Purchasing new construction

When exploring newer neighborhoods looking for new construction, having an experienced Realtor on your team is vital. will help you navigate the myriad of new homes today to locate one that's right for your family.

In real estate, you can always negotiate. However, with new construction, it depends on the developer and the length of time that the home has been on the market. Developers in new additions like to keep prices near their asking point 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 the local market, developers have been known to allow a few concessions.

For example, if a home 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 finished, don't count on being able to get a deal.

In situations where a builder won't budge, ask for assistance in other areas. 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 sprinkler system 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 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.