When it comes to buying a new home, the main things that probably come to mind are features, location, and price.
However, with the current state of the real estate market, buyers face an unexpected challenge: bidding wars.
While bidding wars have historically been associated with resale homes, new-construction homes can also be subject to intense competition.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not bidding wars are a common occurrence for new construction homes and how you can navigate the process to increase your chances of success.
Bidding wars on new construction homes have become common due to the high demand for homes in the current market.
As a result, buyers find it challenging to compete with other buyers who offer tempting bids, such as paying over the asking price or making cash offers.
However, buying a newly constructed home is a better option since there is no competition.
Homebuyers can take their time to plan and design a home that suits their needs while avoiding the stress of competing with other buyers.
Building a home from scratch lets the buyer choose the layout, cabinet style, flooring, windows, and wall colors that match their taste.
Although some may argue that building a new home is more expensive and takes longer, it is usually cheaper in the long run.
What Is A House Bidding War?
A house bidding war is a competitive situation in which multiple buyers attempt to purchase a property by submitting increasingly higher offers.
Bidding wars usually occur when there is high demand for homes and low inventory in the market.
As a seller in a seller’s market, you can generate more interest in your property, leading to multiple offers and bidding wars.
As a buyer, it can be intimidating to participate in a bidding war, as it often leads to offers being driven higher than the initial list price.
However, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning, such as securing pre-approval for financing and offering to pay in cash if possible.
It’s important to note that winning a bidding war requires balancing the desire to acquire the property with the need to avoid overpaying.
Do New Construction Homes Have Bidding War
New construction homes are increasing in popularity, and many people wonder if bidding wars are involved in getting one built.
Recent data shows bidding wars are becoming less common in the housing market.
However, in the case of new construction homes, it depends on the development’s demand and popularity.
As with any purchase, the more popular and in-demand the property is, the more likely it is to attract competing bids, potentially leading to a bidding war.
It is important to note that bidding wars are more commonly associated with pre-existing homes, but it is still possible for new construction homes to have the same issue.
In general, it is advisable to act quickly and put in an offer as soon as the plots become available to increase the chances of securing the desired home without any competition.
Why Do Most New Construction Homes Not There On Bidding Wars
Most new construction homes do not typically have bidding wars because buyers buy directly from the builder.
Unlike in a resale situation, where multiple buyers may be interested in the same property, new construction homes are typically planned and built to fit specific lot sizes and within certain neighborhoods.
Additionally, the price of the home is typically predetermined, so buyers do not need to compete with one another.
However, because the demand for new construction homes is high in some areas, buyers may still need to act quickly to secure the home they want.
This means contacting the builder or working with a knowledgeable realtor who can help them navigate buying a new construction home.
With the current state of the housing market, where there are more buyers than available homes, it is crucial to act quickly when purchasing a new construction home.
What Are The Factors That Can Trigger Bidding Wars On New Construction Homes?
Bidding wars on new construction homes can occur due to various factors.
Firstly, the location of the property can be a major factor.
If it is situated in a desirable and/or wealthy area, there may be a high demand for housing, which can increase competition among buyers.
Also, homes with unique features, such as stunning views or high-end finishes, can generate a lot of interest and competition among buyers.
A move-in ready property with no additional work is also highly desirable. This means buyers won’t have to spend extra money on renovations and can move in immediately.
Moreover, starting with a competitive list price can set the stage for a bidding war.
Finally, bidding wars can occur when there is a limited supply of homes for sale in a particular area, and multiple buyers are interested in buying new construction homes.
How Does A New Construction Home Bidding War Take Place
When it comes to new construction homes, a bidding war can occur if there is high demand but limited inventory.
The rules for a bidding war on new construction homes can vary, but generally, interested buyers will submit their best offer in hopes of being chosen by the builder.
Some builders may have set bidding guidelines, such as a deadline for offers or a minimum price increase from the previous offer.
Others may select the highest bid. Like a bidding war on a previously owned home, buyers can increase their chances of winning by offering a higher price or making more favorable terms for the builder.
