FLU says it well.. Builders don’t want to lower the actual selling price. The illusion is protected.
BUGS can address this better, but the upgrades will be viewed differently to lenders and IF the appraisal (with upgrades)doesn’t meet the agreed selling price, financing will become a problem. Paying HOA’s, property taxes or other things actually reduce the selling price.
The real problem arises when someone agrees to pay $XXX and the appraisal is less. The dance begins.
I can never guarantee anyone that I can get them better financing than what a builder will offer, but it’s worth checking out. They squirm when they know that you are shopping.
The builder also adds to their profits by having a finger in the financing, and they play games with incentives.
If you want upgrades, it’s kind of crazy to buy the builder base model at a cheap price, and then start making chenges on your own. You can probably save some cash, but may void some builder warranties etc.
Years ago in Florida there were stories of a new Cadillac in the garage when you bought a condo. That doesn’t work anymore. Lenders don’t lend that way.
Builders have some influence with “their” appraisers.
It’s not a bad idea for a buyer to get an appraisal from an independent to confirm current value.
