Harmony executive says new homes cost less than foreclosures

New-home neighborhoods, such as the 17 currently under construction by Harmony Homes, offer buyers choices that used homes, short-sales and foreclosures can't. Purchasing a new home with a timely move-in and warranty gives the owner "peace of mind," said Geoff Gorman, vice president of sales of the Las Vegas-based builder.

"Buying a foreclosure or short-sale is not as inexpensive as you might think because a lot more cash is involved at the time of contract not to mention the hidden costs of repair work and bringing the home up to the standards that you want to live," Gorman said.

According to Gorman, purchasing a new home from Harmony eliminates many out-of-pocket expenses that are commonly associated with foreclosure and short-sales because of the builder's use of new construction materials; warranties included with new appliances, air-conditioning and heating units.

"I believe that some home shoppers may think that they will save a ton of money in buying a foreclosed home, but they may be forgetting that they will have to spend a ton of cash out of their own pocket to bring the home up to an acceptable standard" Gorman said.

"Foreclosure and short-sale homes don't feel fresh because they're not. They're used, often neglected and often sold 'as is,' meaning that you get what you get, problems and all. There are a lot of things that the homebuyer will need to replace when buying a foreclosure like worn-out carpeting, broken or missing appliances and possibly even the air-conditioner," he said.

"In some foreclosures, the previous owner intentionally removes items that have to be replaced before you can even move-in. It's not unheard of for the previous owner to take all of the appliances, countertops and cabinets and even little things like light fixtures or the kitchen sink. Plus, in those homes that have had the electricity and water turned off, the summer heat will cause literal damage to the home's integrity inside and the landscaping outside. Foreclosures are not such a great deal when buyers have to spend literally thousands of additional dollars before they can even move in."

The homebuilder's Las Vegas Valley neighborhoods offer single- and two-story homes that range from 1,462 to 4,900 square feet. They are priced from the $90,000s.

Homes are constructed within three months from the time of contract, according to Gorman.

Sales offices and model homes are open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m, except Monday, when they open at noon.

For neighborhood details and directions, visit HarmonyHomes.com.