10/26/2026
New Homes Compete Below Resale Prices
It’s not every day we see new homes priced to compete below resale options, but that’s exactly what’s unfolding in markets across the country. Builder incentives have upended the old assumption that new construction always comes with a higher price per square foot—giving today’s buyers some interesting choices to weigh. This shift comes from two directions: builders are motivated to move finished homes, while many current owners are staying put, which keeps resale inventory tight and competition strong on that side. For years, new homes typically came with a premium, but with builders cutting prices and piling on incentives, that’s no longer the rule. If you’re considering your next move, remember that negotiation leverage is strongest in areas where builders have a healthy supply of new homes on hand. In places with less construction, resale sellers still tend to have the upper hand. Whether this window of opportunity lasts depends on how permitting and construction move forward—if building slows, discounts on new homes may not stick around. My decades of experience in the Grand Lake market have shown that timing and local trends make all the difference when weighing your options.
