Build new or buy vintage? What's the right home?

Central Florida offers homebuyers a wide selection of choices when it comes to where to live and what type of home they want to live in. They often find themselves trying to decide whether to buy a newly built home, or an older classic in one of the many established neighborhoods such as Winter Park, College Park, Maitland, Thornton Park and other areas.

A case can be made for either. It really comes down to what best suits your family’s lifestyle and your budget. For some the decision weighs heavily on proximity to good schools and places of work.

While many newly constructed homes are located in areas that typically haven’t appreciated as well as some of the storied neighborhoods sprinkled throughout Central Florida, some can be found in older, established neighborhoods as well. New homes come equipped with modern features and appliances and a host of limited warranties that cover just about everything. They’re also built to comply with current construction and environmental codes that are much more stringent, including the home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.

On the other hand, there is a segment of the market that likes the charm and classical architecture of older homes built in the early- to mid-1900s. Their architectural designs in the Spanish Revival, Mediterranean Revival, French Provincial and Colonial Revival styles, for example, are timeless, hard to replicate, and create a special sense of place. There also is a pride of craftsmanship and construction that can be readily seen and experienced in most of these homes. While vintage homes may not be as energy-efficient and have all the modern amenities such as the latest kitchen appliances, large closets, and state-of-the-art bathrooms, it can be argued that their quality of construction, craftsmanship and materials used are often superior to newly constructed homes. Even though some older homes may need to be retrofitted with new heating and air-conditioning, electrical wiring and plumbing to meet current codes and insurance requirements, buyers often find it’s worth every penny because of the home’s established address and property value.

While there are fewer opportunities to locate available older classic homes that meet your family’s specific needs, the majority of homebuyers today will find a greater selection of newly constructed homes in subdivisions located in and around Orlando and other surrounding municipalities.

The good news is Central Florida homebuyers have a choice between a charming older classic home in an established neighborhood that may require some updating, or a newly constructed home that comes equipped with a wide selection of modern conveniences and cutting edge technology.

Either way, you can’t lose.

Scott Hillman is president of Fannie Hillman + Associates, a 32-year-old Winter Park-based real estate company specializing in residential real estate sales. He can be reached at 407-644-1234 or at [email protected]