I’ve always preferred used. I’ve owned four houses in my life. Newest one was 33 years old when I bought it. Some people call these existing homes.
Here’s why:
1. Location: I like to be closer to my job. Older established neighborhoods tend to be closer to the job centers.
2. Location: Older established neighborhoods tend to be closer to entertainment and amenities, like the beach, downtown, Zoo, Bay, etc. Places we would take the kids.
3. I don’t like to pay HOA or mello roos.
4. Character of the house. Older homes typically (not always) tend to have more character than cookie cutter developments.
5. Character of the neighborhood : Older neighborhoods have more variety of population. Newer neighborhoods are built and sold out over a short period you end up with similar price points, resulting in relatively narrow slice of demographics. (Some people like that aspect, I don’t).
6. Lot size to house footprint tends to be higher. I hate the thought of my next door neighbor calling to borrow sugar or butter and having them hand it through our side windows.