Buying a new construction home gives you an exciting opportunity to have a brand new building that fits your needs. As you shop for a new construction home, there are some key things you should consider to make sure you get the best possible house for your budget and your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your house-hunting journey.

Negotiations For New Homes Are Different

When shopping for a new construction home, you may find it difficult to negotiate on the price. You won't likely be able to make an emotional appeal to the sellers like you might be able to with a used home seller to lower the price. This doesn't mean, however, that you can't negotiate on the home's value. You can instead negotiate in the form of upgrades.

You may be able to get the sellers to agree to add a few upgrades to the home, such as premium bath fixtures and kitchen appliances, granite countertops or other features not available in some of the other models. While you'll still end up paying the same sticker price, you'll get a home that is worth a bit more in value.

New Construction Homes May Not Have MLS Listings

New construction homes aren't always listed in traditional MLS listings. This is because the home builders may have employees who are responsible for selling the homes. New construction homes may be advertised online or on billboards outside of the construction site. Your real estate agent can still help you locate new construction homes, but you'll need to tell him or her that your preferred home is a new one. This will give the agent the information needed to source the right home for you.

A New Construction Home May Have A Warranty

Unlike used homes, new construction homes typically come with a warranty. This warranty may be directly offered through the builder, or it may be offered through a third party. The warranty offered may vary from one home builder to another, so be sure you understand what the warranty includes. The materials used to build the home, such as the siding and roofing, may come with their own warranties, so be sure that the builder provides you with this information at closing so you are fully aware of all protections that come with your home.

Work with your real estate agent to find the right new construction home of your dreams, and let your agent help you to negotiate on possible upgrades on the home. With the right research and information, you may be able to find the perfect new home.