As we've seen in the past few years, no one can truly predict the future of real estate. I would look at the house layout and features. Does one fit your needs better than the other. Another thing to consider is who built the homes - what is the builders reputation when it comes to quality. I work in the construction industry and I can tell you that there are some builders that cut a lot of corners when it comes to quality in order to save money. Did they install quality light fixtures or did they cheap out? That may give you some indication as to the type of builder they are. Also "brand new" almost always comes with some "oops" that will have to be taken care of. Which means scheduling workers to come back and fix their mistakes. I've lived in 2 brand new places and both had issues that had to be fixed. They got fixed but it was a hassle just the same.

Hope this helps you to make a decision.

Amy Howard
http://www.EasyDIYHomeSecurity.com

Hi Summer,

It depends.... Here are just a couple of things to consider.
There is a market for townhomes & detached homes in this area. Each provide numerous advantages to owners. For those who are looking for maintenance free living the town home is a good option. Since it's new it'll have all the bells and whistles that appeal to the majority of the buying public. HOA dues may be higher in these communities but you'll also have more amenities i.e. pool, tennis, gym etc. However over 10 years there may be some updating that is necessary ( if you intend to sell).
In regards to a detached home there is always interest because of the advantages it offers, often more acreage as well as it's general appeal to buyers who are only looking for this type of property. Maintenance is also a factor for you to keep in mind since an older home requires more upkeep. If it's in an established neighborhood then there is stability vs a newer neighborhood still building out.
There are other factors as well that you should consider, specifically schools since potential buyers always have this high on there list. Even if this is not important to you personally at this time.

Below is a link to the schools, compare both of these areas that you're considering.
http://www.wcpss.net/

Also here is a link to what the market did this past July. You'll be able to see distinct differences among the two types of properties that you're considering.
http://www.smapublications.com/Reports/709Broker.pdf

Have your agent analyze both areas and give you an appreciation rate for both. It may be a little tougher for the new townhome but at least you'll get an idea. Keep in mind that even though today they're worth approximately the same price per sq. foot what you pay for a property has no bearing on what you sell it for in the future. On average detached homes do sell for more than townhomes.

Lastly location should be a determing factor as well since this too is high on most buyers list.

Good luck!
Lizete

Summer,

You've asked a great question, one where the absolute best and only true answer is no one can predict, sorry, probably not the answer you where looking for!

One of the things I've learned as a professional is you can study past & current trends and have a pretty good feel for what is most likely to happen, but you can't say for certain. Something could happen that would impact either subdivision in a positive or negative way.

I commend you for thinking about future resale potential, lots of home buyers don't factor that in. When I sit down with a seller and ask for the top 3 reasons they purchased the home rarely are any of those answers related to which home they felt would have the best resale value - usually it's location or floorplan or school district or subdivision features etc etc.

A few things to consider:

- you asked if it would be difficult to resale a new townhome - just remember when you go to sell it will no longer be new! it may be newer but it will have lost the charm of the brand new home

- if you have to sell the town-home before the builder is finished building out the subdivision then you will have direct competition with the same product only yours will be used - this scenario favors the builder

- forget for a moment its a town-home vs a home - which do you like better - which has the better location for you - do you mind sharing a wall with neighbors or are you more of a yard person

- there are pros and cons between a home and a townhome & there are pros/cons between a new property and a used property

- you mentioned the home in apex having seen it's peak appreciation - we don't know that - depending on how long you hang on to the property and what the housing market in apex does

There's a much more in-depth conversation / buyer needs analysis that could take place between you and a real estate agent that is representing you - you will probably find that any of the agents that answer your question will recommended that if you do not already have a real estate agent on your side - working as your buyers agent then please consider going that route - A buyer's agent is there to serve as a consultant - to sit down with you to help bring clarity to what you are looking for and to answer questions like the one you presented here. A good buyer's agent will provide you information, empowering you to make an educated decision, without pressuring you. In most scenarios the real estate firm that has the property for sale offers to share their commission with the buyers agent.

Hope this helps!

Respectfully,

David Williams

Hello Summer,

Also, homes do not stop appreciating, (unless there is some drastic market/economic impact that occurs), but new construction does typically take time in order to begin appreciate at the same rate as older resale homes. If there is a chance that you might sell in less than 5 years you may find that you will only break even or possibly loose money on the deal. When purchasing new, even in the current market you are typically paying top dollar price per square foot. Since both these homes are the same price and square footage the next thing is to consider area and if there are any resales in the new construction neighborhood how are they fairing. One more point, a single family home typically has a better resale value in Apex because of the types of buyers moving into the area, depending on where is located. There also may be more of an opportunity for you to negotiate price, closing costs, etc. than there would be on the new home. Again, these scenarios depend on a few things.

Best Regards,

Kelly R. Smith
Weichert, Realtors - Columbus Associates

A couple of other factors to consider:

An 8-10 year old will need some maintanence and possible replacement before future resale of the roof, HVAC unit, water heater, etc. If the appliances are original, they may need replacement at some point as well.

Just keep overall maintanence costs in mind, new versus 10 years old.

On the other hand, a single family home usually appreciates better than a townhome or condo.

A good buyer's agent will be able to help you compare the two specific homes, as well as pull appreciation information for single family homes and townhomes in the general area of each.

Hi Summer,
There are a lot of variables that would go into that decision. How long would you live in it, will the builder be finished building when you sell, location, location, location is the number one factor in resale, both value and ease of selling. I would reccomend chosing a buyers agent and sitting down with them and discussing the pro's and con's of each home. I would be happy to do this with you, and of course as your buyers agent there is no charge to you.
Michael