Grand Junction Buyers Are Winning Big with Builder Incentives—Here’s How
If you’ve been house-hunting around the Grand Valley lately, you’ve probably noticed more new-construction communities popping up. And here’s the good news: with the market cooling down a bit, many builders are offering attractive incentives to get those homes sold. That means buyers here in Grand Junction may have more negotiating power than they realize.
At The Janice Burtis Team, we’re here to help you make sense of what’s happening with new builds—why builders are offering these incentives, and how you can take advantage of them. Whether you’re drawn to mountain views, energy-efficient designs, or the convenience of low-maintenance living, understanding these offers can help you make a smart move in today’s shifting market.
A Slow New-Build Market
Over the past year, the housing market has slowed a bit—not just for resale homes, but for new-construction as well. Inventory for new homes continues to climb, with roughly 490,000 new houses available at the end of August 2025—about 4% higher than the same time last year, according to U.S. Census data.
Despite this increase, sales of new single-family homes have remained relatively mild throughout 2025, suggesting that many buyers are still hesitant to jump in, even with more options on the market. Combined with higher mortgage rates and ongoing affordability concerns, this market has encouraged builders to get creative—offering a variety of incentives to attract buyers instead of holding firm on price.
Builders Taking Action
To move inventory and stay competitive, builders have been ramping up their incentives—and the trend is gaining momentum. One of the most common perks today is the mortgage-rate buydown, where the builder pays or subsidizes part of the interest rate to help buyers secure lower monthly payments.
In fact, a recent report shows that more than two-thirds of new-home communities are currently advertising this type of incentive. Many builders are combining multiple offers—such as rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, and upgraded finishes—to stand out in a competitive market. While most prefer to keep base prices steady to preserve community values, there’s been a noticeable uptick in promotions, especially for quick move-in homes.
The reasoning is simple: holding unsold inventory costs money in financing, maintenance, and taxes, so it’s often smarter for builders to offer incentives and move homes faster.
5 Incentives to Look Out For When Browsing New Homes in Grand Junction
Want to take advantage of these new-build perks? Here are five builder incentives you should keep an eye on, and what to ask when you see them:
Mortgage Rate Buy-Downs
Builders may offer to pay ‘points’ or subsidize part of the interest rate so your monthly payment is lower. This can make owning more affordable right from the start.Closing Cost Credits
Some builders will cover a portion (or all) of the buyer’s closing costs—these are the fees you pay at closing and less cash up front.Free or Discounted Upgrades / Design Center Credits
Builders may include premium finishes, appliance packages, upgraded flooring, or offer “flex dollars” you can use toward custom features at no extra cost. These help you get more value for your investment.Price Reductions or Discounts on Inventory Homes
Especially for homes that are already built or near-completion, some builders reduce the price or offer a stronger discount compared to speculative builds.Extended Rate Locks or Flexible Move-In/Closing Schedules
Because new builds sometimes have longer timelines, builders may allow you to lock in your interest rate for an extended period or offer flexible closing dates so you don’t feel rushed or stuck owning two homes temporarily.
If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now could be one of the best times to explore new-construction homes in the Grand Junction area. Just remember, every incentive has its fine print, and what sounds like a great deal might not always be the best long-term fit.
That’s where The Janice Burtis Team comes in. Our deep local expertise and long-standing relationships with area builders mean we can help you compare offers, understand the numbers, and make confident decisions. Whether you’re ready to tour new communities or simply want to learn more about today’s incentives, we’d love to be your guide. Let’s find the perfect new-build home that fits your Grand Junction lifestyle—reach out to us today!
