01 — Resource Center
Why Build New
Customization
From floor plans to finishes, new construction lets you shape your home to fit your style and budget — fully custom or semi-custom.
Lower Maintenance
New means fewer surprises. Your home is built to today's energy-efficiency standards, something an older home simply can't match.
Warranty Coverage
Warranties are one of the biggest reasons buyers choose new construction. Coverage typically extends across roof, HVAC, and appliances, and often windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, and workmanship too.
Appreciation Potential
New builds often appreciate faster than older homes as the surrounding neighborhood develops and demand grows — never guaranteed, but a real pattern worth knowing.
02 — Resource Center
Choosing Your Home Type
Spec Homes
Built without a specific buyer in mind. The fastest and most cost-effective option, typically move-in ready with limited customization — though catching one early can still mean a say in paint or flooring.
Semi-Custom Homes
Built in phases within a development, on set floor plans with room to personalize. You typically purchase before completion and choose finishes or upgrades within the builder's guidelines.
Custom Homes
Built entirely to your specifications. You purchase the land, contract a builder, and choose everything from the floor plan to the finishes — often with guidance from an interior designer.
03 — Resource Center
The New Construction Process
- 01
Choose Your Agent
Register your agent with the builder before exploring communities. Without representation upfront, you may waive your right to it entirely.
- 02
Research & Builder Selection
Explore communities, compare builders, and evaluate floor plans. This is where an agent becomes invaluable — flagging red flags before you commit.
- 03
Lot Selection & Contract
Choose your homesite and review the purchase agreement. Builder contracts are written to protect the builder — have your agent and a real estate attorney review before signing.
- 04
Design Appointments
Select finishes, fixtures, and upgrades. Budget carefully — upgrade costs add up quickly. Prioritize structural upgrades over cosmetic ones, which are easier to change later.
- 05
Construction & Inspections
Your home is built in stages over several months. Schedule independent inspections at the pre-drywall and pre-closing phases — don't rely solely on the builder's inspector.
- 06
Final Walkthrough & Closing
Walk the home with a punch list of outstanding items. Review your closing disclosure carefully. Once you close, the home is yours.
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04 — Resource Center
Common Questions
Browse by category to get expert answers.
Representation
Financing
Costs & Pricing
Contract, Protections & Negotiation
Timeline
Construction, Inspections & Monitoring
HOA & Community Rules
Warranty & After Move-In
Builder Vetting
05 — Resource Center
Construction Terms to Know
- Base Price
- The starting price of a home before upgrades, lot premiums, or customizations are added.
- Blueprints
- Detailed architectural drawings that guide the builder through every phase of construction.
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
- An official document confirming the home meets local codes and is safe to occupy.
- Closing Costs
- Fees due at closing, including title, lender, and government charges.
- Design Center
- A builder's showroom where buyers select finishes, fixtures, and upgrades.
- Elevation
- The exterior style or architectural design of a home — such as Craftsman or Modern.
- Escrow
- A neutral account where funds are held until all conditions of the purchase are satisfied.
- Floor Plan
- A layout showing the arrangement, size, and flow of rooms throughout the home.
- HOA
- An organization that manages shared community spaces and enforces neighborhood guidelines.
- Lot
- The parcel of land on which your new home will be built.
- Lot Premium
- An added cost for selecting a more desirable lot, such as a corner or cul-de-sac.
- Permits
- Government-issued authorizations required before construction or modifications can begin.
- Pre-Construction
- The phase before building begins — planning, permitting, and lot selection.
- Punch List
- A checklist of items the builder must complete or correct before closing.
- Rate Lock
- An agreement with your lender that secures your interest rate for a set period of time.
- Upgrades
- Optional finishes or features added to the base home for an additional cost.
- Walkthrough
- A pre-closing inspection where you and your agent review the home with the builder.
- Warranty
- A builder's guarantee covering specific components of the home for a defined period.
- Zoning
- Local regulations that define how a property or piece of land may be used.
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Every question on this page, condensed, to bring to your builder meeting.
This guide is educational and does not replace legal, lending, inspection, or tax advice.