Ask them. Different home builders allow you to use it for different things. Since the new home builder will have a markup on upgrades they will want you to use the money for that. I would tell them what you want to use the incentive money for and see if they allow it. Buying new in this market is a good idea. Best of luck. I worked in new home sale in San Diego and Chula Vista for over 10 years. With the market the way it is they will probably be as flexible as the are allowed.

Dawn Lewis

http://www.dawnsellssandiego.com

At Cordova by Brookfield Homes, the largest Town Home Community offered in Chula Vista, we can apply the Incentive towards Closing costs, Interest Rate buy downs, upgrades, and HOA pre-pay. For VA loans we can also use a portion to pay off the buyer's dept. Incentives cannot be used for a down payment it is a Violation.

Give us a call to come in and see our Models, 619-781-8400

The builder prefers that you use it for upgrades since there is still profit margin factored in it for them. So, $25k in builder upgrades may only cost the builder half of that in hard costs. But, your Realtor should ask for whatever you'd like to use it for such as closing costs or down payment. Builders generally want to preserve the price for the next comp so ask for the incentive that fits you best.