Expert advice on new construction purchases

While touring newer developments looking for new construction, having a knowledgeable agent at your side is important. will help you navigate the seeming infinite number of new homes today to locate one that's a match for your family.

Buyers of new construction in a neighborhood don't like to see houses sold after theirs go for less money, 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.

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.

In situations where a builder won't budge, ask for assistance with other aspects of the transaction. Ask for help with 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.

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.