September 17, 2025

One of the perks of moving to a thoughtfully designed community like Nolina is getting to settle into a fresh, brand-new home. The first step? Deciding between a move-in ready home or one to-be-built. Each option has its own set of upsides and things to keep in mind, so understanding the differences can help you make the best choice. Here are the pros and cons to help you find the perfect fit.

What is a Move-In Ready Home?

A move-in ready home, also called an inventory home, is exactly what it sounds like—a home that’s completed or nearing completion and ready for you to move in. One of the biggest benefits? You can walk through the actual home instead of trying to imagine it based on floorplans or models. In a completed home, the builder has already made all the design decisions but there’s still a chance to make some final design choices if the home isn’t fully finished. As a bonus, builders frequently offer enticing incentives, like covering closing costs or special financing.

Pros and Cons of Move-In Ready Homes

  • Move-in ready homes are perfect for anyone who needs to settle in quickly, whether due to a packed schedule or last-minute plans.
  • You can walk through the finished home and get a real feel for the space.
  • Builders often throw in great extras like reduced closing costs, better financing options, or other incentives.
  • On the downside, the design and layout are mostly set in stone, so there’s not much wiggle room for changes.
  • Pre-chosen finishes and upgrades make decisions easier, but limit how much you can personalize the home.

What is a To-Be-Built Home?

A to-be-built home offers the ultimate blank canvas for personalization. You’ll start with a floorplan and have the freedom to choose structural options that fit your family’s needs such as an extended patio, an extra bedroom, or that home office you’ve been dreaming about. The fun doesn’t stop there. At the design center, you’ll pick everything from flooring to fixtures, making your home uniquely yours. Builders may also offer perks like design center credits or appliance upgrades to sweeten the deal. While you’ll have to wait for the home to be built, the result is tailored to your vision.

Pros and Cons of To-Be-Built Homes

  • You can personalize nearly every aspect of your new home, from floorplans and layouts to materials and finishes, ensuring it reflects your lifestyle and preferences.
  • The opportunity to select unique design elements allows for a truly tailored living space, such as custom cabinetry or energy-efficient upgrades.
  • Builders may offer incentives like discounts on premium features or complimentary additions, enhancing the overall value of your investment.
  • Building a new home often requires extended timelines, as construction can span several months depending on project complexity.
  • External factors, like adverse weather or material shortages, might lead to unexpected slowdowns in the construction schedule.

Choosing the Right Home in Nolina

Both move-in ready and to-be-built homes offer incredible opportunities to find your perfect match in Nolina. Whether you value speed and convenience or crave customization and design freedom, the choice is yours. Explore both options in Nolina and choose the one that works best for your lifestyle today!