Thinking about a shiny new build in Evans Farm or a character-rich resale in Worthington? In 2026, Central Ohio buyers have real trade-offs. Here’s how I advise clients across Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, Lewis Center, Delaware, and beyond—so you don’t learn the hard way.

1) Speed, certainty, and leverage

Want keys in 30–45 days? Resales often move faster and give you comps to justify price. New builds can take months and change orders add time. That said, builders sometimes offer spec homes or end-of-quarter incentives—great in Lewis Center and Delaware—if you know where to look (I do).

2) Price transparency vs. upgrade creep

With resales in Westerville or Worthington, what you see is what you buy—and your appraisal has neighbors to back it up. New construction starts with a base price, then options (cabinets, flooring, lighting) snowball. I model “true all-in” numbers before you sign so there are zero “surprise” add-ons.

3) Location + lifestyle fit

Dublin and Powell resales can land you mature trees, established schools, and quicker commutes. Evans Farm and newer Delaware communities offer walkability, modern floor plans, and energy efficiency. We’ll align the neighborhood DNA to your daily life—schools, parks, coffee, freeway access—so your home serves your routine.

4) Condition, maintenance, and warranties

Resales may need roof/HVAC refreshes; we’ll budget that up front and negotiate credits or repairs. New builds deliver the first-owner honeymoon plus structural and systems warranties. In Lewis Center (Olentangy), warranty coverage + lower utility costs can be a long-term win—if the lot and builder quality check out.

5) Negotiation strategy (different playbooks)

Resales: timing, terms, and comps drive outcomes. I use micro-market data (street-level, not just ZIP code) across Columbus and Westerville to justify price and concessions. New builds: builders care about clean closes and pipeline velocity. I target incentives—rate buydowns, appliance packages, closing cost credits—without inflating base price.

Bottom line: There’s no universal “best”—there’s your best. If you want turnkey, warranty-backed living in Evans Farm or Delaware, let’s chase incentives smartly. If you want character, trees, and speed in Worthington, Dublin, Powell, or Westerville, let’s hunt high-ROI resales and negotiate hard with data.

Ready to compare real properties side-by-side (true all-in costs, timelines, and resale outlook)? I’ll build your custom 2026 decision matrix in 24 hours.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]