How to Get the Best Deals on a New Construction Home in Princeton as a First-Time Buyer
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Buying a new construction home in Princeton, TX is an exciting step for first-time buyers. But getting a good deal isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about understanding builder tactics, timing your offer, and working with the right professionals.
If you want a home that’s both a dream and a smart investment, you need to negotiate more than just the sticker price.
Why Princeton Is a Hot Spot for New Construction Deals
Princeton offers an ideal entry point into the North Texas real estate market thanks to:
Affordable land and lower price per square foot than Frisco or McKinney
A surge in new developments by major builders
Increasing availability of inventory (spec) homes ready for move-in
Builder competition that drives discount and incentive opportunities
“Builders in Princeton are highly motivated to close—especially when they’re sitting on unsold inventory. First-time buyers can leverage that to their advantage.”— Nitin Gupta, Broker Associate, REALTOR®
Tip 1: Work with a Buyer’s Agent—Before You Visit Model Homes
The builder’s sales agent works for the builder, not for you. A buyer’s agent costs you nothing and protects your interests from contract to closing.
Your agent will help you:
Identify hidden costs
Negotiate for upgrades and credits
Compare pricing across different builders and communities
Contact an expert Princeton buyer’s agent:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact/
Tip 2: Time Your Offer Around Builder Deadlines
Builders offer the deepest discounts:
At the end of the fiscal quarter or year
When they’re closing out a phase of development
To meet sales quotas or reduce excess inventory
“In Q4 last year, I negotiated $20,000 in savings on a Princeton spec home just because the builder needed to hit a quarterly goal,” says Gupta.
Tip 3: Target Inventory (Spec) Homes for Immediate Deals
Pre-built homes sitting on the market are often eligible for:
Price reductions
Free design upgrades
Paid closing costs or interest rate buy-downs
Pro Tip: Builders are more flexible with spec homes than with to-be-built homes still in the design or framing stage.
Tip 4: Negotiate for More Than Just Price
In many cases, builders won’t reduce base pricing—but they will offer high-value concessions.
Ask your agent to negotiate for:
Closing cost credits (often $7,000–$12,000)
Premium appliances or flooring upgrades
Smart home packages or energy-efficient systems
Extended warranties or HOA fee waivers
“The smartest buyers know that $10,000 in closing cost credits or free upgrades is just as valuable as a price cut—and easier to get approved by the builder.”
Tip 5: Compare Builder Lenders with Outside Options
While builders may offer incentives for using their in-house lender, the long-term cost can outweigh the short-term perks.
Always get a quote from an outside lender
Ask your agent to review loan disclosures
Use competing offers to negotiate better loan terms
Warning: A builder may offer $10K in credits, but pair it with a mortgage rate that costs you $30K over time.
Tip 6: Ask for Lot Premium Discounts
Premium lots (corner lots, greenbelt views, cul-de-sacs) often come with extra fees—but those fees are negotiable, especially when the lot hasn’t moved.
Some buyers save $5,000–$15,000 by negotiating or waiving lot premiums
Builders may waive premiums if you're flexible on closing or bring your own financing
Tip 7: Watch for End-of-Phase and Closeout Incentives
As builders wrap up a phase, they’re eager to close out remaining inventory.
Look for steep discounts or major upgrade packages
Ask about “move-in ready” specials or buyer incentive events
Builders may be more open to negotiation than during early construction phases
New Construction Savings by the Numbers
76% of new construction buyers in Texas received some form of builder incentive in 2023
Builder concessions on closing costs average $8,700–$11,400
Pre-built homes (specs) in Princeton sell 12–18% faster than custom builds(Source: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics)
Certifications That Make Nitin Gupta a Trusted Advisor
Nitin Gupta is a new construction expert who helps buyers secure favorable terms and avoid costly builder traps. He holds:
Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS™)
View his credentials:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/about/
Ready to Score the Best Deal on Your First Home in Princeton?
Don’t let builders pressure you into paying more than you should. Work with a certified buyer’s agent who knows the Princeton market—and how to negotiate with every major builder in town.
Get expert guidance today:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact/
About us: How We Help You Buy Your First Home in Princeton - Princeton Real Estate Agent
You need a top Princeton real estate agent & team to work hard for you and guide you through the home buying process. Our Realtors are devoted to helping our clients find the right home, at the best price, and with a minimal amount of stress and disruption to their lives. Our goal is to find the home in Princeton that will make you happy and successful in real estate ownership.
When you hire us to help you buy your first home in Princeton area, we want to know what you want and how much you can afford. Your Top Princeton Real Estate Agent will find a way to merge these two priorities and find a residence you will enjoy owning for years. Starting with the first interview determining your requirements to the moment we present the keys to your first home, your Realtor will walk you through the complicated home-buying process. We will share our expertise to educate you on the market and the process of buying a home, so you will be prepared to make the best choices and feel comfortable with all of your decisions. Please contact us to find out more about how we can make the home buying process easier for you.
