Save Money When Purchasing New Construction

If you're exploring newer developments seeking new construction, having the right Agent with you is important. I will help you navigate the seeming infinite number of new homes today to find one that's perfect for you.
Be sure to have your own representation...the employee at the Model Home works for the Builder. Most Builders require your Realtor to be with you upon your first visit. If that is not possible, be sure to tell them you have an Agent and provide a name or business card of your Realtor.

In Real Estate, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and the length of time that the home has been available. Developers in new additions like to keep prices near their asking point because buyers already in the area expect new construction to be comparably priced to what they already purchased. (You'll appreciate that same courtesy if there are undeveloped lots near the home you eventually purchase!) But, depending on how far along the project is and the local market, a developer will often allow a few concessions.

For example, if it's a recently completed home, you have little to no negotiating powers. But if the home has been sitting fully furnished, like a show or model home, and there haven't been many offers - then the builder might be willing to work with you. The longer the home has been on the market, the more the builder has invested.

In cases where a builder won't budge, try getting a break with other aspects of the transaction. Ask for them to pay a share of the closing costs, or extra amenities, like an allowance for window treatments, a garage door opener, a fence or landscaping, or an extended home warranty. Or take the contrary route. If a home is nearing completion, you can often save money by passing on suggested upgrades from the builder and installing things yourself.

While you should always negotiate a home warranty so problems can be fixed, it's also imperative you get a home inspection before closing. Inevitable problems can be repaired (by the builder) before you move in and larger problems identified before they become your problem. Since an inspection is relatively inexpensive, some new home buyers get an inspection after being in the home for 10 or 11 months - that way, the builder can make the repairs before a 1 year warranty expires.