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When searching for a home, you don't want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you. Here's a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you through – including a few of the top perks of buying a newly built home today and some potential things you'll want to think about before you ink any contracts. The Perks of Buying a Newly Built Home Customization Options: Many builders allow buyers to choose finishes, layouts, and upgrades so that you can personalize your home to your unique sense of style. This is obviously more of a draw if the home is still under construction, but sometimes you can have a builder agree to some tweaks even after it's completed. Less Maintenance and Fewer Repairs: Everything from the roof to the appliances is brand new, which should save you on any upfront maintenance or repair costs — for at least the first few years. Many builders also offer warranties on things like structural components and major systems, to give you extra peace of mind. And not having to worry about this sort of thing is a big perk when everything feels so expensive right now. Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Features: With stricter building codes, newly built homes tend to be more environmentally friendly. This can include energy-efficient upgrades like smart thermostats and high-efficiency HVAC systems or eco-friendly tech. And all of these features can save you money on your future energy bills - again a welcome relief while inflation is stubbornly high. Builder Incentives: Some builders are also offering incentives to homebuyers. While this will vary by builder, it could include rate buy-downs or other ways to offset today's affordability challenges. As&nbsp;Bankrate says: <blockquote>"Some builders offer financial incentives, including flexible financing options, to encourage buyers to purchase. These incentives - especially if they get the buyer a lower interest rate - could make a new- construction home more affordable in the long run." </blockquote> <hr class="__se__dashed">Other Considerations When Buying a Newly Built Home On the other side of the coin, there are some things that you'll want to at least consider before making your choice.Longer Timelines: If you're purchasing a home that's still under construction, you may have to wait several months or longer - before you can move in. As Realtor.com puts it: <blockquote>"For homebuyers who have a short time frame to move into a new home, buying new construction could be challenging if the house isn't built yet.This is not always the case, since a community may have some quick move-in homes or spec homes that are already complete (or nearly so) and ready for a buyer to move in. But if not, a buyer may have to wait." </blockquote> Potential Price Changes: Keep an eye on costs, too. It's easy to go over budget if you keep tacking on upgrades or add-ons as you customize your build. At the same time, building materials, like lumber, can be affected by the economy, inflation, and changing trade policies. And unfortunately, if the cost of supplies climbs, builders will pass at least some of that increase on to people like you. As HousingWire explains: <blockquote>​"Upgrades and add-ons, unforeseen delays due to weather, supply chain issues or labor shortages, and expenses like landscaping and fencing not included in the builder's cost can significantly affect the final price."</blockquote> <hr class="__se__dashed">​Bottom Line New builds can be a great choice today, but you want to be sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on such a big purchase. That's where my expertise and experience is extra important. Would you consider a newly built home? Why or why not?

Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

Why It May Be Worth Considering in Today's Market Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer's inspection. That's why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection. What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do after making an offer, this process identifies any issues with the condition of your house that could have an impact on the sale - like structural problems, faulty or outdated HVAC systems, or other essential repairs. While it's a great option if you're someone who really doesn't like surprises, Bankrate explains this may not make sense for all sellers: <blockquote>"While it can be beneficial for a seller to do, a pre-listing inspection isn't always necessary. For example, if your home is relatively new and you've been the only owner, you're most likely already aware of any big issues that could impact a sale. But for an older home, a pre-listing inspection can be very insightful and help you get ahead of any potential problems."​​ </blockquote> The key is deciding whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation. Sometimes a few hundred dollars now can get you information that'll save you a lot of time and hassle later on.​​ <hr class="__se__dashed on"> Why It May Be Worth Considering in Today's Market Right now, buyers are more cautious about how much money they're spending. And they want to be sure the home they're buying is worth the expense. In a market like this, a pre-listing inspection can be your secret weapon to make sure your house shows well. Here are just a few ways it can help:<ul><li>Gives You Time To Make Repairs: When you know about issues ahead of time, it gives you the chance to fix them on your schedule, rather than rushing to make repairs when you're under contract.</li><li>Avoid Surprises During Negotiations: When buyers discover issues during their own inspection, it can lead to last-minute negotiations, price reductions, or even a deal falling through. A pre-listing inspection gives you a chance to spot and address any problems ahead of time, so they don't turn into last-minute headaches or negotiation roadblocks.</li><li>Sell Your House Faster: According to Rocket&nbsp;Mortgage, if your house is listed in the best shape possible, there won't be as many reasons for buyers to ask for concessions. That means you should be able to cut down on negotiation timelines and ultimately sell faster. </li></ul> <hr class="__se__dashed">​ How Your Agent Will Help But before you think about reaching out to any inspectors to get something scheduled, be sure to talk to an agent. Your agent will be able to give you advice on whether a pre-inspection is worthwhile for your house and the local market. Because it may not be as important if sellers still have the majority of the negotiation power where you live. If your agent does recommend moving forward and getting one done, here's how they'll support you throughout the process.<ul><li>Offer Advice on How To Prioritize Repairs: If the inspection uncovers problems, your agent will sit down with you and offer perspective on what's going to be a sticking point for buyers so you know what to prioritize.</li><li>Knowledge of How To Handle Any Disclosure Requirements: After talking to your agent, you may decide not all of the repairs are worth it right now. Just be ready to disclose what you're not tackling. Some states require disclosures as a part of a listing - lean on your agent for more information. </li></ul> <hr class="__se__dashed"> Bottom LineWhile they're definitely not required, pre-listing inspections can be especially helpful in today's market. By understanding your home's condition ahead of time, you can take control of the process and make informed decisions about what to fix before you list and what to disclose.If you choose to skip this step, you may be just as surprised as your buyer by what pops up in their&nbsp;inspection. And that could leave you scrambling. Would you rather fix issues now or risk trying to save the deal later? Let's connect so you can see if this is a step that makes sense in our market.

