New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.

Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.

New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.

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Gores Real Estate Team
Edina Realty
14198 Commerce Ave NE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
612-201-5447
Fax: 952-447-4735
MarkGores@EdinaRealty.com

Mary Gores was licensed in 1982 and since 1986 has been associated with Edina Realty, one of the nation's premier real estate companies. She is a consistent top performer and has been awarded membership in the Leadership, President's and Master's Circles of excellence. She has many times been named a Super Star Agent by Mpls/St. Paul magazine. She holds the GRI, CRS, 55+ and ePro designations. Mark Gores joined in the business following his graduation from the University of Iowa in 2004. Mark's high energy, technology background, sales skills and creative entrepreneurial spirit quickly earned him the respect of his clients. His Young Voices column in the local newspaper provides an additional outlet for his sense of humor and has attracted community-wide attention. Mark also has been named a Super Star Agent and holds the ABR and ePro designations.

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