New construction versus an existing home

What actually decides whether new construction or an existing home makes more sense, what the real price climbs to past the advertised number, and what buyers wish they had checked before signing.

• New construction or an existing home: which makes more sense? Existing home, unless you can't find what you need.
• What does new construction cost beyond the base price? Plan on 10% to 20% over the base price.
• What do buyers wish they'd known before choosing new construction or existing? New builds cost more than the sticker. Existing homes hide surprises.

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