Save money when purchasing new construction

While exploring newer developments hunting new construction, having the right Realtor on your team is important. will be your guide when navigating the myriad of new homes today to pick one that's made for your family.

Buyers of brand new homes in a neighborhood aren't happy when the homes that sell after theirs fetch a lesser price, so builders aren't as apt to 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.

Consider a property 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 recently finished, it's unlikely you'll get a deal.

In situations where a builder won't budge, try getting a break in other areas. Ask for them to pay a share of the closing costs, or more 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.

Realize that just because a home is brand new, it doesn't mean that it is immune from needing repairs. 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.