I am looking at a new construction but the seller is not reducing the price of the home and was suggested I bring in an agent. I was under the impression I don't need an agent since it's a new construction. One other thing, the HOA is $450, which looks ridiculous.
No, why?
They can't say it, but you can find an agent who is willing to split the commission after taxes for no actual work since you found the home yourself and is ready to buy. Also, HOA is dead money that can otherwise go into mortgage, but that's how it is. Communities with elevators and pools eat up a lot of cost. Bigger communities also help spread costs.
Finding agent will not help
This one has none so far, which is why I wonder why such a high HOA
@Atinlay7 - thanks!
See if there is anyone else you can talk to at the sales office about negotiating an offer. The sales people are often incompetent and don’t know what they are talking about. They also don’t make decisions and you will need a person who either makes decisions or has direct contact to the person that does. Unless that community is selling like crazy, you can negotiate a better price. Don’t bring an agent, because the commission that the agent will receive might as well be your potential discount. You are more likely to get a deal in a higher value plan. Even if they don’t negotiate the selling price (unlikely in this market), they can offer options for free and credits toward closing costs. What builder are you working with?
Just bluntly ask if the person you are talking to can make decisions about sales prices. They will likely say no, and that’s when you ask to talk to someone about making a fair offer.
Also, find out when their fiscal year ends. If they struggle with sales for the year or quarter, they will bend over to sell you something.
You won’t be able to negotiate on new construction or pre construction
Only if it’s selling as planned, which is likely not the case in today’s market.
Not if it’s new construction.