New construction in Virginia is in such high demand, builders can barely keep up with it. This is why it's almost impossible to find a newly built home for sale—they're all sold before construction has even begun. So while you don't get the chance to walk through the home and decide if you want to make it your own, getting a brand-new home built for you offers all sorts of other rewards.

For starters, you have a unique opportunity to create your dream home. You get complete creative control to decide on the floor plan and all the finishing details. That means you get the flooring you want, and the counters and back splash material is all up to you. You dictate the colors, and every other detail you could imagine. And with advanced computer technology that some companies have, you can look at digital samples of what some of your color and material choices will look like in your finished home.

When you design a home with the builder, you know exactly what you are getting. You know the home is new, and won't have hidden water damage in the walls or attic. You will have been able to see it at all stages of its building, and know exactly what quality of materials it is made of. Modern homes are designed to be far more energy efficient than older homes, so buy building new you may eventually save money on heating and cooling costs. Further, your new home comes with a warranty from the builder, guaranteeing you the quality of their product. It is always a good idea to take advantage of this by having a thorough look through of the warranty, so you know exactly what's covered and for how long.

Another advantage of a new construction home is that it is likely in a new, planned community. There is a trend towards reviving the front porch, and having that be the face of a home instead of the garage like it was in the past decade. This trend is inspired by an overall desire to reconnect neighbors, and create more old-fashioned neighborhoods. Many modern planned communities have extensive parks with winding trails and bike-paths, playgrounds, and extensive green space for families to picnic or just hang out. In some communities, this compensates for smaller yards. However, in many upscale communities you get both—a nice large yard of your own, plus some quality public space. Some of these communities also have created little towns where you can get everything you need without having to drive into the city. This is great for those that want the quiet of suburbia but don't want to sacrifice convenience.

So if you are considering buying a new home, check out the developers in your area. Ask them about the materials they use and their warrantees, as well as floor plans. Will they build a design you provide them with or do they have a good selection of their own floor plans? Find one that will be able to give you just what you want. Then, sit back and enjoy watching your dream home come to life.