Expert advice on new construction purchases

Having the right agent with you is essential when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Turlock area.

People that buy brand new homes in a development 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.

Say a property has been on the market a while and the builder is deeply invested, 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 completed, don't count on being able to get a deal.

In cases 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 additional 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.

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.