New constructed homes often cost more than used homes. However, new homes can be less expensive in over time because they usually require less maintenance and are more energy efficient than older homes. New homes can also be easier to live in, with their modern floor plans and state-of-the-art amenities that are often lacking in older homes.

Living in a new home development isn't for everyone. Some common complaints are:
 

1.)Lack of architectural diversity and mature landscaping.

2.)Often located on the outskirts of town, which makes them less convenient.

 3.)Construction still in progress around you can be a nuisance.

4.)There is noise and dust to contend with, as well as access problems.

5.)New homes are rarely completed on time, which can present logistical problems for buyers who are selling one home in order to buy another.

6.)Model homes rarely depict the standard finishing details you can expect to be included in the price of your new home

1.)Before you sign any contract, ask to see sample of the standard finishes that will be included in the purchase price.

2.)Ask the developer for the name and number of a homeowner in the development who bought a home with the standard finishes. Call and ask if you can take a look.

3.)Before you agree to pay for upgrades, find out how much the developers charges.

4.)Use a Buyers Agent who specializes in new construction.

5.)Do some comparison shopping on your own to find out how much it would cost you to buy the upgrades yourself. Some developers add a huge markup for upgrades. If this is the case, you might be better off by having the home completed with the standard finishes and installing upgrades at your own expense later.

6.)Talk to homeowners who have purchased the developer's homes in the past to find out how responsible the developer is to taking care of customer complaints.

7.)Contact the City Offices in the community in which the builder is constructing and ask them about builder issues.

8.)Contact the Better Business Bureau and Registrar of Contractors and ask about the builders reputation.

Making changes can be a nightmare depending on the development. Most builders are only set up to provide the standard product and a limited number of upgrades. Any deviation from this may not be possible, except for an exorbitant cost. It may be easier and cost less to have your own contractor make the changes you want after the home is completed.

Even new homes have problems, so make sure that the development has a maintenance division that will take care of after-closing defects if they arise.

If a development is in high demand, there may be no negotiating on price. In softer markets, even if the builder won't budge on price, you may be able to negotiate on the finishes.

Most all developers deal with Realtors daily. They want to! To facilitate this mutually beneficial arrangement, builders pay Realtors commissions - not you! It is a common misconception that purchasing a new home from the builder directly saves you commission dollars. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. When this happens, all a buyer does is fatten the sellers agents pocket with double the commission dollars, while at the same time leaving himself open to poorer representation. It was found in a survey that 79% of buyers mistakenly believed they were being represented. A buyer broker will assist you, and only you, all the way to closing!
 

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