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Answers (12)
- AtlantaHomesForSale
- Contributions:40
Everything is negotiable in today's market. You won't lose anything if you try.
- Greg Lyles, "Greg Lyles"
- Contributions:112
Yes, the price is certainly negotiable. Since you are not using an agent to represent you, you should be able to go to the county where the development is located and pull the recent sales for the development. Look at the list price versus the contract sales price to give you an idea of how much the builder is negotiating. Also, if the builder is offering the typical 2.5% to 3% commission to a buyers' agent, you should expect to get that amount taken off of the price since he doesn't have to pay it.
As a broker with 20 years experience in construction and development, I can tell you that everything is negotiable. It may be worth your time to contact some closing attorneys and ask them what they are seeing in closing cost contributions from builders in the price range/area you are considering. If the home has an unfinished basement and you want part of it finished, that is an area where the builder can provide some concessions.
Last, do not let the builder, or the builders' sales agent, know how much you like the house. Doing so will only reduce your negotiating strength. It might also be helpful to look at other homes in the area and find out what they are offering and use that information as a negotiating tool.
Best of luck to you. Enjoy your new home!
As a broker with 20 years experience in construction and development, I can tell you that everything is negotiable. It may be worth your time to contact some closing attorneys and ask them what they are seeing in closing cost contributions from builders in the price range/area you are considering. If the home has an unfinished basement and you want part of it finished, that is an area where the builder can provide some concessions.
Last, do not let the builder, or the builders' sales agent, know how much you like the house. Doing so will only reduce your negotiating strength. It might also be helpful to look at other homes in the area and find out what they are offering and use that information as a negotiating tool.
Best of luck to you. Enjoy your new home!
- katyusha
- Contributions:2
Does anyone have experience buying from Centex and Lowe Properties in Atlanta area?
- AtlantaHomesForSale
- Contributions:40
It all depends on the builder, I may be able to help if you didn't sign contract yet. There is a lot of good things that builders offer right now.
What is the builder name, and what area ?
- Cindy LaPeer ABR, e-PRO,SFR, Cdrs, "Houston Metro Pro"
- Contributions:2239
If you didn't tell the new home consultant that you were working with an agent, it is probably too late to bring one in now. However, everything is negotiable and the worst thing they can say is no.
- g13092
- Contributions:3
If you've met with the builder's agent (person at the model), is it too late to introduce your own buyer's agent?
- mckylie
- Contributions:5034
We recently bought a model home in a new community. My husband went back and forth on the price with the builder until he was told they could go no lower. However, he didn't stop there. We agreed to that price but he negotiated $2500 at their design center. Even though it was a Model and had tons of upgrades there were things we could use that credit for like blinds, ceiling fans for the rooms that didn't have them already, garage cabinets....... He also go them to pay for the first 6 months of the HOA fees. So, you can think outside of the box!
- Zelda Kohn, "RE by Design"
- Contributions:60
Having a good agent representing your interests it's like having a friend on your side, an extra hand in negotiating and extra protection against possible real estate issues you are not experienced with. Unless you purchase real estate all the time I'd get an agent, at least on consultative basis.
If the house is completely built, you should ask for a home warranty on all systems, appliances and duct work, etc... If the builder is not willing to do it, I'm sure you can find an agent who will give you a 1 year home warranty.
If the house is completely built, you should ask for a home warranty on all systems, appliances and duct work, etc... If the builder is not willing to do it, I'm sure you can find an agent who will give you a 1 year home warranty.
- Cindy LaPeer ABR, e-PRO,SFR, Cdrs, "Houston Metro Pro"
- Contributions:2239
Everything is negotiable, but be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you want. If you have already bet with the builder, they probably won't let you get an agent now.
At the very least, hire your own inspector. No house is perfect, even if it's new. However, the builder's inspector will tell you everything is great.
Also, if you are using their in-house lender, get your own independent appraisal. A lot of people are/were in trouble b/c the builder's appraisal was inflated.
- Amanda Alejandro, "homesforsale86"
- Contributions:480
I would contact an agent to represent you. One in some cases if not structual they will do minor changes for you. water lines, different lighting ect. Your also need and agent to run a community market report for you that way you know where the numbers are based off direct comparables to the home your looking at. So when that builder says this number since that person is working for the seller/builder not you. you know where you are really. best of luck contact and agent in oyur area :)
- Kimberley Kelly, "Kimberley Kelly"
- Contributions:146
As an Agent in the La Quinta, Palm Desert area of California, I have to comment on your question. I sold New Homes here in the desert for 6 years and was a top producer before I switched to Resale Homes. You MUST have an agent! It is a common belief that without an agent, you can save $..usually a myth. The Builder incorporates a co-op that they pay when an agent represents you..unfortunately, in New Homes, you normally must be accompanied by your Agent on your first visit, or the on site Sale office will not honor that co-op. This co-op allows your agent to negotiate for you and believe me..EVERYTHING is negotiable with an experienced agent. It is curious to me that Buyers assume they save money by NOT hiring an agent, but hiring an agent is like hiring a negotiator for your case..and purchasing a home is a huge "case". Your Agent can review every single sale that has happened at that site, all the extras negotiated, lot sizes, orientations, upgrades..all of it. Don't step over a dollar to pick up a nickel..
Kim Kelly, HK Lane Real Estate Co.
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Kim Kelly, HK Lane Real Estate Co.
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- Ofe Polack, "Ofe Polack"
- Contributions:1412
Unless you are a seasoned buyer, I suggest you get yourself a buyer agent to help you negotiate your contract. There is always room for negotiations in any situation and a buyer agent can do that for you. If you need a buyer agent in Atlanta, please click in photo and I will put you in touch with one.
what to negotiate with builder?
And since I don't have an agent, builder should be more dealable, right?
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