Save money when purchasing new construction

While driving through newer developments looking for new construction, having a knowledgeable agent on your team is crucial. will help you navigate the sea of new homes today to pick one that's been built for you.

In real estate, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the developer and how long the home has been on the market. 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.

Consider 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 completed, don't count on being able to get a deal.

In cases where a builder won't budge, try getting a break with other aspects of the transaction. Ask for help with the closing costs, or additional 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 house 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.