San Antonio has long been one of the fastest growing cities in Texas, with residents moving from within and beyond the state’s borders. The city’s growth brings a wide variety of residents, all asking the same question when they think about home ownership–is it better to buy an existing home or build a new home in San Antonio?
The answer isn’t always cut and dry. While some may factor in the pure costs of a new home versus an existing home, it’s also important to consider neighborhood features, costs to operate and home efficiency.
Many assume a new home costs more than an existing home, but that isn’t always the case. When existing home inventories are low, new homes might be less expensive in a specific area. Builders of new homes are also motivated to sell, so they have more ability to provide discounts, incentives, mortgage rate buy-downs, etc., which can make your money go farther.
When considering the cost of homes, be sure to consider the cost of operating your home. New homes are constructed with energy efficient siding, windows, and appliances to keep electric bills lower. Older homes are often more expensive to heat/cool, and some may have outdated appliances or HVAC equipment that will cost more to operate or need a replacement. New homes also come with builder warranties to protect buyers from faulty construction or equipment.
Home efficiency is often overlooked when considering buying a home for sale in San Antonio. How a home operates, how air flows, how it works for your family is important. Many new homes are designed based on buyer feedback, providing more features that work for today’s families. And, depending on when you buy in the construction cycle, you can customize features of the home specific to your family, including adding mother-in-law suites, improved kitchens for entertaining, and more. Builders at VIDA San Antonio, a new home community on the Southside of the city, feature home upgrades that allow buyers to build their dream home. VIDA builders report that the most often requested upgrades are collapsible patio doors for indoor-outdoor living, upgraded kitchen appliances and downstairs master suites.
When thinking about a new home in San Antonio, buyers will want to consider the neighborhood. Existing homes are often located in established neighborhoods that may have more access to shops, restaurants, or other features. New homes may be in an emerging community that doesn’t have these items yet. But new communities are often more planned to include pools, clubhouses, and trails for homeowners. Buyers should understand what the neighborhood will offer.
Homes for Sale in San Antonio, TX: Understanding Your Options
Do your research. Consider neighborhoods, nearby schools and parks, trails, and pools. Consider the cost to operate your home and how the home’s floor plan works for you and your family.
New Homes in San Antonio Aren’t Always More Expensive
Home builders want to help you buy a new home, and they can offer the incentives and discounts to make it happen. Many can also help address any credit issues that may make financing a new home difficult. Existing homes don’t have these resources available to them, but buyers can reach out to local banks to get credit assistance if necessary.
When you’re browsing homes for sale in San Antonio, Texas, it’s hard not to get drawn in by the gorgeous, new, state-of-the-art builds. While some older homes may have outdated features, new homes are equipped with beautiful, modern details and appliances that make it easy to fall in love!
- Lower Operating Costs – A newly constructed, move-in-ready home is much less likely to surprise you with unplanned maintenance needs in the first few years of ownership.
- Increased Energy Efficiency – Today’s modern homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, from their designs to the materials used and the appliances installed. While you might love the look of that mid-century suburban ranch style, the cooling costs and other utilities may not make it the wisest investment for someone looking for a smooth and convenient relocation to San Antonio.
- Built-In Community – The variety of charming, modern homes being built at the VIDA development in Southside San Antonio are designed to give their residents easy access to the community beyond and all the great things it has to offer. VIDA isn’t just another collection of cookie-cutter houses going up in a bland subdivision; it’s an assortment of genuine homes situated in a real, thriving community that can welcome you in with open arms.
If you’re considering buying a home, it’s worth making a visit to VIDA San Antonio.
Nestled in Southside San Antonio, the VIDA residential community delivers the incentives, quality, and efficiency of a wide variety of new homes to effortlessly bridge the gap between the virtues of a new home and the conveniences and assurances of buying an existing home in a wonderful, vibrant neighborhood.
So, What Makes VIDA the Best of Both Worlds?
- Newly constructed units from top Texas builders like Perry Homes, Highland Homes, Sitterle, and national builders including Lennar.
- Connected community — from shared community spaces and integrated areas for shopping and dining to the status as San Antonio’s first 10G internet community.
- Modern, contemporary designs with a variety of floorplans and options available.
- Location, location, location! Southside San Antonio is buzzing with life; VIDA’s proximity to local eating, entertainment, and the iconic River Walk are just a few of the built-in perks.
To stay up-to-date with VIDA and be the first to learn about new units going up for sale, feel free to get in touch with our main offices today to learn more. Continue to visit our blog frequently for updates and great local info. Your VIDA awaits!