Expert advice on new construction purchases

While scoping out newer neighborhoods looking for new construction, having a knowledgeable Realtor on your team is important. will help you navigate the sea of new homes today to make an offer on the one that's right for you.

In real estate, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the developer and the length of time that the home has been vacant. 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 the local market, builders have been known to allow a few concessions.

For example, if it's a recently completed home, 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 fence 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 take them out - you might be able to install them later yourself at a savings anyway.

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.