For Buyers: Buying A Resale
Active Adult Community Home

The Advantages:

• Immediate Delivery - In contrast to new construction - which can take up to a year or more - you can take (relatively) quick delivery... two months or less.

• No Construction Woes - Resale homes have been through their "shake down" and you won't have to deal with all the minor fixes and repairs that come with new construction.

• Simpler Decision - There are far fewer decisions involved in buying a resale home. It is usually a matter of selecting from a handful of alternatives.

• Fewer Construction Annoyances - This can vary from none to few to some. If you buy in a "built-out" Active Adult Community you will have none. If the construction is ongoing, it will depend on the site you buy.

• Fewer Financial Complications - You won't have to deal with developer/builder incentives that can make financing alternatives messy and confusing. Your Realtor will have preferred lender(s) versus arranging your own.

• Better Developed Facilities - If you are buying resale, it is more likely that the amenity infrastructure is either fully developed or further along. You won't have to wait a year or two for the clubhouse to be finished.

• Mature Landscaping - Trees and shrubs and lawns are going to be further along and look much nicer.

The Disadvantages:

• No Customization - There will be no custom floorings, window treatments, exterior finishes, appliance upgrades, special tile packages for kitchens and bathrooms and such. It will be pretty much "as is" and you will have to assume the costs of doing any customization.

• Less Warranty Coverage - You will not be getting full-life warranties on mechanicals and appliances. Workmanship and materials warranties on the house will be aged.

• No Developer/Builder Incentives - Owners of resale homes are not in a position to offer free sunrooms or basement build-outs. They are also less likely to offer pure financial incentives as aggressively as developers and builders.

• Less Selection Of Lots - There are fewer alternatives available.

Representation:

Please be sure and read the Buyer Representation section.

If you have any questions, please contact me via the email address or telephone numbers listed below . Or use the QandA Forum to submit questions and review previous answers.