A Slow Market Will Be the End for Some Real Estate Agents, but It Doesn’t Have to Be for You
As much as the frantic pace of a “hot” market creates a lot of headlines and excitement, they’re not actually the best of times for
Is Now the Time to Get a Deal on New Construction Homes?
For years, many people have been waiting for the right moment to finally score a deal in the housing market. Well, according to a recent yahoo!finance report, now may be a good time to get yourself a better deal!
Prices for new homes dropped in nearly one-third of the country’s largest cities last quarter — a sign that the premium buyers have long paid for new construction may finally be easing in some areas.
So if you’ve been eyeing new construction, this might sound like great news. But as with most housing market stories, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
There are opportunities out there, especially in certain markets and situations. But finding a genuine “deal” on a new build may take more effort, strategy, and local knowledge than simply scrolling the latest listing prices.
Why Builders May Be More Flexible Than Homeowners Right Now
Homeowners and builders are facing two very different realities in the current market. Many homeowners with low mortgage rates are in no hurry to sell unless they can get their ideal price — or find the perfect home to move into. That means they’re often less flexible in negotiations.
On the other hand, builders are in the business of selling homes, not holding onto them. Their motivation is tied to moving inventory, keeping projects on schedule, and maintaining cash flow. That creates a very different starting point when it comes to making a deal.
Here are a few reasons why builders may be more negotiable than resale homeowners right now:
- They need to keep sales moving. Every unsold home ties up money and can slow down the next phase of construction or new project.
- No emotional attachment. A builder sees a house as inventory, not a place full of personal memories.
- Carrying costs add up. Construction loans, taxes, and maintenance chip away at profits the longer a home sits.
- Multiple homes to sell. A homeowner is typically only selling one house, so every penny means more to them than a builder who may be looking at the big picture in terms of how much they’ll make when all of the houses sell, even if they take a lower price on each one.
- Local competition. In areas with more than one active development, builders may need to offer better pricing or perks to stand out.
Why the Headlines Alone Don’t Guarantee a Deal on New Construction
A headline about falling prices can be exciting, but it’s also easy to take it at face value and assume those same savings are sitting out there just waiting for you.
In reality, real estate pricing is far more complex — and far more local — than national statistics suggest. A drop in one part of the country (or even one part of your city) doesn’t automatically mean every builder is slashing prices across the board. And even in areas where prices are coming down, that doesn’t mean the exact home you want will be one of them.
Before you count on that headline as your ticket to a bargain, it helps to understand what might stand in your way:
- It’s local, local, local. Supply and demand vary not just by city, but by neighborhood, and even by individual development. One subdivision might be in hot demand while another struggles to attract interest.
- Resales can be just as competitive — or better priced. Don’t overlook existing homes, which may be more flexible on price or offer more bang for your buck in location, lot size, or updates.
- Discounts aren’t always in the sticker price. Builders may offer perks like upgraded finishes, closing cost credits, or appliances — which can be valuable but aren’t the same as a straight price cut.
- Negotiation is still required. A builder may be willing to sell for less, but you might not see that in the list price. Deals often happen behind the scenes after strategic discussion.
- Limited inventory in prime spots. Even if prices are falling elsewhere, the exact floor plan, lot, or neighborhood you want might still command full price due to demand.
Why Going Straight to the Builder May Cost You More
Walk into a model home, talk to the friendly sales rep, choose your floor plan and upgrades, and sign the papers — easy, right?
It can feel like the simplest route, but the builder’s representative works for the builder. Their job is to sell you a home at the best terms for the builder — not necessarily the best deal for you.
Many buyers assume skipping their own agent will mean savings. In reality, it can actually cost you:
- You may miss negotiating opportunities the builder rep won’t mention.
- You won’t have someone reviewing the contract for clauses that favor the builder.
- You might choose upgrades that don’t add long-term value or hurt resale potential.
- Without market knowledge, you could pay more than necessary — even after “discounts.”
- The builder’s preferred lender incentives might not be the best financial option for you.
Why Your First Visit to a New Home Matters More Than You Think
If you see a “Model Home Open” sign and just stop in for a peek, you might accidentally limit your options before you’ve even started.
Builders often require that your agent be registered with them on your first visit to acknowledge the agent’s role officially. If you walk in alone, the builder might not recognize your agent later, which can impact whether they agree to pay your agent’s commission—or sometimes whether the agent is even allowed to participate in negotiations and the sale process.
Before you even step foot inside a model home, reach out to your agent. Having a professional assess the entire market — including new construction and resale options — ensures you don’t miss out on opportunities or get blindsided by fine print.
Your agent should be by your side from day one and every step of the way, advocating for your best interests and helping you spot deals that fit your goals and budget.
Yes, there may be deals out there right now — but the best way to find them and make sure you’re truly getting a great value is with someone who knows the market and the players. So don’t just drive by or drop in alone; get your agent involved early and get ready to explore what’s available for you.
The Takeaway:
The headlines about falling new home prices are exciting — and in the right situation, a new build could be your ticket to a great deal. But “a deal” isn’t a guarantee, and it’s rarely as simple as reading a news article and picking your dream house.
Builders can be more flexible than individual sellers, but market conditions vary by location, and sometimes the best value isn’t going to be a new house.
If new construction is on your radar, make sure to hire your own local real estate agent to help you assess your local market and current opportunities, and whose only job is to represent you…not the builder.
