Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?
If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity.
Myth 1: New Homes Are More Expensive
It’s easy to assume a new build will cost more than an existing home, but that’s not necessarily true, especially right now.
Data from Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the median price of a newly built home today is actually lower than a home that’s been lived in already (an existing home):
So, why’s this happening? As Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, explains:
“This largely reflects two trends: New homes are getting smaller on average, and builders are doing more price cuts.”
If you’ve ruled out new construction based on price alone, it’s time to take another look. Talk to your local real estate agent to see what’s available (and at what price points).
Myth 2: Builders Don’t Negotiate
Many buyers assume builders aren’t going to play ball when it comes time to negotiate. But that’s just not the case. A number of builders are sitting on finished inventory they want to sell quickly. And that makes them more open to compromising. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains a builder:
“. . . would love to sell you the home because they’re not living in it. It costs money not to sell the home. And many of the public home builders have said in their earnings calls that they are not going to be pulling back on incentives, especially the mortgage rate buydown . . .”
That means you may find builders more flexible than individual sellers, and more motivated to toss in incentives to get the deal done. According to Zonda, 75% of new home communities offered incentives on new homes considered quick move-ins in June.
Myth 3: They Don’t Build Them Like They Used To
Some people think newer homes lack the craftsmanship of older ones. But here’s a reality check. Quality can vary in any era. And using a reputable builder matters more than the build date.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a good way to gauge quality is by talking to buyers who have purchased from that builder recently. In an article, NAHB explains:
“Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they cannot, consider that a red flag and walk away.”
The article suggests asking those buyers questions like:
- Did the builder meet their expectations?
- Would you use that same builder, if you were to do it again?
But you can also ask your agent about the builder’s reputation. Generally, agents know about the builders active in your area and may even have experience with past clients who have bought a home in one of that builder’s communities.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need Your Own Real Estate Agent
This might be the biggest myth of all. The truth is, when you buy a brand-new home, using your own agent is even more important. Builder contracts have different fine print, and you’ll want a pro on your side who can really explain what you’re signing and advocate for your best interests.
These stats seem to prove that’s the case. In a Realtor.com survey, buyers who purchased a newly built home rated their agents far more helpful than the builder (or the builder’s representative) during the process (see visual below):
Bottom Line
Don’t let misconceptions keep you from exploring one of the most promising options in today’s housing market.
Whether you’re curious about what’s being built nearby or wondering if a new home fits your budget, let’s connect and take a closer look. You might be surprised by what’s out there.
Experienced Realtor Representing Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over East Texas since 2012! Always Striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Agent I can for all of my clients! Recently Awarded Best Realtor of the Year in 2024 by the Lufkin Association of Realtors!
Twila Bertrand, Realtor
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901
twilabertrand@gmail.com
Cell #936-208-7631
Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think
Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth.
Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.
That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.
This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling
A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on your own. That’s because homes were flying off the market and buyers were pulling out all the stops. But that’s just not the case anymore. With more inventory than we’ve seen in years, we’re not in a “list it and they will come” market anymore. You need professional expertise.
A yard sign and some photos you take on your own won’t cut it.
Right now, the housing market is getting back to what most would consider a more normal balance of buyers and sellers, and that really changes the game. According to Realtor.com, the latest number of listings for sale was the highest it’s been in any month of July since 2019 (see graph below):
And while inventory growth is going to vary by local market, nationally, this graph shows the number of homes for sale is inching back toward normal.
With more listings available, that means buyers can be more selective. They’ll compare your home to others on price, condition, photos, location, and more. If yours doesn’t stand out, it will get skipped over.
More Inventory = More Competition for You
Selling today requires the latest pricing strategy, expert prep work, professional marketing, and strong negotiation skills. And if you’re not bringing all of that to the table, chances are, you’re going to feel it in your bottom line.
More Homeowners Are Turning To the Pros
That’s why even more home sellers are working with agents today. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record-low percentage of homeowners sold without an agent last year. And the few sellers who tried to sell on their own realized their mistake pretty quickly.
According to Zillow, 21% of homeowners ended up hiring an agent anyway after struggling to sell on their own.
So, why take the risk? With a local pro, you’ll have:
- Pricing precision to attract buyers and maximize your return
- Expert staging and presentation advice to highlight your home’s best features
- Pro-level marketing, including the best exposure and access to buyer networks you can’t reach on your own
- Skilled negotiation to evaluate offers and navigate inspections, protecting your bottom line
- Local market expertise that helps your listing stand out based on what inventory looks like in your area
An agent’s expertise isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.
