Purchasing new construction

Partnering with the right agent is key when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Austin area.

In real estate, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and the length of time that the home has been on the market. 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.

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 omit them - 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, it's also imperative you get a home inspection before closing. Inevitable problems can be repaired (by the builder) before you move in and larger problems identified before they become your problem. 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.