09/24/2026
New construction can look especially appealing in 2026-but the advertised base price is only the beginning! đźŹ
Greater Cincinnati’s median sale price has been around $329,000, inventory has been rising, and 30-year mortgage rates have hovered in the mid-to-high 6% range. That makes comparing the total monthly cost more important than comparing a builder’s headline price to a resale listing.
Before choosing new construction, ask about current incentives: closing-cost credits, temporary or permanent rate buydowns, and upgrade allowances. Many require the builder’s preferred lender or title company, so compare that offer with at least one outside lender. Look at the incentive’s total value alongside the actual purchase price and monthly payment, not just the advertised credit.
Request a written itemization early. Lot premiums for corner, cul-de-sac, walkout, treed, or view lots can add up, along with structural options, design-center upgrades, landscaping, and fencing. Prioritize changes that are difficult to make later, such as layout, wiring, plumbing locations, window placement, and ceiling heights. Lighting, paint, shelving, and some appliances may be easier to add after closing.
Construction schedules can shift. Ask about the completion window, delay provisions, lease expiration exposure, and rate-lock extension or extended-lock options. Also request the written builder warranty: coverage periods, exclusions, service process, and how it differs from a separate home warranty product.
New construction still deserves due diligence. Where permitted, consider an independent inspection before drywall and another before closing. Review dispute-resolution terms with an attorney, and confirm property taxes, HOA fees, and any CDD-type assessments.
Resale may offer mature trees, established neighborhoods, larger lots, immediate move-in, and sometimes more negotiable pricing. Neither option is automatically better. It depends on your priorities and total cost.
Have questions? Reach out to Sean Dennedy at 513-227-4284! đź“ž