Bottom Line
In a market with more listings and pickier buyers, many sellers who try to sell on their own end up working with an agent anyway. So why not start there?
Let’s connect so you have a pro who knows exactly what it takes to sell your house in today’s market, for the best possible price, without leaving money on the table.
Reach out if you want a professional assessment on what your house could sell for today.
Twila Bertrand – Award winning and results proven Realtor® Helping families buy and sell homes with faith, integrity, and results. Always striving to be the Best Realtor I can for all of my clients!📍 Serving Lufkin, Diboll, Huntington, Central, Nacogdoches & Lake Sam Rayburn Area Properties.
💻https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila-Bertrand
The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear
Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.
Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.
Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.
Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First
Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That’s a fast track for getting frustrated.
Instead, find your agent and talk to a lender early – before looking at any houses. With your lender’s help, you’ll be able to get pre-approved for your home loan. That’ll give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow. And it helps you set a realistic budget. Then, your agent will be able to make you a customized list of homes, so you’re only seeing what’ll work for what you can spend. More clarity, less frustration.
Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It
Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice:
“When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.”
So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget.
Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Inspection
When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you.
Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They’ll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later.
Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home
For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don’t have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It’s a starting point, not your final destination.
An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity. Then, grow from there.
Bottom Line
Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Let’s talk about where you’re starting, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know to make it happen.
What’s one question you wish you could ask an expert right now? What is keeping you from owning a home vs sending your money to a landlord?
Looking for the Best Local Realtor in Angelina County, look no further! I am always striving to be the Best Realtor and Best Local Expert I can for my clients! Serving Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!
Twila Bertrand, Realtor
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
936-208-7631
twilabertrand@gmail.com
210 E Lufkin Ave
Lufkin Tx, 75901
https://www.zillow.com/profile/Twila%20Bertrand
The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading

The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading
There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.
Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.
Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead (see graph below):
And if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.
Here’s what the breakdown shows:
- The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.
- The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.
- The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year.
Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.
That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.
And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash. It’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.
Want to know what that means for our neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code.Let’s have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what our local data means for you.
Always striving to be the Best Real Estate Agent I can for all of my clients!
Proudly serving Buyer and Seller clients in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!
Twila Bertrand, Realtor
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
210 E Lufkin Ave, Lufkin Tx 75901
twilabertrand@gmail.com
Cell# 936-208-7631
Click here for a link to my client testimonials!
Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):
And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice.
A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t plan to use an agent have doubts about whether that’s actually the right decision.
And here’s why. The market is changing – not in a bad way, just in a way that requires a smarter, more strategic approach. And having a real estate expert in your corner really pays off.
Here are just two of the ways an agent’s expertise makes a difference.
1. Getting the Price Right in a Market That’s Evolving
One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good or selling your house for what your neighbor’s sold for a few years back – you need to hit the bullseye for where the market is right now. Without an agent’s help, you’re more likely to miss the mark. As Zillow explains:
“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
Basically, they know what’s really selling, what buyers are willing to pay in your area, and how to position your house to sell quickly. That kind of insight can have a big impact, especially in a market that’s balancing out.
2. Handling (and Actually Understanding) the Legal Documents
There’s also a mountain of documentation when selling a house, including everything from disclosures to contracts. And a mistake can have big legal implications. This is another area where having an agent can help.
They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track, so you avoid delays. And now that buyers are including more contingencies again and asking for concessions, your agent will guide you through each form step by step, making sure it’s done right and documented correctly the first time.
3. Selling Your House Quickly Even in a Shifting Market
Now that the number of homes for sale has grown, homes aren’t selling at quite the same pace they were. But you can still sell quickly if you have a proven plan to help your house stand out.
Just remember, homeowners don’t have the same network or marketing tools an experienced agent does. So, if you want the process to happen fast, you’ll likely want a pro by your side.
Bottom Line
Having the right agent and the right strategy is key in a shifting market. Let’s connect so you don’t have to take this on solo – and so you can list with confidence, knowing you’ve got expert guidance from day one. I am always striving to be the Best Real Estate Agent I can for all of my clients!
Rooted in Faith and Strengthened by Hope — Guiding you home with Purpose! Isaiah 40:31
Helping Buyers and Sellers with Real Estate sales in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all throughout East Texas since 2012!
Twila Bertrand, Realtor
210 E Lufkin Ave
Lufkin, Tx 75901
Email: twilabertrand@gmail.com
Cell: 936-208-7631
Click the link below for many of my client testimonials and see why they believe I am one of the Best Local Realtors in Angelina County!