Expert advice on new construction purchases

Having the right agent at your side is key when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the San Diego area.

Buyers of brand new homes in a development don't like to see houses sold after theirs go for less money. Knowing this, the builder or developer often won't bend on price. (You'll appreciate this behavior after you've bought a home in a development of new construction!) Regardless, depending on the market and the status of the project, there's sometimes room for negotiation.

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 an allowance for window treatments, 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, see if you can get the builder to remove them - you might be able to install them later yourself at a savings anyway.

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.