With the current low interest rates and plenty of new home construction across the country, many people are choosing to buy brand new homes. While that is a very appealing option, even for first time home buyers, it leaves an open market for second hand or previously owned homes, otherwise known as existing homes.

A dream home could turn out to be one of those existing homes. Unfortunately, previous owners may not have wanted all of the latest and greatest amenities. A major drawback could be when a home is equipped with its original appliances. If they're in working order, and if you plan on living in the house for many years, view it as a major advantage. The opportunity exists to choose new appliances that fit your particular style and need.

When it comes to the smaller items such as outdated light fixtures, worn doorknobs, or ugly and scratched cabinet pulls, these are inexpensive, easy fixes anyone can do in under an hour. Again, it allows the freedom to decorate according to your style without the guilt of changing out something that is brand new, but doesn't fit your unique taste.

A turnkey home may better suit your lifestyle, but if you enjoy working on your home, then an existing home may be a better. It is also often the less expensive choice between the two. Whichever type home you're looking at, if you don't like the light fixture in the dining room, you're still going to pay for it and with interest. In the long run, paying less for something you don't like and replacing it with something you do like is better on your wallet. Often, a lower negotiated home price can be obtained with an existing home with older appliances, fixtures and cabinets.

If an existing home turns out to be the perfect house, take advantage of interest and payment delayed home improvement center credit cards for updating purposes. This way you can immediately update your home, pay off the credit card before the interest period activates, and you'll be able to enjoy those updates without paying interest twice on that new dining room light fixture.