Which costs will surprise you more in Weston: the builder upgrades that add up fast, or the higher insurance on an older roof? If you’re comparing a new build with a resale, you’re right to look beyond the sticker price. The true cost depends on insurance, taxes, HOA and CDD fees, upgrades, and maintenance over several years. This guide gives you a simple, Weston‑specific framework to run a five‑year comparison and make a confident choice. Let’s dive in.
What drives costs in Weston
Weston’s master‑planned neighborhoods and strong demand influence pricing across both new and resale homes. In South Florida, wind and flood risk, HOA and CDD obligations, and property taxes are the big drivers you need to quantify.
Building codes and wind mitigation
Newer homes are built to the current Florida Building Code, which can help lower wind insurance premiums when you qualify for mitigation credits. Older resale homes may not meet today’s standards, and roofs, windows, or doors without documented mitigation can push premiums higher. Review permit history and ask for any wind‑mitigation reports or roof documentation before you compare policies.
For background on code standards, see the Florida Building Code via the Florida Building Commission. It explains why impact windows, roof attachments, and other features can matter for your policy pricing.
- Learn more about the Florida Building Code through the Florida Building Commission’s website: Florida Building Code reference
Flood zones and elevation
Flood insurance costs depend on FEMA flood‑zone designations and a property’s elevation. In Weston, flood risk varies by neighborhood, so pull the specific address on FEMA’s map and request an elevation certificate from the seller or builder.
- Check a property’s flood zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Learn about coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program
HOA and CDD assessments
Many planned communities include HOA fees for amenities and maintenance. In some new developments, Community Development Districts use separate assessments to repay bonds for roads, utilities, or amenity build‑out. These can materially increase annual carrying costs, so verify the amount and term of any CDD before you decide.
Check HOA budgets and any CDD disclosures or recorded documents. You can confirm local governance and development updates on the City of Weston website and review recorded assessments and governing documents via county records.
Property taxes and homestead rules
New construction is generally assessed at market value when completed, which can feel like a step up from a long‑held resale with a capped assessed value. After you file homestead, Florida’s Save Our Homes rules may cap future assessed‑value increases. Always review the parcel’s tax history and current assessed value before you project five‑year costs.
- Look up parcel tax history and assessments with the Broward County Property Appraiser
New construction: where costs show up
New builds often carry a price premium per square foot due to modern finishes, current construction costs, and builder margins. That can be worth it if you value low maintenance and better energy performance, but make sure you price upgrades and annual fees into your model.
- Upgrades and lot premiums. Base prices can look attractive, then rise with flooring, kitchen packages, lot selection, and landscaping. Itemize every upgrade you plan to include.
- Builder incentives. Rate buydowns and closing credits can meaningfully reduce your net price. Capture incentives in writing and subtract them in your comparison.
- Insurance advantages. Code‑built features may qualify you for wind‑mitigation credits that reduce premiums. Still, get address‑specific quotes before you assume savings.
- HOA and CDD. Newer amenity‑rich communities often mean higher HOA fees and, in some cases, separate CDD assessments that last for years.
- Warranties. Many builders offer 1‑year workmanship, 2‑year systems, and longer structural coverage. This can reduce early‑year repair costs, but know what is covered and what is not.
Resale: where costs show up
Resale homes can deliver a lower entry price and established neighborhoods, but factor in near‑term repairs and insurance.
- Immediate capital needs. Roof, HVAC, water heater, and pool equipment are common early expenses. Ask for ages, receipts, and permits for major systems.
- Insurance. Older roofs or lack of impact protection can raise wind premiums. Elevation and flood zone determine flood pricing.
- Renovation budget. If finishes are dated, plan for remodel costs. These can compete with the upgrade budget you would have spent on a new build.
- HOA or CDD. Existing obligations and any pending special assessments still apply. Review HOA reserves and upcoming projects.
The five‑year total cost framework
To choose with confidence, compare total cost of ownership over five years. Here is a simple, practical model you can use for any Weston property.
Step‑by‑step comparison
- Net purchase price. Start with the contract price and subtract builder incentives or seller credits.
- One‑time closing costs. Add lender fees, title, prepaids, and immediate repairs or upgrades.
- Annual costs. For each year, add mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner and wind insurance, flood insurance if required, HOA dues, CDD assessments, utilities, and a maintenance reserve.
- Major replacements. If a known big‑ticket item will likely hit inside five years, allocate for it. Common examples: an older roof or HVAC on a resale.
