We're on the edge of purchasing a new home and was told that it was possible to haggle a little bit on the price.

We currently have no agent (Should we get one?). My mom who use to be a real estate agent a long time ago said it would be more difficult to get any price reductions if we hired an agent...

So far we've only been working with the on-site agent. She told us there were no buyers incentives at all, though she did not specifically say the price was firm.

With all the options, it would be around 391,000. My mom thinks we can get it down to 385,000 or maybe even 380,000

We really like the house and neighborhood, but we don't want to risk losing it because we lowballed the offer.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Builder's in my area don't negotiate at all! So, not using an agent is only going to benifit the on-site agent and builder with more money. I would get a buyer's agent if it were me. Tell your mom that things have changed since a long time ago.

If they reduce the price on your home, will it affect the appraisals on the next homes the builder is trying to sell?

There are no price reductions on new builds here either. I would get an agent, I have seen too many people get into situations that would have been prevented with an agent.

I have seen several clients of mine haggle the price a bit on a new build but never more than $2-$5K. What would it hurt to try? If they don't like the offer, let the seller/builder counter.

I would also have to recommend a Buyer's Agent. Without one, you are the only person with your best intentions in mind during the entire transaction.

From personal experience- we got almost $10,000 off because they were ready to sell! It doesn't hurt to ask!

Depends on area demand. Most new constructions these days are riding the wave of demand, with builders making wonderful returns. In many cases it's a waste of time to negotiate a discount when the person standing behind you is waving their wad. If inventory is sitting however, be firm and carefully consider the trade offs. A builder may prefer to add value rather then reducing price.

You mentioned that you have been working with the on site agent. Here in southern California if the builder is cooperating with other Brokers(rare lately) then you must typically pre register the Buyer. Since you have had conversations with the builders sales staff it's not likely that they will cooperate with another Broker.

Relo

Actually that has little effect on new construction because the appraiser is using the cost approach.

Builders will not lower the price unless the market for new construction in the area has slowed but will often negotiate with upgrades.

Coming from the construction field myself and building spec homes, I have to agree with Paul. Go for the upgrades.

I have seen an identical new home, where the one that had many upgrades did not appraise.
The new home I bought last year showed the same/similar type new homes as comps in the appraisal, there was nothing about a "cost approach".
Unless you are building a custom home, or the values climb rapidly, a tract homebuilder who has several identical homes for sale cannot afford to cut the price without affecting the appraised value.
The builder, depending on his motivation, might give you a break on some upgrades, or give you some upgrades for free.

Pikes,
better talk to an appraiser. Cost approach is one of the 3 valuation methods per USPAP. It is the most accurate since in a new construction there is no depreciation so the cost is what it is. Only variable may be the land value.
I am also a custom builder so I can tell you that most builders including tract builders always pad for upgrades but if you do not ask they do not add them and the price remains the same.

Builders in my area don't tend to negotiate on the price unless it is a spec that is ready to go. New home sales are really slowing down in my area, so builders are working harder to get buyers, but what I'm seeing is a lot of "free" upgrades and other incentives, not price reductions.

I sold the last home in the subdivision to sell one time. The builder let it go at a 20k discount. He was lucky to find a buyer, it was build on a 4000 sq ft lot with a small deck for a yard. The listing agent was so bored with the project I had to nag him and the seller through every stage of the sale.
The market plays a huge part in the willingness of the builder to negotiate. My experience with builders/developers as buyers and sellers has been difficult. They tend to be jaded and disrespectful of contracts. As buyers they will tie up a property knowing full well from the onset that they can't preform within the limits of the contract and then ask for extensions right at the last moment. Or as sellers make it difficult for a buyer's agent to stay in control of their clients' relationship with the builder. They know everything they can get away with and generally feel justified in using their knowledge. Bitter? No, I'd love to work with any builder!! But I'll get it in writing and know my rights!