Foo - Any homebuilders or someone with new home knowledge?

The wife and I are looking to buy a new home. It will need to be built. The one we found is a Gold Star Home. Its not a "custom builder" but its as close to one as you will ever find. They can change about 80% of a floorplan before we build. My question is the house we are looking at is in a community in South Burleson. They also have a community in North Burleson. The same exact house is $40,000 less in North Burleson, but we like the neighborhood so much better in South Burleson. The North community has a bunch of lower priced homes in the area and we dont want to live in a community of a bunch of renters. Plus the lots are larger (which we have to pay for). These communities are about 5-6 miles apart. In my thinking it cost the same to build either house. So I should have some negotiating room here. I know I can negotiate on upgrades. I would like to find out how much room on the house and the upgrades can I negotiate. I know none uf us like to pay too much for anything (well most of us). So what do you think?

This is the best buyers' market in decades. I would look long and hard at what is already available on the market. Upgrades are being given away, sellers are beyond desperate. You can get a hell of a lot of house for the money right now.

Good luck.

You might also try posting this in the Texas regional forum since Burleson isn't as well know as Dallas or Fort Worth.

Good Luck

This is the best buyers' market in decades. I would look long and hard at what is already available on the market. Upgrades are being given away, sellers are beyond desperate. You can get a hell of a lot of house for the money right now.

Good luck.

+1, this is great advice.

The wife and I are looking to buy a new home. It will need to be built. The one we found is a Gold Star Home. Its not a "custom builder" but its as close to one as you will ever find. They can change about 80% of a floorplan before we build. My question is the house we are looking at is in a community in South Burleson. They also have a community in North Burleson. The same exact house is $40,000 less in North Burleson, but we like the neighborhood so much better in South Burleson. The North community has a bunch of lower priced homes in the area and we dont want to live in a community of a bunch of renters. Plus the lots are larger (which we have to pay for). These communities are about 5-6 miles apart. In my thinking it cost the same to build either house. So I should have some negotiating room here. I know I can negotiate on upgrades. I would like to find out how much room on the house and the upgrades can I negotiate. I know none uf us like to pay too much for anything (well most of us). So what do you think?

And so do many others, making the LOT more valuable compared to the other development.

The question is, just how much more do you like the south neighborhood than the north? $40,000 more? If so, buy it and squeeze the hell out of them for upgrades. $30,000 more? They might still deal and still do some upgrades.

Only you can tell that, but if - even in this down market - they've got a nice little niche carved out where they're selling homes, you may be stuck. If not... write your own check.

This is the best buyers' market in decades. I would look long and hard at what is already available on the market. Upgrades are being given away, sellers are beyond desperate. You can get a hell of a lot of house for the money right now.

Good luck.

Not really in decades. The huge, inflation + superbubble rise over the last few years really means things would have a long ways to fall before the buying opportunity was that good, but your overall point is very solid. Keep an eye out for existing homes, too.

However, the benefit works both ways. New construction work is at a major low, so contractors are desperate for work and will likely make similar concessions to get a job, as long as they can be sure you won't cancel mid-project. On the downside, facing real material and labor costs, the construction companies don't have as much wiggle-room for pricing.

People who buy and/or build new homes are stupid. Caravans rool.

People who buy and/or build new homes are stupid. Caravans rool.


Why do you say that? The house we are looking at is right inline with homes already built and lived in per sqft for the money. Also the one we want to have built will have all the options in the colors we want it. Not to mention the standard features are really nice.

He was being cute, don't sweat it.

Why do you say that? The house we are looking at is right inline with homes already built and lived in per sqft for the money. Also the one we want to have built will have all the options in the colors we want it. Not to mention the standard features are really nice.

Oh, good God, don't buy a brand new house in Texas! At least, not unless you know your builder very well--ideally on a personal basis. These big corporate builders can basically **** you raw at this point and there's nothing you can do about it.

besides, we are so overbuilt right now it's ridiculous.