Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High: What This Means for Buyers

Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High: What This Means for Buyers

Even with more homes hitting the market, some buyers are still coming up empty. Maybe the kitchen doesn’t flow, the finishes feel dated, or the house is just another cookie-cutter option that doesn’t quite spark excitement.

That’s why more buyers are looking at new construction—and right now, they’re finding some of the best deals in years.


Why Builders Are Offering More Deals

Builders don’t want homes sitting on their books. Finished homes cost money to hold, and builders would rather move inventory so they can start new projects. The result? They’re offering stronger incentives to attract buyers.

As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

“In housing markets where unsold completed inventory has built up, many homebuilders have pulled back on their spec builds—and many are doing bigger incentives or outright price cuts to move unsold inventory.”


Incentives at a 5-Year High

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 66% of builders offered sales incentives in August—the highest percentage in five years.

That means 2 out of 3 builders are sweetening the deal with price cuts, rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade packages. For buyers, that can translate into serious savings.


Price Cuts Are Back

One of the biggest incentives in play right now: price reductions. Nearly 40% of builders are cutting prices, with the average discount coming in at around 5% off the purchase price.

Take a $500,000 home, for example. A 5% price cut knocks $25,000 off the sticker price. That’s not just pocket change—that could be the difference between stretching your budget and finally landing the home that fits your lifestyle.

And if the builder doesn’t budge on price? Don’t worry. Many are still offering:
· Rate buydowns to lower your monthly payment
· Closing cost assistance
· Upgrade packages for finishes and features


Why Buyers Are Eyeing New Builds

Beyond the incentives, new homes often check the boxes buyers are after:
· Modern layouts with open kitchens and living spaces
· Energy-efficient systems that cut down utility bills
· Smart-home technology
· Minimal repair headaches from day one

Pair that with today’s builder incentives, and buying new construction may be more attainable than you think.


One Word of Advice: Don’t Go Alone—Bring Rocks Realty

When you walk into a builder’s sales office, it’s important to remember: the builder’s rep works for the builder, not for you. Their job is to protect the builder’s bottom line.

That’s where Rocks Realty comes in. Our team:
· Cuts through the sales pitch and crunches the real numbers
· Identifies which incentives actually put money back in your pocket
· Handles negotiations to maximize your savings
· Keeps your goals and best interests front and center, always

Builders may be offering record incentives, but you’ll only unlock the best possible deal if you’ve got the right team behind you.


Bottom Line

If you’ve been struggling to find the right resale home, now is one of the best times in years to consider new construction. With incentives at record highs and builders eager to move inventory, you might be surprised at how far your budget can stretch.

And remember: the builder has someone on their side—you deserve Rocks Realty on yours.

Curious about what today’s builder incentives could mean for your home search? Reach out to Rocks Realty, and let’s see how far your budget can really go.

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