Trying to choose between a brand-new home and an established resale in McLean? You are not alone. Many move-up buyers weigh commute time, lot size, budget, and long-term value before making a move. In this guide, you will learn how each option stacks up in McLean, what holds value locally, and the key steps to protect your investment. Let’s dive in.
McLean market at a glance
Location and commute drivers
McLean attracts buyers who want access to Tysons, the Capital Beltway, and key routes like VA-123 and Chain Bridge Road. Bus connections and short drives to Silver Line Metro stations in the Tysons area make commuting more manageable. Homes closer to Tysons often offer shorter drives but may sit on smaller lots. If outdoor space is a priority, you may trade a few minutes of commute time for a larger yard.
Housing mix and infill
You will find older single-family homes and estates with mature trees and larger lots across many McLean neighborhoods, including areas like Langley and Chesterbrook. Closer to major corridors, newer infill single-family homes and townhouses are more common. Fairfax County rules on zoning, stormwater, and setbacks shape what can be built or expanded on a given lot. Infill sites near Tysons may have more site constraints, which can affect additions or outdoor improvements later.
New construction: pros and cons
Warranties and maintenance
Most builders offer tiered protection, commonly a 1-year workmanship warranty, about 2 years on major systems, and a longer limited structural warranty that can extend to 10 years. This structure reduces near-term repair risk and can lower out-of-pocket expenses in the first years. Warranty claims can take time and require clear documentation, so keep good records and follow deadlines.
Lot size and outdoor space
New builds in McLean often sit on smaller lots, especially near Tysons and along major corridors. You may see modern outdoor features like decks and terraces, but less mature landscaping. If privacy and a large yard matter most, a resale may deliver more immediate outdoor value.
HOAs and rules
Many new communities include a homeowners association with covenants and an architectural review process. HOAs may regulate exterior colors, fencing, landscaping, and parking, and they may offer amenities. These rules can protect neighborhood appearance, but they add monthly fees and can limit choices. Always review the CC&Rs, fee schedule, reserve funds, and any rental or pet rules before you commit.
Price and upgrades
Builders set a base price and then offer packages for kitchens, appliances, hardscape, and more. Incentives might include closing-cost help or included upgrades, depending on the market cycle. Be selective with options. Highly personalized finishes do not always appraise or carry through to resale. Functional and widely desired upgrades tend to retain more value.
Resale homes: pros and cons
Lot value and landscaping
Established McLean neighborhoods often feature larger lots, mature tree canopy, and long-term curb appeal. These lot characteristics can support stronger resale value over time. You also get a better read on the neighborhood look and feel because it is already built out.
Maintenance and risk
Older systems may be closer to replacement, which means planning for roof, HVAC, windows, or plumbing updates. You can manage risk with inspections, seller disclosures, and negotiated credits for repairs. Factor replacement timelines into your budget so surprises do not derail your plans.
HOAs and flexibility
Some older subdivisions have no HOA, while others have long-standing associations with varying levels of enforcement. Where HOAs exist, rules may be more established and sometimes less prescriptive than in newer communities. Review any documents carefully to understand architectural controls and fee history.
Pricing and character
Resale pricing often reflects lot value and location first, with interior finishes as the secondary driver. You may have more room to negotiate on price or secure credits in lieu of repairs. Homes with unique character can stand out, depending on the neighborhood context.
Cost of ownership and appraisal
New homes generally offer lower maintenance in the early years, modern systems, and better insulation that can help with utility costs. Resales may require earlier replacements but can deliver long-term gains through lot size and a strong location. Appraisals usually compare to recent local sales. Builder upgrades that push beyond neighborhood norms may not fully appraise, which can affect financing. In McLean, lot and location tend to drive the ceiling for resale value more than cosmetic finishes.
Due diligence checklist
For new construction
- Request the full contract, detailed specifications, and itemized upgrade list.
- Review the warranty terms, claim process, deadlines, and what is included.
- Schedule independent inspections, ideally pre-drywall and again before closing.
- Confirm warranty transferability if you plan to resell within the warranty period.
- Obtain HOA documents, budget, and reserve information if applicable.
For resale homes
- Order a full home inspection and pest/termite inspection.
- Review seller disclosures, repair invoices, and permit history for past work.
- Ask for recent utility bills and maintenance records.
- Consider a sewer scope or radon test based on site and age of systems.
Financing and timelines
- New construction may involve construction-to-permanent loans, deposits, and variable completion dates. Budget for delays and confirm how upgrades affect the appraisal.
- Resale financing is more conventional. Plan for potential appraisal gaps depending on recent comps and market shifts.
Lot and neighborhood fit
- Verify setbacks, easements, grading and drainage plans, and any floodplain or stormwater constraints.
- Evaluate tree preservation and nearby redevelopment potential that could affect privacy or noise.
- Confirm current school boundaries and watch for projected changes.
Negotiation strategies
With builders
- Focus on incentives like closing-cost credits, included landscaping, or appliance packages.
- Builders may hold the line on base price but offer value through options.
- Clarify what is standard versus an upgrade to avoid surprises at design selections.
With sellers
- Negotiate inspection credits or repairs based on the report.
- Use flexibility on closing timelines to help your offer stand out.
- Anchor price to recent comparable sales and the condition of systems.
What holds value in McLean
For long-term value, prioritize location, commute convenience, and lot attributes like size, trees, and privacy. Interiors help a home sell faster, but the lot and layout set the upper limit on price in many McLean neighborhoods. Choose upgrades that align with what local buyers consistently want.
Which path is right for you
Pick new construction if you want lower maintenance, modern systems, and the structure of a warranty, and you are comfortable with smaller lots near major corridors. Choose resale if you value larger yards, mature landscaping, and flexible lot potential, and you are prepared to plan for system updates. Either path can work in McLean when you lead with lot and location, then layer in finishes that fit your lifestyle.
Ready to compare specific homes or communities in McLean? Get broker-level guidance tailored to your goals. Connect with Karina Srebrow for a clear plan to buy with confidence. Hablamos español.
FAQs
Are new home upgrades worth it in McLean?
- Some upgrades add value, but highly personalized finishes may not fully appraise, so prioritize widely desired and functional options.
Should you inspect a new build in McLean?
- Yes, independent inspections at key milestones help document issues so your builder can address them within warranty timelines.
How do HOAs differ between new and older communities?
- New HOAs can be more prescriptive and fee-based with amenities, while older HOAs vary, so always review CC&Rs, fees, reserves, and rules.
What matters more at resale in McLean?
- Lot size, privacy, and location usually drive long-term value more than interior finishes.
How close is new construction to transit in McLean?
- Many newer projects cluster near Tysons and are a short drive to Silver Line stations, trading larger lots for commute convenience.
