Save money when purchasing new construction

Partnering with the right agent is crucial when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Cary area.

In real estate, you can always negotiate. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and the length of time that the home has been vacant. Developers in new additions don't like taking lower than their asking price because homeowners 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 what the market is doing at that point in time, developers have been known to allow a few concessions.

Say a property has been on the market a while and the builder has a lot sunk into it, then you have some room. The same goes for show or model homes that have been sitting for a while. However, if a home was just completed, it's unlikely you'll get a deal.

You can always ask for assistance in other ways when purchasing new construction. For example, closing costs are one way for you to save without lowering the price of the house. The same goes for amenities - ask for things appliance upgrades, a garage door opener, a fence or landscaping, or an extended home warranty. That can go the other way around, too. If upgrades are already in the contract, see if you can get the builder to omit them - you might be able to install them later yourself at a savings anyway.

Realize that just because a home is brand new, it can still have its share of flaws. Be sure to get a home inspection before purchase so that issues are handled and also negotiate a home warranty. Then, about 10 or 11 months after purchase it's worth it to pay for an inspection and get anything else repaired before the warranty expires.