Purchasing new construction

While driving through newer developments searching new construction, having an experienced Realtor on your team is vital. will be your guide when navigating the sea of new homes today to locate one that's a match for you.

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 available. 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 what the market is doing at that point in time, a developer will often allow a few concessions.

Consider a home has been on the market a long time 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, don't count on being able to get a deal.

In cases 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.

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.