If something happens once, it just happens. But if the same thing happens again, you may be establishing a pattern.

I have now undergone the same experience twice in less than six years. My pattern appears to be purchasing brand new, move-in ready homes. It’s becoming a compelling, expensive habit.

In 2010,  I stumbled upon the Abbey that would become my home. Then last December, I accidentally found the Palazzo that I hope to soon make my next home. Both were finished inside and out, just waiting for their buyer to come along. And then I did.

The funny thing is, when I first envisioned buying a newly built home, I thought I would be choosing everything from model to lot to finishes to light fixtures. But it didn’t work out that way. Both times I ended up falling in love with a home where someone else had already made those decisions. And now that I think about it, I’m glad it happened that way.

Based on my experiences, here are 5 good reasons to buy a move-in ready home.

1. WYSIWYG—what you see is what you get. Rather than selecting flooring, cabinets, tile, counter tops, etc. — and wondering if they will look good together — all of that is in place when you first visit the home. And there’s more. I am a person who overthinks every single decision. I would have been overwhelmed by all of the choices. Take flooring as an example… choose one from column A and one from column B. I would probably still be agonizing over the decision.

2. There is still a lot you can do to personalize your home. Paint the walls, add window coverings, put down area rugs, buy new furniture—or rearrange what you have, display family heirlooms, accessorize to your taste, plant flowers outdoors. And remember, none of these changes is permanent. If you tire of the look of a room, switch it out.

3. “Gifts.” Both of my move-in ready homes have some options that I probably would not have chosen. I would have convinced myself that I didn’t really need the upgraded carpet pad or the brick paver patio or the under cabinet lighting. But I love these features that were already included in the price of the home. They feel like gifts that I am giving myself.

4. Speaking of pricing. A  completed home is often a good value. To build a comparable home in the future will almost always cost more.

5. Timing. Your home will be ready and waiting for you. You won’t have to stress over unexpected construction delays or other unpleasant surprises. Once you arrange your financing, you will be ready to close and move in.

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Finally, here is a peek inside the Palazzo that I keep referring to. In this photo, you can see the cabinets, appliances, counter tops, and flooring that were all chosen and installed before I came along. I cannot imagine I could have put together a lovelier kitchen.