Torn between a brand-new build and a resale home in Fort Myers? You’re not alone. With our coastal setting, hurricane codes, HOA communities, and flood zones, the choice is about more than shiny finishes. In this guide, you’ll learn how pricing, timelines, insurance, and maintenance compare so you can pick the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive in.

Fort Myers factors that shape your choice

Fort Myers sits on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast, where flood zones, coastal winds, and seasonal demand influence housing decisions. New construction must meet current Florida Building Code standards for wind resistance, while older homes may predate today’s requirements. Many neighborhoods have HOAs with rules, amenities, and monthly fees that affect your costs and day-to-day living.

Florida’s tax landscape also matters. There is no state income tax, and the homestead exemption plus the Save Our Homes assessment cap can influence long-term property tax planning for your primary residence. Factor these into your comparisons if you plan to homestead.

Price and value: what you pay and why

New construction typically carries a price premium for modern materials, open layouts, energy efficiency, and community amenities. Resale homes may offer a lower initial price per square foot, mature landscaping, and sometimes larger lots, though updates can add cost. Over time, appreciation depends more on location, lot quality, views, and neighborhood desirability than on a home’s age.

If you plan to homestead, consider how the Save Our Homes cap may help limit future assessment increases. Ask for recent comparable sales within the same micro-market to understand value on a like-for-like basis.

Move-in timing and certainty

Resale homes usually close within 30 to 60 days depending on financing. For new construction, timing varies. A completed spec home may be move-in ready, while homes still being built can take several months to a year, and delays from weather, labor, or materials are not uncommon. If your timeline is tight, verify completion dates and your contract’s remedies for delays.

Financing: how loans differ

Resale purchases use standard mortgage options like conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA. Appraisals reflect the property’s current condition and recent local sales. New builds can involve construction-to-permanent loans where you make interest-only payments during construction, then convert at completion. Builders may also offer incentives like rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade allowances. Compare incentives against base price and any restrictions.

Inspections and warranties

You should inspect both new and resale homes. For new construction, independent inspections during key phases and a final inspection help catch punch-list items. Builders often provide limited warranties, commonly 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for systems, and up to 10 years for structural components. For resale, schedule general, roof, HVAC, pest, pool, and septic inspections as applicable, and review seller disclosures for past water intrusion or unpermitted work.

Insurance and flood risk

Florida’s insurance market has been volatile, and some Lee County homeowners face higher premiums and fewer private options. Citizens Property Insurance can be a last-resort option in certain cases. New homes built to current code and with impact-rated openings may be less expensive to insure for wind, while flood insurance depends mostly on elevation and flood zone. Confirm the FEMA flood zone and ask for an elevation certificate, especially near coastal and river areas.

Monthly costs and HOAs

New master-planned communities often include amenities like pools, fitness centers, and gated entries, which can raise HOA fees. Resale neighborhoods may have lower or no HOA fees, but that shifts more maintenance to you. Consider utilities as well; some areas rely on septic rather than municipal sewer, which changes maintenance needs and inspection scope.

Design and customization

Buying new can let you choose finishes, fixtures, and sometimes layout tweaks, though design-center upgrades can add up. Resale homes may deliver unique character and mature curb appeal. Renovations offer freedom to personalize but can involve permitting and longer timelines, especially for structural changes.

Location and lifestyle tradeoffs

Many new builds rise in growing, peripheral communities with planned amenities and newer infrastructure. Resale options are more common in established neighborhoods, downtown areas, and historic districts closer to dining, entertainment, and legacy streetscapes. Prioritize commuting routes, proximity to beaches and the airport, grocery and healthcare access, and the neighborhood setting that fits your day-to-day life.

Selling to buy new: timing your move

If you’re moving up to a new build, align your sale and purchase timelines early. Options include selling contingent on buying your new home, buying contingent on selling, bridge financing, or temporary housing if construction runs long. Some builders offer trade-in or buyout programs in certain markets. Review program terms, costs, and your risk tolerance before you commit.

Smart checklists

If you’re buying new construction

• Ask for the full contract, warranty terms, completion timeline, and what is included vs categorized as upgrades.
• Confirm change-order pricing and who covers permit corrections.
• Schedule independent inspections during construction and at completion.
• Verify the flood zone and request an elevation certificate if relevant.
• Review HOA rules, rental restrictions, fees, and reserves if in a community.

If you’re buying a resale home

• Order a general inspection plus roof, HVAC, pest, pool, and septic inspections as applicable.
• Review seller disclosures for water intrusion, permit history, roof age, and insurance claims.
• Confirm property boundaries, easements, and any special assessments.
• Check whether the home connects to municipal sewer or uses septic.

If you’re selling to buy new

• Get a current CMA to project net proceeds and document your plan.
• Discuss contingency strategies, bridge financing, and rent-back options if needed.
• Coordinate closing dates and plan for temporary housing if construction is delayed.

How David Burnham guides your decision

You deserve a clear, local perspective on new vs resale. David pairs Fort Myers expertise with a practical, step-by-step process: compare true monthly costs, evaluate flood and insurance realities, navigate builder contracts, and coordinate inspections and timelines. If you are eyeing amenity-rich communities, including master-planned options like WildBlue, you’ll get neighborhood-level insight plus access to Compass advantages such as premium marketing for your sale and strategies for pre-market opportunities.

Ready to map your best path in Fort Myers? Connect with David Burnham to compare options, negotiate with confidence, and move on your ideal timeline.

FAQs

Will a new home appreciate more in Fort Myers?

• Not necessarily; long-term appreciation is driven more by location, lot quality, views, and neighborhood demand than a home’s age.

Is new construction safer during hurricanes?

• New homes must meet current Florida Building Code standards that improve wind resistance, but no home is hurricane-proof; elevation and flood coverage still matter.

Do builders offer financing incentives on new homes?

• Often yes; common incentives include mortgage rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade allowances that should be weighed against total price and terms.

Should I inspect a brand-new home before closing?

• Yes; independent phase inspections and a final inspection help catch workmanship issues and document punch-list items.

Are HOA fees higher in newer communities?

• Frequently; amenity-rich, master-planned neighborhoods often have higher HOA dues that should be included in your monthly budget.

How do insurance costs compare for new vs resale?

• New homes may cost less to insure for wind if built to current codes; flood insurance depends mainly on elevation, flood zone, and policy specifics.

What should I know about flood insurance in Fort Myers?

• Lenders require flood insurance in designated FEMA flood zones, and it is recommended elsewhere; request an elevation certificate and verify zone status early.