Hello New Home Buyer,

All of the answers that you have been given are all correct. The wait and see aspect to buying home could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. Some experts and predictors say that we (Columbia) have hit the bottom and are now on the up-swing. If that is true, there is no better time than the present to buy, fortunately, Columbia, SC has not suffured the same major declines as GA, FL, CA, and VA. With that said and to the aforementioned up-swing, waiting until Dec/Jan could prove to costly for the wait and see buyer. For more information on houses for sell here in Columbia, visit http://www.cbunited.com/howardrose

For your question: "in this current market, how much can we possibly negotiate off of a purchase price of a new build?" This depends on the length of time the home has been on the market. If it is a 'spec' home the builder may be inclined to take less than the aking price. However if you have the home built, the builder is committed to the contract price at the time of signing. There are also many builder incentives in the new construction market. Hope this helps.

Actually, my blog addresses your thoughts about not getting a Realtor....

http://columbiasouthcarolinahomes.blogspot.com/2008/02/buyin…

In response to Question 1, I wrote an article about the market in the 29229 Zip Code...
http://columbiasouthcarolinahomes.blogspot.com/2008/01/secon…

At this point in the real estate cycle, I would be careful about playing the waiting game to get a reduced price. Sellers know that buyers are still buying homes. Based upon the numbers in my previous link about the 29229 market, you might cost yourself money by waiting. Presently, I'm negotiating two contracts where the sellers are STANDING FIRM. Surprising, I've heard both sellers say......."We don't have to sell."

Some of these sellers seem to be testing the market.

In response to Question 2, I agree with Hunter and Cindy. You have a better change (if any chance at all) to get a price reduction by hiring (FOR FREE) an experienced Realtor (50+ transactions) and/or a Certified Residential Specialist.

Good Luck with your Real Estate Pursuits!

Sincerely,

David A. Patterson, Broker CRS
Keller Williams Realty
4400 Saint Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 429-9010

Looking to Find Homes for Sale? VISIT....
http://midlands.homeresearchsite.com/

"A journey begins with a designation in mind."

Good afternoon!
The market in the 29229 area is just like everywhere else, it is taking a bit of time to sell houses, but those priced accordingly to the market are moving at normal rates. Of course, price and condition is everything in this market.

Builders are less likely to negotiate with a buyer directly without representation due to the fact they know they have you. As said below, a buyers agent is not paid by the buyer, you pay nothing for the service of a buyers agent. We are trained in negotiating techniques, and that is what purchasing a new home is all about...negotiation!

If I can be of any service, please do let me know.

Hunter Jackson http://www.IBlogcolumbia.com

Why would you want to attempt this without a Realtor? You do not pay to have a buyers agent in SC and I would recommend highly that you get all of the help you can. The sellers agent is going to get the most they can for the builder; you would be doing yourself a big diservice to go in without an agent. Good luck!

If you are asking these questions, then you need a Realtor.