A 'Techie Approach' to Homebuying

New digital platform Edgewise allows homebuyers to buy new and "in-the-works" properties from builders online, make design choices, upload financial documents, and more. 

Buyers using the service can make and adjust offers, pay deposits, and reserve lots for their home, along with receiving photo and video updates from the builder on project progress. Philadelphia-based real estate developer Streamline was one of the first builders to use the service, Forbes reports, and company director of sales and marketing Tristin Fletcher explains, “Since adopting Edgewise, buyers, for the first time, are able to negotiate with Streamline and reserve homes directly from the builder online. Buyers can review and select units that meet their criteria while having the opportunity to customize their home through selecting finishes throughout.”

With construction costs rising and an ongoing land and labor shortage, it’s no secret that today’s home builders are struggling. New home inventory has dropped in recent months and prices on these properties remain high, sitting at a median sale price of $328,700 as of July—more than $73,000 over the national average. But all hope isn’t lost for cash-strapped buyers on the hunt for new construction. In fact, if they’re willing to get a little non-traditional in their approach, a great deal might not be that hard to come by—even in today’s competitive market.

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