Buying a Home vs. Choosing a Builder: What You Need to Know

When you're ready to take the next big step in your life by purchasing a brand-new home, there’s no doubt the decision-making process can feel overwhelming at times. In the midst of all of the excitement and anticipation, it’s important to take into account one of the most significant choices you'll face—whether to buy an existing home on the market or to build a new one. As Oklahoma’s Favorite Builder ®, Homes by Taber ® understands that this is not just a financial investment, but also a deeply personal one. 

With over 20 years of experience, we know what it means to help families throughout the Oklahoma City metro area find new homes that perfectly fit their needs. Our Proudly Overbuilt ® promise is more than just a tagline—it's a commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable homes in some of the most desirable communities in OKC. Read below as we explore the key differences between buying an existing home and choosing a builder to create your dream home, and why working with a trusted builder like Homes by Taber can make all the difference.

Buying an existing home on the market: The ins and outs

When considering your next home purchase, buying an existing home is often the first option that comes to mind. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of browsing real estate listings, attending open houses, and imagining yourself settling into a home that’s already standing. The appeal is clear: the process might seem quicker and more straightforward since the home is already built, allowing for the possibility of moving in faster; however, while the idea of moving into a home that’s ready to go may seem convenient, it’s crucial to dig deeper into what you’re actually buying. An existing home is just that—existing. This means you’re inheriting someone else’s design choices, which may or may not align with your personal style. Plus, beyond the looks, there’s also the reality that older homes can come with hidden maintenance issues. These could range from outdated plumbing and electrical systems to structural wear and tear that has developed over the years. What might initially seem like a move-in-ready home could soon reveal itself to be a series of costly repairs and renovations, eating into both your time and budget.

Additionally, an existing home may lack the modern conveniences and energy-efficient features that are standard in new construction. Older windows, less efficient insulation, and aging HVAC systems can result in higher utility bills and a less comfortable living environment. You might also find yourself limited by the home’s original layout, with fewer options to modify spaces to suit your current lifestyle needs. In many cases, the charm of an existing home can be overshadowed by the compromises you’ll need to make—whether that’s settling for outdated finishes, dealing with unexpected repair costs, or spending time on renovations to bring the home up to modern standards.

Why choose a builder?

On the other hand, choosing to build a new home offers a level of personalization and peace of mind that’s hard to match with an existing home. When you partner with a reputable builder like Homes by Taber, you’re not just purchasing a house—you’re creating a home that’s tailored to your lifestyle and future. Here’s why choosing a builder might be the better option for you:

1. Personalization options: One of the most significant advantages of building a new home is the ability to personalize it to your liking. From the layout to the finishes, you have a say in nearly every aspect of your home’s design. This freedom allows you to create a living space that truly reflects your personal style and meets your unique needs. Whether it’s a gourmet kitchen for the aspiring chef, an expansive master suite for relaxation, or energy-efficient features that align with your environmental values, building from the ground up ensures that every detail is crafted with you in mind.

Even if you choose one of our quick move-in homes in OKC—one that’s already under the construction process—you still benefit from modern, high-quality finishes, and thoughtful design elements that cater to today’s homebuyers. At Homes by Taber, our quick move-in homes are built with the same care and attention to detail as our personalized new homes, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on quality or style. This means you can move into a new home faster while still enjoying the latest in design trends and homebuilding innovations.

2. Quality and sustainability: When you decide to build a new home, you’re investing in modern construction techniques, the latest building materials, and up-to-date energy efficiency standards. These aspects are often lacking in older homes, where insulation, windows, or HVAC systems may not be as efficient, leading to higher utility bills and a less comfortable living environment. New homes offer superior energy efficiency, which can significantly reduce your monthly costs and increase your home’s overall comfort.

At Homes by Taber, we take pride in our Proudly Overbuilt, healthy home approach, meaning we go above and beyond in every aspect of construction. From stronger foundations to advanced framing techniques and the installation of storm shelters in every home, we never cut corners. We understand that your home is not just a place to live but a long-term investment. That’s why we’re committed to delivering the very best in new homes in OKC that stand the test of time, offering you a home that’s built to last and one that you can trust for years to come.

3. Location and community: Choosing a builder also allows you to select your location within a community that’s designed for modern living. At Homes by Taber, we carefully choose the locations for our new home communities to ensure they offer the best of both worlds—proximity to top schools, shopping and entertainment, as well as a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Our communities in the OKC metro area are built with the future in mind, offering amenities and layouts that promote a high quality of life for residents.

When you build with Homes by Taber, you’re not just getting a house—you’re becoming part of a thoughtfully planned community. Our Taberhoods are designed to foster connections among neighbors and provide a safe, welcoming environment for families to thrive. With access to community amenities and a location that suits your lifestyle, your new home becomes more than just a place to live—it’s a place where memories are made.

Make the right choice with Homes by Taber

Deciding between buying an existing home and choosing to build a new one is a significant decision, but it’s important to consider what you value most in your next home. While an existing home might seem like the quicker option, building a new home with a trusted builder like Homes by Taber offers unmatched benefits in terms of personalization, quality, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re looking to build from the ground up or opt for one of our quick move-in new homes in Oklahoma City, you can rest assured that Homes by Taber will deliver a home that meets your expectations and exceeds industry standards. With over two decades of experience and a reputation as Oklahoma’s Favorite Builder, we are committed to helping you find—or build—the home of your dreams. To learn more about our new construction homes in OKC, give us a call at (405) 984-1185 or fill out our online form today.