Save money when purchasing new construction

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, 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 them to pay a share of the closing costs, or more amenities, like appliance upgrades, a garage door opener, a fence 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 house 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.