No matter what the economic climate, buying a new home always has advantages. Whether it's added flexibility, efficiency or modern conveniences, there are many reasons that being the first owner of a home makes more sense than ever.

Ease of Maintenance
Thanks to vast improvements in the efficiency and durability of building materials, new homes don't require as much upkeep as older homes. Many home buyers discover they'd rather spend valuable weekend time with family and friends, instead of performing home repair. Do-it-yourself maintenance is not for everyone.

Customization
For many new home buyers, the thought of making their home truly reflect their tastes and lifestyle is the greatest appeal of all. There is no substitute for living in a home that mirrors your preferences in color, fixtures, floor coverings, appliances and finishing touches. A new home allows the owner to plan the relationship between indoor and outdoor living, the flow of one room to the next and the flexibility of the rooms themselves. Whether you want to create a theme space for your favorite hobby, the gourmet kitchen of your dreams, or the game room your family will enjoy for years, being in the captain's seat of your home's construction is a truly exciting process.

Floor Plan for Today
Buying a resale home typically means you're stuck with the layout of a home that was appropriate for the decade in which it was built, unless you have the funds handy for major renovations.  Today's homes emphasize flexible space and flexible usage, which let the homeowners tailor the living area to their evolving needs. Larger kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment and custom items from wine refrigerators to wood-burning ovens, family rooms with built-in multi-media options, closets equipped with built-in storage systems, modular walls, shared children's rooms with lofts or partitions, and outdoor rooms with indoor accoutrements are all possibilities.  MyHomeIdeas.com offers loads of ways to customize your space.

Goin' Green
In general, newer homes offer an array of greener options for greater efficiency and comfort. The materials used in today's home are far more effective at reducing energy costs than those found in resale homes. The savings provided in utility bills can quickly offset the price of a new home. Roof-top catchment for rainwater, gray water systems to recycle wash water, solar panels, tankless water heaters and better indoor air filtration systems are just a few options that save money and the environment. Today's new home can be customized to be more cost-effective and environmentally sound than ever before.  Visit the U.S. Green Building Council, BuildingGreen.com, and EarthCraft House for exciting details about the types of green building options available.

Technology
Retrofitting older homes with today's technology can be an exercise in frustration and futility. It is much easier to add modern convenience to a home, such as wiring for surround-sound speakers, additional cable jacks and electrical outlets, ports for electronic equipment, and wireless internet access, while it's being framed. The new home has endless 'smart' options, including increased automation and computerized systems, for temperature, lighting, entertainment and security than ever before.

Safety
In addition to the use of less energy efficient materials, older homes have often been constructed using hazardous substances such as asbestos and lead-based paint or have wiring and plumbing that does not meet today's codes. A new home is subject to the current building codes that require more stringent safety requirements regarding materials and internal systems.

Warranties & Customer Service
New homes will often come with a complete warranty that covers everything on the house, inside and out. While warranties are available for resale homes, they're typically for one year from the purchase date and only cover specific items in the home. A new home can have a much longer warranty that will provide more options when something goes wrong.

Community
A community of new homes allows for the planned development of the lifestyle within it. Whether it is active adults, families with young children or golf and tennis enthusiasts, new home buyers know they'll have something in common with their neighbors when they move in. Being a founding member of your neighborhood provides exciting opportunities for involvement and a chance to experience community growth with those around you.

Whatever your location or price-range, this is an excellent time to look into buying a new home. There's nothing quite like the excitement of choosing your home's details, inside and out, and being the first one to put the key in the lock.