Closing cost and price reduction on builder home (how much, new home)

[ilikehouston]

Hi
I am in negotiation with a builder to buy a new home. I was wondering do usually builders pay the closing cost or I have to come up with it. I know I can negotiate on it but I was wondering whats the norm.
If it usually builder who pays it then I can negotiate to get the price of house down.
Also I asked her that since I am not using a Realtor, can they give me price concession which is around 3%. But she said that it illegal. But it doesnt make a point. Anyway they have to give it to Realtor then why not reduce the price when I am not using one.

I just want to make sure they are not trying to screw with me.

Anybody who brought a new home from a builder recently, please can you share how much price reduction you were able to get from what they were asking.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

[Rick4Life]

It's illegal for them to give you the 3%, however you can negotiate with them to try and get the "Realtor Bonus" that they sometimes give to Realtors if it is an inventory home. What builder are you going with? How old is the home?

[Wysiwyg]

I didnt use a realtor so they didnt charge me for an extra 3 feet of lot width as the 'discount'. I think the closing costs savings is when you go with the builders prefered lender. they made it look like i saved a lot there :P

[chris_ut]

Originally Posted by ilikehouston

Also I asked her that since I am not using a Realtor, can they give me price concession which is around 3%. But she said that it illegal. But it doesnt make a point. Anyway they have to give it to Realtor then why not reduce the price when I am not using one.

I just want to make sure they are not trying to screw with me.

That is bull. I have bought 2 new homes without a Realtor and had the 3% applied to closing costs. Ask for the Texas statute number that makes it illegal and i guarantee that can't name it.