A world of options when buying a pre-construction condo

By Marnie Bennett
April 18, 2019

As a realtor, I can’t help but notice the distinct decision-making process my clients face, depending on whether they’re buying a new home or a resale home. The differences are striking.

Clients looking at resale homes generally wait to fall in love with a specific house on a specific lot, or a specific condo in a specific building. They need to develop the ability to see past the (often unfortunate!) decorating choices of previous owners, and to envision how possible renovations might make the place more suitable for their own needs.

Those of you in the new-home market face entirely different decisions. Your options are far greater, which is wonderful; of course, this also means that you have more decisions to make.

Rather than live with another family’s choices, you’re able, in essence, to create the home in which you want to live – from layout to finishes to exterior appearance. In addition, you’re able to place that home on the site of your choice, whether it’s an extra-deep lot, a cul-de-sac or a south-facing location on the 11th floor.

Shopping for both new and old homes requires creativity and vision, but new homes provide the advantage of a clean canvas from which to work.

As so many television programs demonstrate, just about any older house can be transformed into a beauty with the help of some dramatic renovations – but those same shows are often honest in their depictions of the dust, headaches and unforeseen difficulties that can be encountered. There’s no doubt that the results are rewarding, but even minor renovations require patience and determination. A new home is a gift to those of us who simply don’t have the time and energy to expend on such projects, or who have children running underfoot.

On occasion, I encounter clients who have been pounding the pavement for months – or even years – before finally coming to the realization that their list of “must-haves” can only be met by purchasing new. Once they’ve found the right builder, they begin to become excited by the range of possibilities and the degree of control they have over the ultimate appearance of their home.

Consider this: A choice as basic as the colour of exterior brick is an expression of your personal taste, and it will stand for a hundred years. That’s an inspiring thought.


To receive a FREE copy of a new special report titled “Homebuyers: How to Save Thousands of Dollars When You Buy,” email sales@bennettpros.com

Related reading

Think spring in a brand-new condo

Condo ownership part II: Let the hunt begin

About Marnie Bennett

Marnie Bennett is the Broker of Record and CEO of Bennett Property Shop Realty, a full premium service real estate brokerage specializing in marketing and selling new and resale homes, condominiums and investment real estate. Marnie is the host a weekly radio show “The Bennett Real Estate and Wealth Show” every Saturday @ 1:00pm on 580 CFRA, a millionaire real estate investor and a wealth management coach www.bennettpros.com To receive a FREE copy of a new special report titled "Homebuyers: How to Save Thousands of Dollars When You Buy" email sales@bennettpros.com

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