Here's something I’ve been seeing more of in Duval County: new homes are starting to compete with resale prices in a real way. For years, the rule of thumb was that a new build would run you more per square foot—but builder incentives are shaking up those old assumptions. The reason? Builders have a lot of completed homes they need to move, while most homeowners are choosing to stay put, which keeps existing inventory tight and resale prices higher.
Not long ago, new homes always carried a premium. Now, we’re seeing builders cut prices and sweeten the deal, putting buyers in the driver’s seat—especially in neighborhoods where there’s plenty of new inventory. But in spots with less construction, resale sellers still have the upper hand.
If you’re weighing your options, know that the strongest negotiation power is where builders have multiple homes on the market. That could change if new building slows down and the current discounts start to fade. For VA buyers, this is one of those rare windows where a new home might just fit your budget without the usual sticker shock. My job is to help you spot these shifts and make them work in your favor.
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