Great Scott Properties LLC knows new construction

Partnering with a savvy agent is crucial when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Mebane area.

In real estate, you can always negotiate. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and the length of time that the home has been vacant. 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 current market conditions, 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 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 house 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.