Should I Buy A Used House or A Brand New House? 

Should you buy an old home, or newer construction? Each has its own pros and cons, but two main issues will decide: (1) how 

well the home fits the buyer's lifestyle; and (2) what condition the home is in. 

With a home that is less than ten years old, there is usually better insulation. Most newer homes have thermal or dual glazed windows which offer greater energy efficiently. Reducing energy costs is a great benefit given today's prices. Keep in mind too that homes with electric heading systems can also have higher utility costs. 

For homes between 15 and 20 years old, expect some significant repairs, such as water pipes. In an older home, if old galvanized pipes were used in combination with a water softener, this can cause serious health damage. In these cases, re-plumbing is likely needed. A plumber can inspect the pipes and give you an opinion. It goes without saying that re-plumbing an entire house will be costly. 

Be sure to thoroughly check all fixtures and appliances for any signs of significant wear and damage. Flush all the toilets, run all of the water taps and test the electrical sockets, open and close all windows, and turn on and off all lights. Windows that can't be opened can be evidence of a more serious problem, such as a shifting wall or even the foundation. 

Ask the seller to provide copies of the last year's worth of utility bills to see the costs. Reviewing these can help you budget for your future monthly water, gas and electric expenses.

With newer homes, you will likely find fewer serious cosmetic, physical or structural problems. Yet there are other considerations you should take into account. For example, yards are typically smaller in some new homes, as is room size. However, newer homes also have the advantage of advances in building design and technology. Often newer homes have more natural light from additional windows, with a more open and airy feel while still having better energy efficiency.