Buy an Existing Home, or Build a New One?

When in the market for a new home, are most people looking to buy an existing home or build a new one? While many people have no strong preference, more than a third would prefer a new home while a fifth would prefer an existing home.

 New homes have the advantages of modern features and, in the case of custom builds, those features may be exactly as designed by the family that will live there. A newer home also needs less maintenance and doesn't bear the marks of previous residents.

On the other hand, an existing home often costs less, offers traditional features, and is located in an established neighborhood. And if handyman chores are part of what you enjoy about homeownership, an existing home will give you the chance to fix things up with fun projects.