Why buy if I can build?

[Britt Smith]

I have enough funds to buy and build a home to sell or rent/refinance. Why should I not do this?

[Corby Goade]

With the cost of labor and materials right now, the chances that you could buy land and build for less than you could just pick up an existing home aren't great. Factor in holding costs, delays, permitting issues, etc and you are most likely not going to end up ahead. 

If you have experience as a builder, that's a different story, but I wouldn't start with a new build.