re: Why would anyone build a new house?

1. Right now/past 2 years it’s easier to build than compete in a bidding war over and over again. At least the money is going into the house and not the sellers pocket and you know it will appraise properly because you know exactly what it cost to build.
2. I agree that building full custom can be a pain, especially if you aren’t able to be on site daily to keep an eye on things but those builders won’t even talk to you right now if you’re not spending 2 mil and….
3. Normal semi custom/spec builders sell to you at a set price plus your chosen options. Those prices don’t change after you sign the initial contract.
4. Unless you’re a fan of the cookie cutter Joanna Gaines style stuff, any house you buy is going to need costly renovations anyway, whether due to age or style. Might as well spend the money to get exactly what you want up front.
5. It’s new so replacement/repair costs are minimal for at least 5 years.
6. New neighborhoods are full of first owners. I’ve found that the more times a house changes hands, the worse it is kept up. You see this as neighborhoods age they get more and more run down. The initial owner of a house is usually the most prideful of the place. The older it gets the more riff raff shows up.