Discover Why Llano, Texas Deserves Your Attention

River life, land value, small-town energy—quick tour.

Torn between a move-in-ready charmer and that just-built, energy-smart beauty? Here’s the side-by-side answer—so you can buy with confidence.

A practical guide comparing new construction and pre-existing homes—costs, timelines, warranties, neighborhoods, and how to choose for your family in the Texas Hill Country.

Pre-Existing vs New Construction Homes: Which Is Right for You?

By · Updated · Category: Home Buying Guides

Side-by-side view of a newly built home and a mature neighborhood home in the Texas Hill Country
Key takeaways:
  • New construction shines for efficiency, low maintenance, and builder warranties—but usually costs more and takes longer.
  • Pre-existing homes offer faster closings, character, established neighborhoods, and more room to negotiate on price.
  • Decide by priorities: budget, timeline, neighborhood feel, energy costs, and how much customization you want.

Table of contents

  1. New Construction: Pros & Tradeoffs
  2. Pre-Existing Homes: Pros & Tradeoffs
  3. How to Choose for Your Family (Step-By-Step)
  4. FAQs

New Construction: Pros & Tradeoffs

Quick answer: New builds deliver modern efficiency, minimal upkeep, and warranty coverage—but they often carry a higher sticker price and a longer wait before move-in.

Energy efficiency. Today’s windows, roofs, HVACs, and insulation can lower utility bills and keep temps steady year-round. That’s money back in your pocket—especially during Hill Country summers.

Minimal maintenance. With everything brand-new, your punch list stays short. Instead of weekend repairs, you can enjoy your home or explore Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and nearby trails.

Builder warranties. Many builders back structural and mechanical systems for multiple years, giving you predictable costs and peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Customization. Buy early in the process and you can choose finishes, layouts, and design details to match how your family lives.

Tradeoffs. New construction typically requires a longer timeline (often months) and can come with lot premiums, upgrade costs, and limited room for price negotiation.

Subtopic A

Spec vs. to-be-built. Spec homes (already under construction) can shorten timelines. To-be-built homes maximize customization but take longer and may carry more change-order costs.

Pro tip: Ask the builder for utility cost estimates from similar completed homes and a written warranty booklet before you sign.

Pre-Existing Homes: Pros & Tradeoffs

Bottom line: Existing homes move faster, often cost less up-front, and come in established neighborhoods—though they may need more maintenance and energy upgrades.

  • Negotiating power: Individual sellers are usually more flexible on price and concessions than builders.
  • Established neighborhoods: Mature trees, defined streets, and a built-in community vibe are common in older subdivisions.
  • Faster move-in: You can close in weeks, not months—ideal if your timeline is tight.

Character & charm. Think hardwood floors, crown molding, built-ins, and architectural details that newer tract builds may not include.

Tradeoffs. Expect potential maintenance, higher utility bills until upgrades are made, and possible renovation costs to fit your style.

How to Choose for Your Family (Step-By-Step)

In practice: Rank your priorities, compare total cost of ownership, and match your timeline to the right path—then tour both options to confirm the fit.

1) List priorities. Energy efficiency, budget, neighborhood feel, timeline, or customization? Put them in order.

2) Compare total costs. Add up utilities, maintenance, likely renovations, warranties, and the higher up-front price typical with new construction. Note any HOA/STR rules that matter to your plans.

3) Consider timing. Need to move soon? Focus on existing homes. Able to wait? New builds can deliver exactly what you want.

4) Tour both. Walk model homes and established neighborhoods. Pay attention to street noise, commute times, and how the floor plan actually lives day-to-day.

5) Get local guidance. A Hill Country agent can flag hidden costs, builder reputations, and neighborhood nuances you won’t see online.

Sources

FAQs

Is new construction always more expensive?

Not always, but it often carries higher base prices, lot premiums, and upgrade costs. Compare total cost of ownership (including utilities and maintenance) to see the real difference.

How long does new construction usually take?

Build timelines vary by builder, weather, and materials. Many buyers see 6–12 months from contract to close; spec homes can shorten that.

Can I negotiate with a builder?

Yes—often on closing costs, upgrades, or rate buydowns—though base prices tend to be less flexible than resale homes.

What should I inspect on a pre-existing home?

Roof age, HVAC, foundation, plumbing, electrical, windows, and signs of moisture. Budget for near-term maintenance or upgrades if systems are older.

Which option fits Hill Country living best?

If you want mature trees and established streets, resale may win. If you want energy efficiency, warranties, and custom choices, new builds are strong—tour both to compare.

Have a Hill Country question?

I’m based in Fredericksburg and work across Gillespie, Kerr, Blanco, Kimble, Mason, Llano & Bandera. Let’s talk strategy.

