New Homes Compete Below Resale Prices | Let’s connect & talk about the latest insights in the industry!

Over my 21 years in the Katy & West Houston market, I’ve seen plenty of assumptions about new construction—especially that new homes always cost more per square foot than resale. Lately, that’s shifted. Across the country, builders are offering incentives and price cuts, challenging the old rulebook and giving buyers some real food for thought. Builders are motivated to sell finished homes, while many owners are holding onto theirs, keeping resale inventory tight and prices steady. For much of the last decade, new homes came at a premium, but now the tables have turned in many neighborhoods. Where builders have more inventory, buyers find themselves with extra negotiation power—sometimes, even better deals than on resale homes. The catch? In areas where there’s not much new construction, resale sellers still have the upper hand. As we look ahead, the balance could shift again if new-home building slows down and those discounts narrow. If you’re weighing your options, it’s a good time to think strategically and look at both sides of the market. Experience has taught me: in real estate, timing and negotiation matter more than rules of thumb.