Harmony executive says new homes could cost less than resale, short sale, foreclosure

New-home neighborhoods, such as the 16 currently under construction by Harmony Homes, offer buyers options that used homes, short sales and foreclosures do not, according to Geoff Gorman, vice president of sales at Harmony Homes.

"Purchasing a new home in today's housing market is truly a great overall value, when compared to foreclosures and short sales. 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 additional 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, plus the structure itself.

"Some home shoppers think that they will save a lot of money in buying a foreclosed home, but they may be forgetting that they will have to come up with a lot 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.

"Harmony Homes not only helps home shoppers avoid the hassles and additional costs associated with foreclosures and short sales, we offer options in home sizes, neighborhood locations, and prices. You are able to design your home your way with Harmony Homes. We have a design center.

"And with most all of our communities, we offer qualified buyers who use a preferred lender and incentive package that they can use at the design center to personalize your home. You can do what you want with your home at time of construction, while with a foreclosure you are literally forced to buy the home 'as is.'"

The builder is constructing 16 neighborhoods throughout the Las Vegas Valley where single- and two-story homes range from 1,462 to 4,900 square feet and are priced from the $90,000s. Homes are constructed within three months from the time of contract.

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

For neighborhood details and directions, visit HarmonyHomes.com.