Talk with Ryan
Transcript
Are you looking for a spot in the hill country that offers you more than you might expect? Plano, Texas might just have the opportunities you're looking for. If you're searching for a place to call home in our region, Llano might just have the options that are worth exploring. Today, we're going to break down what makes Plano a strong contender in the Texas Hill Country. Real estate market. From all those diverse property choices to the expanding opportunities, let's see why Llano may be your next move. So Plano, Texas is gaining attention for some pretty great reasons. It has plenty of space, growth prospects, and a change of scenery that many people are looking for. In today's video, we won't just cover the real estate, but we'll also touch on job markets, education, health care, and even tech infrastructure. And by the end, you'll understand why Plano truly stands out. So land prices here can range anywhere from $25,000 for a small lot in town to a ranch well over $10 million catering to both new buyers, but also seasoned investors and large ranchers. And on the housing side, you'll find options from starter homes right around that $179,000 mark to spacious properties reaching north of 900,000. Plus, if ranch living is your dream, Llano does offer plenty of opportunities supported by local feed stores and agricultural suppliers. So whether it's a cozy little two bedroom home in the city limits or a big thousand acre ranch out in the county, Plano has you covered. But of course, owning here isn't just about having a piece of land or owning a home, it's about investing wisely. Let's go ahead and look into why Llano is a very wise choice. When you're thinking long term. Real estate in Llano has been gaining momentum for buyers who are wanting to stay ahead of the curve. With this strategic location amongst Texas Hill Country, it's a smart choice to invest in both residential but also the agricultural farm and ranch. As we know, Texas continues to grow. There's a potential for property values to increase, making it a good choice to get into the ball game early. But it's not just about property investments. Let's change gears and see how Plano itself is shaping up. When it comes to economic growth and job opportunities. Lana's job market is steadily expanding, particularly in fields like health care, education, construction, and agriculture. If you have skills and trades such as carpentry or plumbing, you'll find opportunities here as the area continues to develop. For those of you on the job hunt platforms like LinkedIn, indeed and the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, websites can provide useful leads. Now, if you're considering moving here with your family, obviously education is going to be very important to you. So let's go ahead and see what Orlando has to offer on that side. So for all you families out there, the Llano Independent School District is known for having quality education, but also smaller class sizes, which allows more focus on the students themselves. Schools like Delano Elementary, Junior High and High School emphasize strong academic foundations. And then, for those of you considering post-secondary education, nearby community colleges and vocational schools are within easy reach, making Llano a practical choice for families focused on education. Of course, education is just one piece of the puzzle, a big piece of the puzzle. But let's also discuss the health care. Let's face it health care access is absolutely vital, and Llano is served by the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, which offers essential services like emergency care and imaging, and then for more specialized needs. Hospitals in Austin and San Antonio are only a couple hours away, ensuring comprehensive care is within reach. In today's tech world, it's almost as important to have a strong internet connection as it is to having a good health care system. So how does Llano measure up? So finally, Llano has made progress in high speed internet through providers like Hill Country Telecommunications. This obviously makes an excellent choice for those of you working from home or running an online business. But there's also Starlink. And of course, if you're looking for a change of scenery away from your home, there are several cafes and restaurants around town that do offer Wi-Fi so you can keep running your business. I want you to take a moment to just imagine yourself living in a town like Llano that embraces tradition. That's also up to date with technology, especially when your job depends on it. Oh, and speaking of finding the perfect place to live and work from, I'm Ryan Renton. Renton wrote to your your favorite real estate agent right here in the Texas Hill Country. I've been helping families move to and from the Texas Hill Country for over seven years now. So if this content is relevant to you, make sure you hit the subscribe button, but also that little bell so you can get notified anytime. I put out videos just like this. Now, beyond technology, Llano is also a welcoming new development. Let's go and take a moment and look at how it's blending the old with the new. Llano is evolving with new shops and services opening up, bringing modern conveniences closer to the residents. And if you need more options, nearby towns like Fredericksburg and Marble Falls are just a short drive away. And speaking of getting around, let's talk about how easy it is to navigate Llano. Getting around Llano is pretty straightforward. If you have a car or truck, as the roads are well-maintained. While there's no public transportation system, the town's location makes it easy to travel to larger cities. The force in San Antonio and Austin are also within a couple hours drive, making it convenient for those who travel frequently. While accessibility is crucial, it's almost equally important to feel safe and secure at where you live. So how does Llano measure up when it comes to safety? So safety is always a top consideration. And luckily Llano, Texas is known to have a very low crime rate or violent crimes. Rate is approximately one in every 1161. And for property crimes, it's around one in every 116. Obviously, this makes it a secure place for families, retirees, or anyone wanting to feel safe at their new home. Whether it's flexibility, safety or accessibility, Llano has pretty much something for everyone. But there's so much more to discover. So if you're looking for a town with promising opportunities, Llano might just be what you're after. Whether you're considering an investment or dreaming of building your forever home, I know really does have a lot to offer. And if you're looking to buy or sell in three days or three years, all my contact information is down in the description. Yes, Plano, Texas truly does offer a lot of possibilities, but let me tell you, there's another nearby town that offers its own unique characteristics that's worth checking out. Where historic architecture meets outdoor adventures with hidden shops, local wineries and vibrant festivals bringing everyone together. So make sure you watch my next video. I think you're really going to like it. We'll see you in the next video.