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today's Market

​If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">1. Pricing the Home Too High According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below): <div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none"><figure><img src="https://closehack-backblaze.s3.us-west-004.backblazeb2.com/agent_richtext/20250213113529.png" alt="" width="" height="" style=""></figure></div>And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you can have as much wiggle room as possible to negotiate. You don’t want to do this. Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher rates and tight budgets, and a price that feels out of reach will scare them off. And if no one’s looking at your house, how’s it going to sell? This is exactly why more sellers are having to do price cuts. To avoid this headache, trust your agent’s expertise from day 1. A great agent will be able to tell you what your neighbor’s house just sold for and how that impacts the value of your home. 2. Skipping Repairs Another common mistake is trying to avoid doing work on your house. That leaky faucet or squeaky door might not bother you, but to buyers, small maintenance issues can be red flags. They may assume those little flaws are signs of bigger problems — and it could cost you when offers come in lower or buyers ask for concessions. As Investopedia says: <div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none"><figure><img src="https://closehack-backblaze.s3.us-west-004.backblazeb2.com/agent_richtext/20250213113928.png" alt="" width="" height="" style=""></figure></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The solution? Work with your agent to prioritize anything you’ll need to tackle before the photographer comes in. These minor upgrades can pay off big when it’s time to sell. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">3. Refusing To Negotiate Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you want to see. Don’t take it personally. Instead, focus on the end goal: selling your house. Your agent can help you negotiate confidently without letting emotions cloud your judgment.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.85em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px rgb(224, 224, 224); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: poppins, HelveticaNeue, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica-Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(49, 57, 64); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">At the same time, with more homes on the market, buyers have options — and with that comes more negotiating power. They may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions. Be prepared to have these conversations. Again, lean on your agent to guide you. Sometimes a small compromise can seal the deal without derailing your bottom line. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none"><figure><img src="https://closehack-backblaze.s3.us-west-004.backblazeb2.com/agent_richtext/20250213114114.png" alt="" width="" height="" style=""></figure></div> The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate Agent Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all. Bottom Line Avoid these common mistakes by starting with the right plan — and the right agent. Connect with an agent so you don’t fall into any of these traps.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget. But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for. 1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year. Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below): <div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none"><figure><img src="https://closehack-backblaze.s3.us-west-004.backblazeb2.com/agent_richtext/20250210114753.png" alt="" width="" height="" style=""></figure></div> Here’s why this is so good for your search. If you haven’t seen a house with all the features you need, just know that, as the number of homes for sale grows, you’ll have more options to choose from. That means a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes. As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says: “It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market . . . you’re going to have more choice. And that’s not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years.” 2. There Are More Newly Built Homes on the MarketAccording to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 31.1%, or roughly 1 in 3, homes on the market right now are newly built homes. That’s more than the norm (see charts below). But don’t worry, that’s not because builders are overdoing it – it’s just that they’re trying to catch up after years of underbuilding.<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none"><figure><img src="https://closehack-backblaze.s3.us-west-004.backblazeb2.com/agent_richtext/20250211125909.png" alt="" width="" height="" style=""></figure></div> And the best part is, since builders have been focusing on smaller homes with lower price points, you may actually find out new builds are less expensive than you’d expect. So, while a lot of people write off new construction because it’s easy to assume the costs are way higher, lately, that price gap isn’t as big as you’d think. As CNET says: “If you live in an area where there’s a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.” If you haven’t been able to find a home that’s in your budget, it’s time to ask your agent about new builds. If you don’t, you may have been cutting your pool of options by about a third. Bottom Line More choices could be the key to unlocking your homebuying goals in 2025. Talk to a local agent if you want to see what’s available in your area. What features are you looking for in your next home? Let an agent know so they can put together a list of homes you’d love.

Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market

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Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today's Market

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Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market

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