NEW BRAUNFELS REAL ESTATE NEWS

Where to Live in New Braunfels: Something Old, Something New, or Something Rented?

When trying to find a place to call home, there are an avalanche of factors to consider. How much are you able to spend on a mortgage? Do you want a shiny new home or a fixer-upper? Do you plan on sticking around for awhile, or is this just a short-term living situation? The answers can determine not only what type of house you are looking for, but if you want to purchase a home at all.

There are benefits to looking at older homes with character that might require a bit of upkeep, getting a new home that comes ready for dwellers, or just renting a place while you stay for a few years or save up for the home of your dreams.

These choices and the factors that go along with them are tough to make in the moment. We wanted to run through the pros and cons of several considerations each homebuyer has to make when searching through the market to make an informed decision!

Buying a New House

2502 Lonesome Creek Trail - $218,000

The Visual Appeal: There are some pretty obvious benefits to owning a brand new house - the first one being that you have a beautiful blank slate to create the most idyllic domicile you can imagine. Don’t have your vision spoiled by seeing the remains of someone else’s floor options or countertop decisions before you can get in there yourself and customize each detail of your home. Get the cabinets how you want them, pick out the perfect appliances - this house is for you! It is also nice to know that you are the first person to inhabit that space. To some, it is a romantic and special experience to know that what you make in this space is the first imprint of life being lived inside these walls.

The Lifestyle: One of the more modern trends in home building is sprawling square footage. Most builders opt to utilize a maximum amount of space on the plot of land to give to the interior of the house, often leaving a modest space for a backyard. However, building a patio or installing a pool could make staying at the house a more appealing option on the weekends. If you plan on growing a family, have peace in knowing that your home can grow along with your needs.

The Location: Pretty much any new home you find on the market will either exist in an old neighborhood in the middle of town or on the outskirts of the city, most of which fall into the latter category. Building a house in an area that is also developing new houses could create a blossoming community for your family alongside the other new homeowners. If you can afford to drive a little bit more to get to work, this could be a great deal for you.

The Upkeep: One of the best perks of owning a brand new house is that virtually nothing is in need of immediate repair. You also have the option of grabbing a warranty on your home that will protect you from potential issues during your first few years of living there, one of which might be when you decide to move that antique couch upstairs by yourself. It always helps to know you can get the wall fixed with no hassle.

Buying an Old House

3601 Fox Run (Cibolo, TX!)

The Visual Appeal: For some, an older home couldn’t be more ideal for design work. Getting a house that feels lived in (like the wood has settled to its destined position like a century-old violin) can add a tranquil atmosphere to the space. Buy a home that doesn’t look like every other house on the block and have your neighbors show you around their home when you go over for dinner and wine.

The Lifestyle: Most homes that have been previously owned will come with all of the old appliances and other house staples you would otherwise have to buy. This can free up more of your budget to purchase additional things for the home like a new deck or tearing down a wall for a more open plan.

The Location: Depending on how old the house is, this category could ultimately win you over with the diversity of prime locations that old houses occupy. Simply put, if there is land to build on, someone has probably already built on it, and you can benefit from past generations by moving into an older home.

The Upkeep: This category is probably the con of getting an older home. Some homeowners of a multi-decade old house will find themselves having to replace to repair parts of the home that can ensure structural integrity, electrical wiring, plumbing, or other high dollar maintenance issues. The risk of getting into a great home could mean saving a little money for some of these repairs.

Renting a House

271 Limestone Creek - $1900/mo

The Visual Appeal: It is tough to decide if you want to design your rented home to be aesthetically pleasing because as a renter, you don’t have much autonomy in what you can change. Every design and decorative decision must be surface level because you don’t technically own the space. If you aren’t hung up on this issue, renting could be a great move.

The Lifestyle: If you have an ever-changing lifestyle where your job could scoop you up and take you to a different city at a moment’s notice, renting is your absolute best option. Don’t get caught up in the market and risk a financial investment if you aren’t certain you’ll be in the same town for longer than a year.

The Location: Most of the homes that are rented can be found near city centers, which can prove to be an excellent selling point for people who want to live next to the excitement. These homes might cost twice as much in rent as a mortgage would, but you can call it even with all the money you are saving walking around town.

The Upkeep: Perhaps the best thing about renting a home is that you are not responsible for any maintenance. It is often written in leasing contracts that the landlord must pay for any maintenance and upkeep that occur during your occupation and that if there are any damages caused by you, then you are on the hook. A pretty fair deal for the most part.

The Ultimate Finance Factor: What it comes down to is what you can afford, how long you plan on living in New Braunfels, and your housing needs and if they will change in the short-term future. Renting proves beneficial on many financial grounds except for the fact that you don’t claim any investment on the house you live in. Buying a new home is great for those who want complete autonomy in the design of the house from inception. Buying an older home allows you to save on initial cost and gets you in an established neighborhood. The choice can be hard, but you aren’t alone in this decision making.

Whether you plan on buying a new house, an older house, or renting a home - we are so excited for your journey. We would love to guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible!