Expert advice on new construction purchases

It's crucial to have a knowledgeable agent as your partner 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 developer and how long 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 current market conditions, developers have been known to allow a few concessions.

For example, if the home is pretty much move-in ready, 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 situations where a builder won't budge, try getting a break in other areas. Ask for them to pay a share of the closing costs, or more amenities, like appliance upgrades, 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, get a home inspection before your purchase regardless. Inevitable problems can be repaired (by the builder) before you move in and larger issues identified before it's too late. 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.