By Benson Verbel | benson.verbel@yahoo.com | atHome Colorado, Guest Contributor
A Broker once told me, "Everyone should experience the fun of a new build at some point!" The excitement of "building" your home is sorta unmatched, and in Northern Colorado, we have a lot of new builds to choose from. From Berthoud to Briggsdale, and from Erie to Fort Collins, builders are busy at work. From under $ 300,000 to over $3 million, there are options. With current builder incentives, this may be the best time to consider a new build, too! The building industry is a good representative of the health of the economy and the market. I remember growing up, and when we saw the tower cranes in Denver, that was a good sign of economic progress. My kids and I will now count how many we see when we are near Denver. In Northern Colorado, the Northern Colorado Home Builders Association is a significant driver of development in the area. Their vision statement, "Transforming communities through service, collaboration, and education while advocating for life-changing homeownership," demonstrates a clear commitment to where they want to be and how they aim to represent the future of the area for both builders and homeowners. Their parade of homes is coming up in the first part of September, and if you get a chance, take a look at some of these amazing homes! They are not just million-dollar mansions, but also condos and single-family homes. Follow the link for more info https://nocoparadeofhomes.com/web/.
New builds offer you the chance to choose your location, style, and move into a home that has never been lived in. They also offer you the opportunity to be one of the first to enter into a new area and grow a neighborhood. New build communities have a distinct energy, knowing that everyone living there has had a similar experience, moved in around the same time, and is part of shaping the neighborhood's personality. Some people want a neighborhood with mature trees, character, and homes that "don't all look the same." That suits some people, and I completely understand. Big beige boxes don't appeal to me either, and builders put a lot of effort into making the neighborhood's layout aesthetically pleasing. Some neighborhoods might start that way, but it's the homeowners who change the feel of the neighborhood. New builds are also appealing to the pocketbooks of many people right now. Builders are in the business of moving inventory and can't sit on unsold homes for very long. Builders build in phases, and most need to finish selling each phase before starting the next.
Sitting on unsold inventory is not a good business model. Builders also know how to market to consumers. The primary concern for buyers at present is affordability. The biggest impact on that is interest rates. Some builders can offer significant discounts on rates through preferred lenders. They do this by buying down rates from a large fund they created specifically for that, because after all, it's cheaper to buy down a rate (and it's more impactful for the buyer and marketing purposes) than reducing the price, and that is true for any Buyer or Seller (new build or not). Many builders also own mortgage companies, so they make money either way. Inventory is high in the market, and builders are also feeling the pressure to sell their properties. Incentives are out there, and Buyers should take advantage! I just had a client secure a 3.99% rate with all lender fees paid, which reduced their cash to close by tens of thousands, as well as their monthly mortgage payment by almost $700. Builders need to move inventory, and this time of year is especially true as we approach the end of the year. I see builders offering $20,000-$50,000 off the purchase price, plus 3% of the price in concessions to be used for rate buy-downs, upgrades, pre-paids, lender fees, etc. A concern for many people is the metro district taxes. These have become a significant expense for homeowners purchasing a property. The metro tax can sometimes double your property taxes in some areas. What was once a fairly uncommon thing has become the norm, but there's good news: new build neighborhoods without metro taxes are available! Luckily, that is another way to help incentivise buyers and is a great opportunity to take advantage of right now. According to HousingWire, "The price gap between new and existing homes fell to a record low in the second quarter of 2025 -- making newly built properties a more affordable option for many buyers." If you are considering purchasing, consider a new build. However, as with all real estate purchases, use a Realtor you trust so you have someone working in your best interests. Just like purchasing from a traditional seller who is looking out for their interests, builders are doing the same. Remember, buy when you are ready and able, and enjoy the experience of buying!
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