Save money when purchasing new construction

Having the right agent at your side is crucial 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 neighborhood aren't happy when the homes that sell after theirs fetch a lesser price. 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.

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 cases where a builder won't budge, try getting a break in other areas. Ask for them to pay a share of the closing costs, or extra amenities, like an allowance for window treatments, 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.