Should I Buy a Finished New Home or Build From the Start in Pace or Milton?

It comes down to your timeline and how much you want to choose. A home that's already built or close to finished carries less schedule risk, and builders sometimes negotiate more on homes that are already built. Building from the start lets you make your selections, but it comes with a build schedule. If you have orders or a firm move date, that difference matters most.

Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. New construction is one of my specialties, and I work directly with D.R. Horton, Adams Homes and Holiday Builders.

• A known move-in date. Less schedule risk than a home that hasn't started.
• What you see is what you get. You can walk the actual home, not a model.
• Room to negotiate. Builders sometimes negotiate on incentives, upgrades or closing costs, especially on homes that are already built.

You still need an independent inspection before closing. My post on what to check before closing on a new build explains why.

• Your selections. You choose finishes and options, until they lock in.
• More choice of lot and floor plan, depending on the community.
• A build schedule. Build dates are estimates, and they can move.
• A chance to inspect before the walls close up, if the builder allows it.

Build dates can slip, and a report date can't. If your report date is close, a home that's already built or close to finished usually fits better. If you have more time, building can work, as long as you know the builder's delay terms before you sign. My post on what happens if a new build isn't ready before your PCS move covers the risk.

1. Start with your date. When must you move in?
2. List your must-haves. Which choices matter enough to wait for?
3. Compare homes against your date. Finished, nearly finished and to-be-built.
4. Read the contract. Deposit, delay terms and when selections lock in.
5. Compare the whole package. Price, incentives and what's included. My post on comparing home builders walks through it.

• Building when the date is tight. A slipped schedule can leave you between homes.
• Assuming a finished home can't be negotiated. Ask about incentives, upgrades and closing costs.
• Skipping the inspection on a finished home. New doesn't mean nothing was missed.
• Falling for the model. Compare standard features, not staging. See my post on touring a model home.
• Changing selections late. Late changes can add time.

Here's an example of how I lay out the steps. It shows the process, and it isn't a real client's story.

• Your date and must-haves. We start there.
• The options. Finished, nearly finished and to-be-built homes that fit.
• Side by side. Timeline, price, incentives and what's included.
• The negotiation. On incentives, upgrades and closing costs.
• The contract. Reviewed before you sign.
• The inspections. Planned for the home you choose.

Is it better to buy a finished new home or build one?

It depends on your timeline and how much you want to choose. A finished home carries less schedule risk, and building lets you make your selections.

Can I negotiate on a new home that's already built?

Often, yes. Builders sometimes negotiate on incentives, upgrades or closing costs, especially on homes that are already built.

Should I build if I have PCS orders?

Compare the build schedule against your report date first. A home that's already built or close to finished carries less schedule risk.

Do I need an inspection on a finished new home?

Yes. An independent inspection before closing can catch mistakes while the builder can still fix them.

Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. I'm not affiliated with the U.S. military, the VA or any base. Let's talk about your goals and your timeline before you visit a model home.

See how I help new construction buyers, or schedule a time to talk with Vivian.