Purchasing new construction

Partnering with a knowledgeable 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, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and how long 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.

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.

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 sprinkler system or landscaping, or an extended home warranty. That can go the other way around, too. If upgrades are already in the plan, try to get the builder to remove them - you might be able to install them later yourself at a savings anyway.

Realize that just because a house is brand new, it doesn't mean that it is immune from needing repairs. 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.