New Construction
New Construction: The Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Builder contracts, incentives versus base price, lot premium and finish creep, and why the on-site agent is not your agent.
Placeholder — video not yet published
The written answer below is the substance of this episode and stands on its own. When the video is published, adding its YouTube id to the content record renders the player here and emits VideoObject structured data.
The written answer
The on-site sales agent represents the builder, and most builders only honour outside representation if you register your agent on your first visit — walking in unregistered can forfeit that option for the whole community. Base price is the least negotiable number because it sets comparables for every later sale; closing cost contributions, rate buy-downs and included options move more readily, and inventory homes carry the best terms. Ask for an itemised price for the house you actually want, including lot premium, elevation, structural options and commonly excluded items. Inspect independently at pre-drywall and again before closing, warranty notwithstanding.