If you’ve been skipping over new construction homes in Conejo Valley, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, or Simi Valley, you might be basing your decision on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths so you don’t miss out on a valuable opportunity in today’s real estate market.

Myth 1: New Homes Are More Expensive

It’s easy to assume a newly built home will cost more than an existing home, but that’s not necessarily true—especially in the current housing market.

Data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the median price of a newly built home today is actually lower than that of an existing home.

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 buying a new home in Conejo Valley based on price alone, it’s time to take another look. A local real estate agent can show you what’s available at competitive price points.

Myth 2: Builders Don’t Negotiate

Many buyers assume builders won’t negotiate—but that’s simply not true. A number of builders have move-in-ready homes in Conejo Valley they want to sell quickly, making them more open to price adjustments and incentives.

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 . . .”

According to Zonda, 75% of new home communities offered incentives for quick move-ins in June—meaning buyers may get better terms than with individual sellers.

Myth 3: They Don’t Build Them Like They Used To

Some believe newer homes lack the craftsmanship of older properties. The truth? Quality can vary in any era, and working with a reputable home builder in Conejo Valley matters more than the build date.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) advises talking to recent buyers to gauge quality:

“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.”

You can also ask your local real estate agent about a builder’s reputation—they often have firsthand experience with past clients in that builder’s communities.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need Your Own Real Estate Agent

This might be the biggest myth of all. When you buy a brand-new home in Conejo Valley, having your own real estate agent is crucial. Builder contracts have unique terms, and your agent will protect your best interests, explain the fine print, and guide you through negotiations.

In fact, a Realtor.com survey shows buyers of newly built homes found their agents far more helpful than the builder’s representative.

Bottom Line

Don’t let misconceptions stop you from exploring new homes for sale in Conejo Valley, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, or Simi Valley. Whether you’re curious about current inventory or wondering if a new home fits your budget, let’s connect and take a closer look. You may be surprised by the opportunities waiting for you.