- Resale proceeds. Estimate a conservative sale price at year five and subtract expected selling costs. Use local comps to set a realistic range.
- Sensitivity check. Run a low, base, and high scenario to see how insurance, taxes, or HOA/CDD changes affect your totals.
What to collect in Weston
Pull these documents for both a new build and a resale before you finalize your math:
- Contract price and a written list of builder incentives or seller credits
- Detailed upgrade list with prices, or recent renovation receipts
- HOA budget, fee schedule, reserve study, and rules
- CDD disclosure with annual amount and remaining term, if applicable
- Property tax history and current assessed value from the Broward County Property Appraiser
- Address‑specific quotes for homeowner, wind, and flood insurance
- Mortgage terms, including any construction or interest‑only period for a new build
- Utility history for resale or builder’s energy estimates for new construction
- Ages of roof, HVAC, water heater, and pool equipment, plus permit history
- Builder warranty documents and claim process
- Flood zone from the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and an elevation certificate
Insurance differences in Broward
Insurance availability and pricing can vary by carrier. Newer, code‑compliant features may reduce premiums through mitigation credits, but you should always obtain quotes tied to the address and features of the home. For clarity on carrier rules and market conditions, review resources from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
For flood coverage details and policy options, rely on the National Flood Insurance Program. Your elevation certificate and FEMA flood zone will guide the quote.
Taxes and homestead basics
Property taxes can look very different for a new build compared to a long‑held resale. New construction is typically assessed at market value when completed. After you file homestead, Florida’s Save Our Homes limit can cap future assessed‑value increases, but the initial bill often reflects current market pricing.
For any property, review the prior tax bill and current assessed value on the Broward County Property Appraiser website. Use conservative assumptions for annual increases when you project five years.
Timeline and opportunity cost
A build‑to‑order home can take several months before move‑in. If you need housing in the meantime, plan for rent or other interim costs. Resale homes can close and deliver occupancy on a faster timeline, which may lower your total holding cost if speed to move matters for your situation.
Which option fits your goals
- Prioritize lower maintenance and energy efficiency? New construction can reduce early repairs, and code‑built features may help with insurance.
- Want the best price per square foot or mature lots and landscaping? Resale can be compelling if you budget for upgrades and confirm insurance costs.
- Sensitive to annual fees? Compare HOA and any CDD assessments line by line. A lower mortgage can be offset by higher recurring fees.
- Unsure about risk? Warranties reduce uncertainty for new builds. Detailed inspections and permit checks reduce surprises on resale.
Red flags to check before you commit
- Missing permits for prior work or incomplete final inspections
- CDD assessments that escalate or run longer than expected
- Builder warranty limitations that exclude common issues
- Flood‑zone mismatches or missing elevation certificates
- Roof or HVAC near end of life on a resale
- HOA reserves that appear thin or pending special assessments
How we help you compare with clarity
You deserve a clear, side‑by‑side answer that matches your timeline and budget. Florida 360 Group brings a process‑driven approach to Weston purchases: we gather the right documents, help you model five‑year costs, coordinate insurance quotes, and pressure‑test builder incentives or seller credits so you understand the true net price. We also facilitate trusted mortgage partners and, if you are selling to buy, guide you on high‑impact prep using Compass Concierge.
If you’re weighing a new build versus a resale in Weston, let’s build your five‑year model together and stress test the scenarios. Connect with Thomas Pidgeon to get started.
FAQs
What is the biggest cost difference between new construction and resale in Weston?
- New builds may reduce early repairs and potentially lower wind insurance with mitigation credits, while resales can offer lower purchase prices but may require immediate capital improvements.
How do I check if a Weston home is in a flood zone before I buy?
- Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and request an elevation certificate from the seller or builder for accurate flood‑insurance quotes.
Do CDD assessments apply to every neighborhood in Weston?
- No. Some planned communities include CDD assessments while others do not. Confirm the amount, remaining term, and whether the assessment appears on the tax bill or a separate statement.
Will a new roof or impact windows on a resale lower my insurance?
- They can. Documented wind‑mitigation features often qualify for credits. Ask for permits and a wind‑mitigation inspection, then get quotes from multiple carriers.
How are property taxes different for a new home in Weston?
- New construction is typically assessed at current market value at completion, which can raise the initial bill. After you claim homestead, Save Our Homes caps may limit future assessed‑value increases.
What documents should I collect to compare five‑year costs accurately?
- Gather purchase contracts and incentives, HOA and CDD details, tax history, insurance quotes, utility data, ages of major systems, warranty documents, and flood‑zone information.
