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

If you have been skipping over new construction in Reston and nearby Northern Virginia, you might be doing it based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up the biggest myths so you can decide with better local context.

Myth 1: New Homes Are Always More Expensive

It is easy to assume a new build will cost more than an existing home. That has not always been the case lately. National data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s New Residential Sales series and NAR’s existing home price data shows the median new home price has recently tracked below the median existing home price.

Why is this happening? As Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union explains, new homes are getting a bit smaller on average and many builders have used targeted price cuts and incentives. If you ruled out new construction on price alone, it may be time to take another look. Ask your lender to compare the total monthly cost after any builder incentives to a similar resale in the same school pyramid.

Local note: New homes inside Reston are limited. You will find more options in close-in corridors like Herndon, Chantilly, Fairfax, Ashburn, and Alexandria. Use NVAR market stats to compare neighborhood price trends while you shop.

Myth 2: Builders Do Not Negotiate

Many buyers assume a builder will not negotiate. That is not always true. Some communities have finished homes they want off the books. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, notes that public builders have been clear on earnings calls about keeping incentives in play, especially mortgage rate buydowns. Industry tracker Zonda recently reported that a large share of quick-move-in communities are offering incentives.

• Ask about a temporary or permanent rate buydown and compare it to a similar price reduction.
• Look for closing cost help tied to the builder’s preferred lender.
• Be ready with a fully underwritten approval so you can move quickly if the right home pops up.

Myth 3: They Do Not Build Them Like They Used To

Quality varies in every era. The builder’s track record matters more than the year on the permit. The National Association of Home Builders suggests asking for recent buyer references. If a builder will not provide them, consider that a red flag. Your agent can also share on-the-ground feedback from clients who have bought with that builder across Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

Questions to ask recent buyers:

• Did the builder meet expectations on timeline and punch list?
• Would they choose the same builder again?
• How responsive was warranty service in the first year?

Myth 4: You Do Not Need Your Own Real Estate Agent

This might be the biggest myth. Builder contracts are different from standard resale contracts in Northern Virginia. You want someone on your side who explains the fine print, tracks deadlines, and advocates for your interests during selections, inspections, and warranty.

In a recent Realtor.com survey, buyers who purchased a newly built home rated their own agents more helpful than the builder’s representative across key parts of the process.

Bottom Line for Reston and Northern Virginia

Do not let myths keep you from exploring one of today’s most promising options. If you are curious about communities close to Reston, or wondering whether a new home fits your budget, reach out. I can share current incentives, quick-move-ins, and neighborhood-level comps so you can compare new construction to resales across Reston, Herndon, and the broader Northern Virginia market.