Looking for new construction around Pittsburgh?
Partnering with a knowledgeable agent is essential when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Pittsburgh area.
Buyers of brand new homes in a development don't like to see houses sold after theirs go for less money. Knowing this, the builder or developer often won't 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 has a lot sunk into it, 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 finished, 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 appliance upgrades, 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, get a home inspection before your purchase regardless. 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.
