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New Home Builder Helps Out

18 years ago

My wife and I purchased a new home in Jan. in Phoenix for $400,000 knowing that we would have to sell our existing home in order to buy it. The builder has been holding back on construction so as to give us time to sell. Our original selling price was $495,000, which by all accounts was a fair price. We lowered the price to $489,500 and offered 1% toward closing costs a month ago, but still had no offers. The builder contacted us on Friday and offered to lower the cost of the new home by $38,000 if we would lower our selling price. Our house is now listed at $450,000. Hopefully, this will do it, because we can't go any lower. If it does happen it will only be because of the builder making a huge concession.

Comments (11)

  • 18 years ago

    hope you haven't sacificed any quality in that generous donation---doesn't it make you wonder how much profit he is making...

  • 18 years ago

    Sounds like the builder is desperate. I live in Tucson, and I've heard that the Phoenix builder's market has gone way downhill from just a year ago.

    There's a reason he's trying to get you to lower your price. While it sounds like he's "working with you" to complete the deal, It also sounds like he's a bit desperate.

    Have you checked comps for your home that you're selling? Are you over priced? Had showings? Offers?

    Do you mind posting a link to your listing?

  • 18 years ago

    The builder was no more desparate than I am/was. The selling price of my house was within range of comps in this area but was not selling. I see no downside to taking the builder's reduction and reducing my selling price by the same amount. It's basically a wash. It will affect comps in my area, but I am concerned with selling my house and not the effect it might have on other sellers in my neighborhood.

    Here is a link that might be useful: My House Listing

  • 18 years ago

    If you love the house you are buying, good for you. I hope it works out for you soon.

  • 18 years ago

    First picture of the FR the blinds closed make the room look too dark, although it does look very spacious. I would open the blinds to show how much light comes in.

    Love the pool and backyard! Nice Kitchen! Hey! I have the same tablecloth! Microfibre from JC Penney!

    It looks like there's some empty space in the kitchen. Can you put a leaf or two in the table to show how much space there is for an extended table?

    The Loft blinds are closed. They should be open to show the natural light that comes through.

    Not crazy about the pink curtains separating the masterbath from the bedroom.

    Your house is very nice. It shows very clean and it has alot of space.

    Is there a spot you can move your compter from the FR? It looks like you have lots of space in that house and it looks out of place in that room.

    I do think there is a problem with the description. It does absolutely nothing to entice people to come look at it. The description should have a teaser of the positive features in the home.

    Also, there's too many photos on the listing. It doesn't leave any room for surprise. Only the best photos should be shown and that will most likely prompt more people to come look at it.

    All in all, very nice home, but the listing could use some punch. Seems like your realtor dropped the ball on that aspect because I don't think it's adequately marketing your home to bring people in to see it.

  • 18 years ago

    Your pool looks lovely, but I'd leave out the "backyard" picture. It shows a fence dividing the yard in two. One side looks like an oasis, the other side looks like a barren wasteland with dead grass.

  • 18 years ago

    Beautiful house! Looks very spacious, tons of storage areas. The garage cabinets are a big plus!

    Are you getting any showings? Do you have any feedback from showings?

    You didn't ask for feedback, but it may help to get some at this point. I found a post from February, so you've been listed for a bit. If you don't mind, I'd like to add to what sparksals says....

    I have to agree with the description, but the one on OBEO - Loft area could convert to fourth bedroom very easily. Agent can show you one in area if interested. This home has new carpet, and new tile in all the baths. Feb.2007! New stove and dishwasher in 06,07. Pool redone in 2006. Yard is one you won't forget . Large umbrella stays and also the patio set. Grass area for fun. Fenced pool perfect for small ones.

    Again at OBEA - the price is still shown as $500,000.

    The last time we were selling our house, input was about the "saloon" doors going to the master bath. It doesn't appear that you have a door on your master bath, you might consider having someone come in and add one. We ended up going with a 6 panel colonial pocket door, while I'm not nuts about it, it's better than nothing.

    You have a lot of photos (31) up, some appear to be the same shot but closer. I think I would lose a few pics. Would someone need to walk your house after seeing it all online? I also had to keep scrolling to go back to look at a photo of one room to compare it to one of the same room that was 5 or so photos down. If the realtor is going to leave all of the pics, she should keep the same rooms together.

    Some shots that aren't needed - stained glass shot, it can be seen in other views - 2 of the house front - as was mentioned the shot of the back, keep one of the pool shot - master bath - keep the 1st shot - you can see the shower in the mirror, also get rid of the sink shot - loft shot showing the game table - not needed - hallway shot - not needed.

    Hopefully lowering the price will get a bite. Good luck

    Here is a link that might be useful: OBEO

  • 18 years ago

    I'm more than a little concerned about the current value of the house you are buying in AZ. That market is tanking -- evidenced by the builder's eagerness to get you out of your current home and INTO HIS. What are current comps on the new house?

  • 18 years ago

    chisue - I wouldn't say that the AZ market is tanking, but it has slowed down considerably. Part of the problem is some houses are overpriced and the sellers are still in hot seller's market mode from over a year ago.

    I do agree with you that the builder's eagerness is cause for concern. He doesn't have the OP's best interests at heart. He only cares about unloading the house.

    OP - do you feel comfortable telling us where the new home is? I know the Phoenix area and I'm very curious.

  • 18 years ago

    "OP - do you feel comfortable telling us where the new home is? I know the Phoenix area and I'm very curious"

    New home is DR Horton home in NE phoenix. Specifically, Cave Creek Rd & Pinnacle Peak. We are downsizing to a slightly smaller home 2300sf vs 2600sf: No Pool, single story, no yard to take care of. I totally realize that the builder isn't doing this for me, but I need to sell my home or lose my deposit. Whatever their motives I welcomed the reduction.

  • 18 years ago

    I see you are buying and selling in the same market. That should help, but...I'd still want some comps on the new house's CURRENT value. Could be the builder's "disount" of $38K on his contract to build you a house isn't enough.

    It's my impression that the market for new builds IS tanking in AZ. Perhaps a 10% discount isn't enough. What will the house be worth when it is completed?

    How is your contract on the new house written? If a person came in off the street today, what would the builder charge him for the same house? (Can your listing realtor help you with determining the value on the new property?)

    I know you asked for help SELLING. I'm uncomfortable not knowing how much the market is sliding for new builds so that you aren't paying too much on the other end.