First-Time Buyer Success: How Jasmine Garcia Secured $11,000 in Concessions Before Closing

Buying your first home can feel complicated enough without a tight timeline and last-minute surprises. For Ashley Regis, the process became especially important when promises made by the builder did not fully match what she found just before closing.

She worked with Jasmine Garcia of Stone Realty Group, who helped Ashley understand each stage of the purchase while keeping the transaction moving toward her deadline.

A First-Time Buyer With a Short Timeline

Ashley came into the search with two priorities: find the right home quickly and understand exactly what was happening throughout the purchase.

For a first-time buyer, contracts, inspections, financing and closing requirements can introduce a lot of unfamiliar terminology and decisions. Jasmine focused on explaining the process clearly, answering Ashley's questions and keeping important deadlines organized.

That preparation became especially valuable when an unexpected issue emerged just before closing.

Builder Repairs Were Still Incomplete Before Closing

The builder had indicated that items identified during a previous inspection had been addressed. Before Ashley moved forward, however, Jasmine discovered that several important repairs had not actually been completed.

With only a few days remaining before closing, Ashley was not comfortable signing off until the outstanding work had been resolved.

Jasmine supported that decision and coordinated a re-inspection to confirm what still needed attention. She then worked with the builder's side to make sure the remaining repairs were handled before Ashley took ownership.

For buyers purchasing new construction, a final walkthrough or re-inspection can be an important opportunity to confirm that agreed-upon work has actually been completed rather than relying solely on assurances.

$11,000 in Seller-Paid Concessions and a Blinds Package

Jasmine's negotiation strategy extended beyond the repairs themselves.

She also negotiated $11,000 in seller-paid concessions for Ashley along with a full blinds package. Those terms helped reduce some of Ashley's upfront expenses as she prepared to move into her first home.

Concessions and builder incentives can vary significantly by property, builder, financing and market conditions. Buyers should evaluate the complete offer, including price, incentives, repairs and closing costs, rather than focusing on any one number.

“I’m so thankful to have had Jasmine advocating for me. She worked with my short timeline and helped me understand the home buying process.”

— Ashley

Why Representation Matters With New Construction

Buying directly from a builder can sometimes appear more straightforward than purchasing a resale home, but buyers still have important decisions to make about contracts, inspections, incentives, repairs and closing terms.

The builder's sales representative works for the builder. Having separate buyer representation gives the purchaser someone focused on reviewing the transaction from the buyer's perspective.

Jasmine brings specific experience to these purchases. Her current Stone Realty Group profile notes that she has completed new-construction transactions with builders including David Weekley, Pulte, Meritage, Lennar, DR Horton and others.

For Ashley, that experience became especially important when the transaction required both last-minute repair coordination and additional negotiation before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have a new construction home inspected before closing?
Many buyers choose to have an independent inspection even when purchasing a newly built home. An inspection can identify incomplete work, defects or items that may need additional attention before closing.

Can buyers negotiate concessions with a homebuilder?
Sometimes. Builders may offer closing cost assistance, upgrades or other incentives depending on the community, inventory, financing and current sales conditions. The available terms vary from one transaction to another.

What happens if builder repairs are not finished before closing?
Buyers should review the issue with their agent and determine what options are available under the contract. Depending on the circumstances, that may include requesting completion before closing, documenting outstanding items or seeking professional legal guidance when necessary.

Buying Your First Home or New Construction in Charlotte?

If you are comparing new construction, navigating builder incentives or preparing for your first purchase, connect with Jasmine Garcia for experienced buyer representation throughout Charlotte and the surrounding Carolinas.