construction usually delivers. From automated lighting to advanced security systems, new builds come equipped with cutting-edge technology that’s ready to use.

The Importance of Having Your Own Agent

As appealing as new builds are, navigating builder contracts can be tricky. That’s why having your own real estate agent is essential. An agent will advocate for you, ensure you’re getting quality construction, and guide you through every step of the process. Builders typically have their own interests at heart, but your agent will prioritize yours.

Bottom Line

Imagine skipping renovations and customizing your home exactly how you like it. If that sounds exciting, let's connect. Having the right agent by your side can make buying a new home simple and stress-free.

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Complaints prompt Carlsbad to remove traffic circles City will install all-way stop signs instead of roundabouts at two Kelly Drive intersections A vehicle maneuvers through the traffic circle at Park Drive and Kelly Drive in this view looking north up Kelly Drive. Above left is Laguna Riviera City Park, behind it is Kelly Elementary School. (Charlie Neuman/For The San Diego Union-Tribune) A vehicle maneuvers through the traffic circle at Park Drive and Kelly Drive in this view looking north up Kelly Drive. Above left is Laguna Riviera City Park, behind it is Kelly Elementary School. (Charlie Neuman/For The San Diego Union-Tribune) By PHIL DIEHL | [email protected] | The San Diego Union-Tribune UPDATED: June 20, 2025 at 6:15 AM PDT Carlsbad’s City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to remove two traffic circles, or small roundabouts, that residents said were “a failed experiment” installed in 2013 as a pilot project. Homeowners near the traffic circles at two intersections on Kelly Drive said the traffic circles encourage speeding and create a safety hazard for children walking to the nearby Kelly Elementary School. “It is a mess, truly a mess,” said Sheila O’Neill, who volunteers as a crossing guard at the school. “The roundabout nudges cars closer to the crosswalk and kids crossing the street … all-way stops would be great. It would make next year so much better.” Traffic circles are different from roundabouts, although the terms often are used interchangeably. Traffic circles require less space and generally are placed in residential areas. Roundabouts are larger, sometimes with landscaping, usually have pedestrian crosswalks set back from the intersection, and are installed on busier streets and thoroughfares. Carlsbad approved the interim traffic circles for two intersections on Kelly Drive — at each side of Kelly Elementary School — one at Park Drive and the other at Hillside Drive. Each one is essentially a circle of small ceramic bumps or domes on the asphalt at the center of the intersection for vehicles to drive around. The bumps are small enough that cars can drive over without damage. “This was a well-intentioned experiment, but it’s time to acknowledge its failure,” said Steve Linke, a resident and former member of the city’s Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission. Council members agreed with the speakers. One of the options presented to the council was to proceed with a final design, environmental studies and permits for roundabouts to replace the Kelly Drive traffic circles. Instead, the council voted to remove the traffic circles, resurface the roadway with a slurry seal, and install all-way stop signs. Also, the council directed city staffers to consider the costs and benefits of other possible improvements such as bike lanes, crosswalks and curb ramps, and bring that information back at a future meeting. “It’s a good opportunity to step back, catch our breath and listen to what our residents are saying,” said Councilmember Keven Shin. “I feel like an all-way stop would create a lot of safety for the kids.” Teenagers on e-bikes ride south on Kelly Drive approaching the traffic circle at Hillside Drive, shown at right, where underground pipeline work continue in the middle of the circle. At right is the east end of Hillside Drive. (Charlie Neuman / For The San Diego Union-Tribune) Teenagers on e-bikes ride south on Kelly Drive approaching the traffic circle at Hillside Drive, at right, where underground pipeline work is underway in the middle of the circle. At right is the east end of Hillside Drive. (Charlie Neuman/For The San Diego Union-Tribune) Earlier this year, the City Council hit the brakes on the long-planned installation of a roundabout to replace the traffic signals at the beachfront intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard. That project also faced widespread community opposition. And the council has said that sometime soon it will reconsider a still unbuilt roundabout that it approved in 2023 for the intersection of Cannon Road and Carlsbad Boulevard. Roundabouts and traffic circles are elements of a “complete streets” program that Carlsbad has been working on for several years. The program’s goal is to prioritize safety for everyone on the roads, whether they are driving, walking or biking. In March the City Council approved five traffic circles to be installed at intersections in the older downtown Barrio neighborhood starting in 2026. Barrio residents generally supported the installations because they are expected to help control traffic and reduce speeding. The city obtained about $4 million in federal funding for the Barrio traffic circles. Originally Published: June 19, 2025 at 7:50 AM PDT

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