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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Stewart J Lowe
RE/MAX Real Estate Central
#206, 2411 - 4th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2M 2Z8
Cell: 403-850-0669
Fax: 403-547-5195
Office pager 24/7: 403-216-1600
StewartJLowe@shaw.ca

Remax Real Estate Central is the Number One Remax in the World based on closed transactions. Stewart J Lowe is a 2009 Top Producer, and member of Remax Western Canada 100% Club based on sales and service, and the Executive and Chairmans clubs. Quote from Stewart J Lowe "I want to be the real estate professional that really helps you, and keeps you in total communication. We like to work with a limited number of clients, individually taking the time to understand their lifestyle and their individual needs. Buying High End Real Estate with us as your team will be an enjoyable experience"