Paul,

I agree you can usually get more house for your money having one built vs. buying one already there, but a person also needs to have money available to pay for a place to live on top of the money needed to have a house built.

When you buy a home, you usually switch your rental payments or existing mortgage payments for a new mortgage payment. Going the build-it route, you will still need to pay your monthly rent or mortgage while making the payments on your construction loan.

In my area (northern NJ), lots are a lot more expensive, and the cost of constructing a home can run around $85-$100+ per square foot.

Just something to consider.

Rich