New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.

Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.

New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.

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The Hardas Team
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors
2621 Plaza Drive
Highland, IL 62249
Phil Hardas: 618-789-5863
Jason Hardas: 618-670-8009
Lori Novosel: 618-301-0103
Fax : 618-654-4360
Email: CustomerCare@TheHardasTeam.com

The Hardas Team is a uniquely developed team set-up to give incredible customer service. The Hardas Team is focused not only in being your Realtor but being your one stop place for all your real estate needs. We strive for lifelong customers each and every time.