If you are familiar with the Dallas real estate market then you know that the competition
 is something serious for the potential home buyer. Most buyers are often faced with the choice of whether or not to buy a pre-existing home or new construction home. There is no right or wrong answer with regard to which avenue you should take, however there is plenty to take into consideration. First and foremost,  I would advise that you do not seek to purchase either without  an agent.  Realtors have relationships, resources and experience that the average home buyer does not so it is best to hire an Agent to guide you along the process.  It is  most definitely  to your benefit to do so. Weigh your options with regard to what type of home may be best for you. Take a look at the list of pros and cons to help you to determine the best route for you.

• You avoiding the bidding war that ensues when you choose to buy a pre-existing home.
• You are able to customize the home to your liking. (finishes, paint, counter-tops, elevations etc...)
•  Builders often offer incentives sometimes (such a closing cost assistance, design center stipends, etc.)
• Typically you won't have issues when it's time to inspect the property as everything is brand spanking new ( Foundation, plumbing etc. Most builders offer a limited warranty on those things)

• Your home may look similar to the other homes in your neighborhood (Most builders have specific plans that don't allow the same floor plan/elevation to be built side by side so your home won't necessarily be twinsies with the next door neighbor but it may look super similar to the home five doors down.
• A builder is not the same as an architect so customization is limited. Typically, you can't knock down walls or add extra bedrooms.

• You will pay extra for upgrades. So the price that  is advertised is the base price. Once you add things such as blinds, wood floors, automatic garage door openers, etc.) the price will increase.

• You may have to wait several months to actually close on the home.

• Depending upon the age and or location of the property you may be able to purchase a home with some character.
• You take possession of the home sooner. In this market after a home is under contract closing time frames can range from 30 - 60 days.
• If you fancy a particular neighborhood or home style (Deep Ellum, White Rock Lake, Vickery Place, etc) Then pre-existing is the move to make as new constructions are either fiercely limited or non existent in those parts of town.

• It is almost always a possibility that you will have enter into a bidding war with several other buyers.
• You may have to pay more than you anticipated for your home. Remember what a home lists for may not be what it sells for.