Is it just me, or is the 'new build' obsession in Clovis actually hurting first-time buyers?

I’ve been looking at the market in Fresno and Clovis for a while now, and I’m seeing a pattern that I think is burning a lot of first-time buyers. Everyone seems to be chasing these new build communities in Clovis, but when you run the numbers on the Mello-Roos, the higher price per square foot, and the lack of mature trees or actual yard space, it feels like people are paying a huge premium just to have a brand-new kitchen they didn't really need.

I’m a realtor in the area, and I honestly tell my clients to look at some of the older, solid neighborhoods in Fresno instead. You can get a home with a bigger lot, better location, and no surprise tax assessments, all for less money. Sure, you might need to swap out some carpet or update a bathroom, but you aren't starting your homeownership journey house-poor.

I’ve put together some data on recent sales in both areas at realtorkang.com for anyone who wants to see the actual price differences between these new tracts and established homes. It’s wild how much you save when you stop looking at the shiny new stuff and start looking at the bones of the house.

Has anyone else here passed on a new build to buy an older place, or do you think the trade-off for a move-in-ready home is worth the extra cost right now?