Are You One of the 46 Percent of Buyers Who Strongly Prefer a Resale Home and Restrict Your Shopping to Long-Established Neighborhoods?
Are You One of the 46 Percent of Buyers Who Strongly Prefer a Resale Home and Restrict Your Shopping to Long-Established Neighborhoods?
Maybe you’re one of the roughly 20 percent of buyers who are determined to purchase a newly built home and have no interest in visiting resale listings? Or perhaps you’re one of the 35 percent who are open to either new or existing homes for sale, depending on which house and community represents the best fit and the best deal?
New consumer survey research — the 2012 Homebuyer Insights Study by Builders Digital Experience — found there are distinct differences in attitudes, personalities, priorities, and even demographic factors that buyers bring to their decision-making process in finding a home. Who you really are, and what you value most, matter a lot in determining where and how you shop and what type of house you end up buying.
New, Resale, or Both?
Some of the differences are not hard to guess. For instance, people who describe themselves as strongly interested in newly constructed houses rank saving on energy costs high on their list of priorities. Newly constructed homes are far more energy-efficient on average than resale homes, which are often built to older, less stringent standards.
Purchasers of new homes also prioritize:
- Up-to-date interior floor plans
- High-quality construction
- Neighborhoods perceived as “safe”
By contrast, buyers focused on resale homes value:
- Large lots and mature landscaping
- A sense of established community
- Proximity to work and schools
Buyers open to both options seek a balance: they prioritize energy efficiency and modern layouts (often found in new homes) but also appreciate the character and larger lots of established neighborhoods.
What Do You Value? Key Differences Between Buyers
Those Only Looking for New
- More likely to already own a home
- Often older, moving up, or downsizing
- Prioritize perfectionism, control, and risk-taking
- Early adopters of new technology
- Value high-quality goods and services
Those Open to New or Resale
- Highest average income and education levels
- Environmentally conscious but risk-averse
- Willing to pay for eco-friendly features
- Focus on brand quality over price
Those Focused Solely on Resale
- More likely to be first-time buyers
- Often younger or planning to expand families
- Less interested in new gadgets/appliances
- Prioritize practicality over environmental upgrades
What type of homebuyer are you? Your priorities, lifestyle, and personality may steer you toward a new build, a resale home, or the best of both worlds.