It’s important for buyers to have their finances in order with preapproval and to act quickly when submitting their offer.
In case of financial issues, the buyer may opt for an alternative, like applying for an FHA loan when purchasing a new construction home.
In some cases, a builder may also consider an all-cash offer over a higher amount with financing because it eliminates the risk of financing falling through.
How To Win A House Bidding War
In a competitive housing market, winning a bidding war can be tricky.
However, a few strategies can increase the chances of success.
Firstly, make sure the seller still accepts offers while the sale is pending.
If the sales contract has a kick-out clause, the seller can continue accepting offers.
Be ready to act quickly and make an offer that matches or exceeds the last offer.
Secondly, proposing a backup offer makes it worth the seller’s time and effort to invoke the kick-out clause.
Increase the earnest deposit, offer a tantalizing price, and try to make the contract as contingent-free as possible.
Lastly, keep an eye on the contingent or pending sales process, as buyers might back out before the closing date for various reasons, such as unsatisfactory home inspection reports or failure to get financing.
These strategies make it possible to come out on top in a house bidding war.
Can I Avoid The House Bidding War
The bidding war is one of the biggest challenges for homebuyers in the current real estate market.
With shrinking inventory and high demand, buyers often compete with multiple offers on a property.
However, there are strategies buyers can use to avoid a bidding war and save money.
Firstly, working with an experienced, full-time real estate agent who can help find hidden inventory and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf is important.
Secondly, buyers can consider homes on the market for longer periods as they may have more room for negotiation.
Further, buyers should be flexible regarding their desired location, floor plan, and upgrades.
Buyers can save money and avoid overpaying in a bidding war by prioritizing their must-haves and considering some DIY projects.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Bidding Wars On New Construction Homes
When it comes to buying a home, the current high demand for housing has made it extremely competitive.
This has led to bidding wars where multiple prospective buyers fight for the same house, often resulting in bidding price above the asking price.
However, opting for a new construction home provides several benefits, including improved energy efficiency, custom personalization options, a new-home warranty, and state-of-the-art smart home technology.
Plus, purchasing a new home means no bidding wars. This eliminates the stress and surprises that come with competing for a resale home.
Additionally, buying a home under construction locks in the price, whereas the prices of surrounding houses may go up.
Overall, opting for a new construction home can be a great choice for those wanting to skip bidding wars and have a stress-free home-buying experience.
Bottom Line
Bidding wars on new construction homes depends largely on the current real estate market conditions.
The chances of a bidding war are greater in a seller’s market, where there is high demand and low inventory.
Buyers who find themselves in a bidding war should take appropriate steps beforehand to increase their likelihood of success.
These steps include obtaining a mortgage pre-approval, acting quickly, and making an all-cash offer if possible.
New construction homes offer top-of-the-line features and amenities that align with the motivations of today’s buyers for a lifestyle as opposed to just an investment vehicle.
As a result, buying a new home for a higher price but with a high value may be the smarter option in the long run.
Newly constructed homes are critical to the economy and its growth, regardless of current market conditions.
FAQs
Why Do Bid Wars Fail?
Bidding wars occur when multiple buyers compete for the same home, resulting in an increase in the price of the home.
Bidding wars fail because they can be financially and emotionally draining for the buyers, especially when they lose out on the home despite offering more than the asking price.
What Is The Best Strategy When Bidding For A House?
A pre-approved mortgage gives you an advantage over other bidders because sellers prefer financially secure buyers.
In a seller’s market, where demand is high, and supply is low, it may be necessary to bid high to be competitive. In a buyer’s market, where supply is high, and demand is low, bidding low may be a better strategy.
How To Manage House Bidding Wars Effectively?
A house bidding war happens when two or more parties compete to buy the same house.
Each party attempts to present the most attractive offer, usually highlighting a price they think will be the highest.
To avoid a bidding war, make your strongest offer immediately. If you’re prepared to bid up to a certain amount, offer that amount initially.
Maximize your down payment and submit proof of funds showing you have that money in your account. Your agent may offer additional tips based on the demand in your market.