Purchasing new construction

Partnering with a knowledgeable agent is crucial when shopping for new construction, and is here to help you navigate through your options in the Centre County area.

In real estate, negotiation is always an option. However, with new construction, it depends on the builder and the length of time that the home has been available. Developers in new additions avoid bending on price because homeowners already in the area expect new construction to be comparably priced to what they already purchased. (You'll appreciate that same courtesy if there are undeveloped lots near the home you eventually purchase!) But, depending on how far along the project is and what the market is doing at that point in time, builders have been known to allow a few concessions.

Say a property has been on the market a long time 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.

You can always ask for assistance in other ways when purchasing new construction. For example, closing costs are one way for you to save without lowering the price of the house. The same goes for amenities - ask for things an allowance for window treatments, a garage door opener, a sprinkler system or landscaping, or an extended home warranty.That can go the other way around, too. If upgrades are already in the plan, try to get the builder to remove them - you might be able to install them later yourself at a savings anyway.

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.