I have been asked by several clients should I buy a home that needs renovations or buy new.  My first answer is both options will not get you exactly what you want initially.   Buying new, allows you to pick out your color choices, cabinets, counter tops, etc.  But you have a budget and can only pick out so many of the options you really want before the money runs out.   You have to go into buying a home knowing it will evolve over time and as your budget allows you can change floors, paint colors, counter tops, etc.  What you cannot change is the location, basic floor plan without moving walls and/or plumbing and size of lot.  The first thing you need to decide is where exactly do I want to live.  You need to love the location.  I like to give my clients options in the beginning. I show them different areas and homes in those areas.  This will help in determining what they like and do not like.  It is as important to know what you do not like as it is to know what you like.