scrap said:I guess I'm not going to be the popular one on this thread, as my two cents is contrary to most on this post. If you have any confidence in your abilities and you have a good feel for what the builders are negotiating then by all means go in there and negotiate your best deal and leverage the 3% buyers agent commission. Be advised some builders are only paying 2% sellers commissions but find out. Research if builders are negotiating price or are they holding to their pricing schedule.exp said:
I'm in the market for a property in this range and thinking I can't F up the contract so bad as to be worth that premium. I've been through two house purchases and sales before so I'm not totally green either. I also feel like I've done most of the legwork up to this point scouting the market and viewing houses.
I'm looking at new construction options...am I crazy to think I can go at this myself and try to negotiate the price even lower?
I wouldn't be opposed to be represented by someone for a flat fee of like $5000 but $12000 just makes me choke a little bit.
Counsel me TexAgs.
The home I live in, I bought from a builder in 1998. I negotiated my price, which was basically what the builder was asking as I was buying when the market was HOT. Builders were raising prices monthly. After we agreed on upgrades ect, I simply asked for a 3% discount since I didn't have a realtor or if they preferred I would bring one in before I sign the deal. They were very accommodating and offered to reduce the price 2%. I'm not sure if they were only paying 2% to listing agents or not but I took the 2% and was happy. It took 6 months to build and my floor plan increased $30k by the time I took possession.
One thing I have learned in life is that EVERYTHING is NEGOTIABLE and it could change daily as to what someone is willing to give or take. Also don't assume that just because you have a realtor that they know how to work the new build process to get the best pricing. I doubt most do, but I would guess there are some who have a lot of experience with new builders and their advice could be priceless. Finding the right realtor is shot in the dark for most.
I am free of any conflict of interest, I have no dog in the hunt, not a realtor, lender or insurance agent.
But you didn't negotiate anything? You bought at whatever they were asking because of a hot market.