Experts say builders more likely to be flexible on price at the very beginning and the very end of a development project. Early on, most developers want to move people in quickly so the project picks up momentum. Later, developers may be more inclined to accept lower offers when only a few units remain. Experts say a developer will rarely pass up a deal over a couple hundred dollars' worth of carpeting, for example. Builders often include financing programs to help move more buyers into a project early on.
Most experts recommend having a home inspected, new or old.
For new home, ask the builder to provide copies of any inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and pertinent construction documents for your inspector to review. Your inspector should either be a professional home inspector, an engineer, an architect or a contractor. If you hire a professional inspector, look for one who belongs to one of the home inspection trade organizations. Rates for the service vary greatly. Buyers concerned about costs should be aware of the differences inherent in working with sales agents who are employed by the developer, rather than traditional real estate agents.