First-time homebuyers make affordability a priority—but it's important to leave room in the budget to make sure that it reflects your style, supports your lifestyle, feels like it's truly yours from day one.
With existing homes, that often means budgeting for renovations and upgrades, and making compromises. But with a new-construction home, it's possible to personalize key elements from the get-go.
Angela Nuessle, national vice president of interior design at PulteGroup, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, explains how first-time buyers can find the right balance between customization, style, and value.
The top upgrades first-time buyers are choosing
Buyers entering the market for the first time often gravitate toward a few specific upgrades that offer both impact and value, according to Nuessle.
“Cabinets are typically the item people are most excited about,” she explains. “They really set the tone for the color palette and play a big role in the style of a home.”
Other popular choices include:
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, prized for its durability, modern look, and low maintenance.
Entry-level quartz countertops, which add polish to kitchens and bathrooms without the premium price tag.
Stylish two-tone wall paint, an option that’s often overlooked until buyers see it in a model home.
A personalized look without the renovation costs
Many first-time buyers consider resale homes thinking they’ll upgrade later. But time and cost can quickly turn even small projects into big headaches.
While the exact dollar-to-dollar comparison varies, upgrades like flooring and countertops are typically more cost-effective when rolled into your mortgage as part of a new build, rather than paid out of pocket post-closing.
Plus, you won’t have to live through messy renovations or take time off work to manage contractors.
Design help for every budget
If you're worried about decision fatigue, or overspending, Pulte’s design process is built to make things easier.
"We provide preliminary resources before the appointment. Things like online catalogs, browsing hours, and product packages help buyers show up informed," Nuessle says.
During the appointment, professional design consultants guide you through choices that match your personal style and target budget. You can opt for curated packages or customize room by room, depending on what matters most to you.
Post-pandemic priorities: more flex, more function
Since 2020, first-time buyers are asking for homes that do more—without needing extra square footage.
Some of the most in-demand features include:
Dedicated workspaces or home offices
Coffee bars and home bars
Pocket gyms or wellness corners
Builders like Pulte have adapted their floor plans and design options to meet these needs, proving that even entry-level homes can offer modern, flexible living.
Why first-time buyers are choosing new
Finally, personalization and peace of mind go hand in hand. Many buyers who once considered resale make the switch to new homes after seeing what’s possible.
“Used homes come with issues new homes don’t,” Pulte’s team says. “The ability to personalize, plus the protection of a builder warranty, are huge deciding factors.”
With durable materials, design guidance, and the latest technology all built in, new construction offers first-timers a compelling and increasingly popular alternative.
Read more at Realtor.com
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