Trying to decide between a brand-new home and a resale home in Pace? You are not alone, and in this market, the answer is not as simple as “new is better” or “resale is cheaper.” Pace gives you real options on both sides, with some new homes priced below the local median and some established areas offering a lower entry point. If you want to make a smart move, it helps to compare cost, timing, condition, and monthly payment side by side. Let’s dive in.
Pace market conditions matter
Pace is a largely owner-occupied market, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting an 83.0% owner-occupied housing rate and a 2020 population of 24,684. That helps explain why so many buyers here are comparing long-term fit, not just quick bargains. In a market like this, your home choice often ties closely to lifestyle, budget, and how soon you need to move.
Local housing activity also shapes your options. As of February 2026, Realtor.com market data for Pace showed a median home price of about $349,000, 43 median days on market, 540 homes for sale, and a 99% sale-to-list ratio, with Pace classified as a seller’s market. That means both new construction and resale homes can move quickly, so it pays to compare your choices early.
New construction in Pace
New construction in Pace covers a wider range than many buyers expect. Current options in the area include communities and inventory ranging from the high $200,000s into the $500,000s. That matters because a newly built home is not always the highest-priced path.
For example, new-home options in Pace listed on Homes.com include Floridatown Value from $281,000 to $319,000, Southern Palms from $291,990, Lakes of Woodbine from $319,900 to $487,900, Chase Farms from $327,900 to $575,900, and a move-in-ready Lennar Stonechase plan priced at $333,990. Some of these homes are available for near-term move-in, while others are still to be built.
Why buyers choose new homes
Many buyers like new construction because it offers modern layouts, newer systems, and builder warranty coverage. In practical terms, that can mean fewer immediate repair concerns and a home designed around how people live today.
New communities in Pace may also include amenities and features that are harder to find in older housing stock. For instance, D.R. Horton’s Lakes of Woodbine highlights a pool, pickleball courts, playground, clubhouse, sidewalks, and smart-home features. In some cases, the appeal of new construction is as much about the community setup as the home itself.
Builder incentives can change the math
One of the biggest reasons to look closely at new construction is incentives. Builders may compete by offering financing specials on select homes rather than simply lowering the base price. That can affect your monthly payment in a meaningful way.
For example, Holiday Builders notes a limited-time special financing opportunity at Southern Palms on select completed homes. If you are comparing a new home to a resale home, it is smart to look beyond the sticker price and ask how incentives could change your total cost.
Timelines vary with new construction
Not every new home comes with the same timeline. Some homes are complete or almost complete, while others may still be in the planning or building stage. If you need to move quickly, that difference matters.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that with homes that are not yet built, buyers may be asked for an upfront builder deposit and should ask when that deposit is refundable. The CFPB also reminds buyers that you do not have to use the builder’s lender, so you can still shop around for financing that fits your needs.
Warranties are a real advantage
Builder-backed warranties are one of the clearest benefits of buying new. They do not remove every risk, but they can reduce some early ownership uncertainty compared with an older home.
In Florida, the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023) became effective on December 31, 2023, which is relevant when you are comparing newer builds to older resale homes. Builder warranty examples in Pace also matter. Holiday Builders says it offers a one-year transferable builder warranty plus a 10-year limited structural warranty, while D.R. Horton publishes 1-year, 2-year, and 10-year coverage categories for workmanship, systems, and major structural defects. Holiday Builders also notes that storm and wind damage are not covered by the builder warranty.
Resale homes in Pace
Resale homes remain an important part of the Pace market, especially if you want a more established setting or a lower entry price in certain areas. In some cases, resale may be the more budget-friendly option.
According to Realtor.com data for Pace, Floridatown Heights had a median listing price of about $238,500, which is well below Pace’s overall median of roughly $349,000. That difference shows why resale homes should stay on your list if keeping monthly costs down is a top priority.
Why buyers choose resale homes
Resale is often the more straightforward path when you want to buy a home that already exists and move on a faster timeline. You can walk the property, assess the condition, and make decisions based on what is there today.
Resale also appeals to buyers who prefer an already-established neighborhood feel. For example, Lennar describes Stonechase in Pace as an established gated community, which highlights a feature some buyers value when comparing older and newer parts of the market.
Condition matters more with resale
The tradeoff with resale is that you take on more condition risk. Existing homes generally do not come with the same builder-backed warranty structure you may find in new construction. That means items like roof age, HVAC condition, plumbing, and deferred maintenance deserve close attention.
The CFPB recommends scheduling an independent home inspection as soon as possible, because inspections are for your protection. Depending on the contract, buyers may be able to negotiate repairs or cancel the deal based on inspection findings.
New vs resale in Pace
When you compare new construction and resale in Pace, the better fit usually comes down to your budget, your timeline, and how much value you place on warranties, incentives, or established surroundings. Here is a simple side-by-side look.
| Factor | New Construction | Resale Home |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Can start below Pace median in some communities | Can be lower in some established areas |
| Move-in timing | May be immediate, near-term, or still to-be-built | Usually more straightforward if available |
| Home condition | New systems and finishes | Varies by age and upkeep |
| Warranty coverage | Often includes builder-backed warranties | Typically no builder warranty |
| Amenities | May include HOA-managed amenities and smart-home features | Depends on the specific home and area |
| Negotiation focus | Incentives and financing specials may matter | Repairs, price, and condition often matter more |
Compare monthly payment, not just price
This is one of the biggest mistakes buyers make in Pace. It is easy to focus only on list price, but your actual cost of ownership is broader than that.
The CFPB notes that total home costs can include mortgage principal and interest, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities. In Pace, that means a resale home with a lower asking price is not automatically the cheaper option, and a new home with a slightly higher price is not automatically out of reach if incentives improve the payment structure.
Which option makes more sense for you?
New construction may be the better choice if you want a modern floor plan, newer systems, community amenities, and the added confidence of builder warranty coverage. It can also make sense if a builder is offering financing incentives on a completed or near-complete home.
Resale may be the better fit if you want a lower entry price in certain parts of Pace, a faster and more direct purchase path, or a home in an established neighborhood. If monthly affordability is your main concern, resale deserves a close look.
The good news is that Pace offers both paths. The key is not choosing based on labels. It is choosing based on the numbers, the timeline, and what matters most to your household.
If you want help comparing new construction and resale homes in Pace, the team at Team Bruce Baker, MBA - RE/MAX Infinity can help you weigh pricing, timing, and total monthly cost so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What is the difference between new construction and resale homes in Pace?
- New construction homes in Pace may offer modern layouts, builder warranties, and community amenities, while resale homes may offer lower entry prices in some areas, faster occupancy, and more established neighborhood settings.
Are new construction homes always more expensive in Pace?
- No. Current Pace examples show some new homes priced below the local median home price, while larger or more amenity-rich new homes can be priced well above it.
Are resale homes cheaper in Pace, Florida?
- Sometimes. Realtor.com data cited in the research shows areas like Floridatown Heights with median listing prices below Pace’s overall median, which can make resale a lower-cost option in some parts of the market.
What should you ask when buying new construction in Pace?
- You should ask whether the home is move-in ready or to-be-built, whether a builder deposit is required and refundable, what warranty coverage is included, and whether financing incentives are available on select homes.
Why is a home inspection important for resale homes in Pace?
- A home inspection helps you understand the home’s condition and can reveal issues related to roofing, HVAC, plumbing, or deferred maintenance before you close.
Should you compare monthly payment instead of list price in Pace?
- Yes. Total home costs can include your mortgage payment, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities, so the lowest list price is not always the lowest overall cost.
