The New Construction Market

Unlock premium insights, floorplan intelligence. Elevate your buying position in Central Florida's most sought-after communities.

New Construction Buyer Guide

The New Construction Buyer Guide

Building a New Home?
Know Before You Build.

Buying a new construction home can be exciting—but there are important details buyers should understand before signing a contract. Use our guide to help you navigate the process and complete your purchase with a general knowledge base.

Explore the Buyer Guide

Before You Sign

New Construction Comes With More Choices

A brand-new home can offer modern finishes, energy efficiency and the opportunity to personalize your home. But the advertised price and the finished home can sometimes look very different.

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Know the Construction Stage

Pre-construction, homes under construction, quick move-in homes and completed homes each come with different timelines, choices and considerations.

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Know the Real Price

The advertised base price may not include upgrades, lot premiums, design selections, landscaping or other expenses.

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Contract Help

Builder contracts can contain important terms regarding deposits, deadlines, financing, construction delays, inspections and closing.

Money Matters

The Base Price Is Just the Starting Point

One of the most common surprises for new construction buyers is how quickly the final price can increase once options and upgrades are selected.

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Base Price

The advertised price may represent the builder's standard floor plan and standard features.

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Design Upgrades

Flooring, cabinets, countertops, bathrooms, lighting, appliances and other selections can significantly change the final price.

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Lot Premiums

Larger, premium, waterfront or otherwise desirable lots may carry an additional cost.

💡 Buyer Tip

Don't compare new homes based only on the advertised price. Ask for an estimated total purchase price that includes the home, lot, structural options and expected design selections.

Financing & Incentives

Builder Incentives Can Be Valuable—But Compare the Numbers

Builders may offer closing-cost credits, mortgage-rate incentives, design-center allowances and other promotions. The best offer isn't always the one with the biggest headline number. Although these incentives can add up nicely, be sure to compare.

Compare the Builder's Lender

Interest rate
APR
Closing costs
Discount points
Lender credits
Rate-lock terms
Total cash required to close

Don't Forget the Fine Print

Some incentives may require you to use the builder's preferred lender or title company. Compare the complete financial package rather than looking at one number.

Protect Your Investment

Yes, You Should Consider Inspecting a Brand-New Home

New doesn't necessarily mean perfect. Construction involves hundreds of components, contractors and systems coming together. An independent inspection can help identify issues before or after closing.

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Pre-Drywall Inspection

An inspection before the walls are closed can provide an opportunity to identify certain construction issues while framing, electrical, plumbing and other components remain visible.

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Final Inspection

Have the finished home inspected before closing whenever possible so potential issues can be documented and addressed.

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Warranty Inspection

Consider having the home inspected before the builder's workmanship warranty period expires.

Think Beyond the Floor Plan

Your Lot Can Be Just as Important as Your Home

A beautiful floor plan can look very different depending on where the home sits within the community.

Before selecting a homesite, investigate what surrounds it today—and what may surround it in the future.

Things to Investigate

Lot size and shape
Lot premium
Backyard privacy
Future homes behind the property
Roads and traffic
Retention ponds
Power lines
Drainage
Flood zones
Future community phases

Look Ahead

Research the Community's Future

Don't only evaluate what the community looks like today. New developments can change significantly as additional phases are constructed.

🚧 Future Construction

Find out how many homes are planned and where future phases may be located.

🛣️ Future Roads

Investigate planned roads, entrances and changes that may affect traffic patterns.

🏪 Nearby Development

Look into future commercial, retail, school and infrastructure projects in the surrounding area.

Budget Beyond the Mortgage

What Will Your Monthly Housing Cost Really Be?

A mortgage payment is only one part of the monthly cost of owning a new construction home.

🏦 Mortgage

Principal, interest and potentially mortgage insurance.

🧾 Property Taxes

Understand how taxes may change once the completed home is assessed.

🛡️ Insurance

Homeowners insurance and, where applicable, flood insurance.

🏘️ HOA / CDD

Don't forget association fees, CDD assessments and other community-related costs.

The Process

A Typical New Construction Buying Timeline

Every builder and community is different, but understanding the general process can help you know what to expect.

Choose the Community

Research location, amenities, fees, schools and future development.

Select Your Homesite

Evaluate lot location, size, orientation, privacy and premium.

Select Your Floor Plan

Choose the layout that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Review Upgrades

Understand structural options, design selections and their costs.

Sign the Contract

Review deadlines, deposits, financing requirements and contingencies.

Construction Begins

Stay informed as the home progresses through the construction process.

Inspection & Walkthrough

Complete appropriate inspections and carefully review the finished home.

Closing & Move-In

Complete closing, receive your keys and begin the warranty process.

Set Realistic Expectations

Your Estimated Completion Date May Change

New construction timelines can change because of weather, labor, materials, permitting, inspections, utility connections and other factors.

Avoid making major non-refundable plans based solely on an estimated completion date.

⚠️ Buyer Tip

Before scheduling movers, selling another property or making temporary housing arrangements, understand how the builder handles construction delays and closing-date changes.

Avoid These

5 Common New Construction Buyer Mistakes

Knowing what to watch for before you sign can make the process much smoother.

Assuming the advertised price is the final price

Upgrades, lot premiums and other options can substantially increase the purchase price.

Skipping the inspection

A brand-new home can still have construction defects or items that need attention.

Looking only at the mortgage payment

Property taxes, insurance, HOA, CDD and other expenses can significantly affect the true monthly cost.

Choosing a lot without researching the surroundings

Future construction can change the view, privacy, traffic and overall feel of a homesite.

Assuming the completion date is guaranteed

Construction schedules can change. Make sure you understand the builder's timeline and policies.

To-Do's

Questions for Your Realtor to Ask the Builder

Save this list before deciding to build a new home.

What is included in the base price?

Which features are upgrades?

Are there lot premiums?

What incentives are currently available?

Do incentives require the builder's lender?

What is the estimated completion date?

What happens if construction is delayed?

Can I use my own home inspector?

What warranties are included?

What are the HOA fees?

Is there a CDD?

What future development is planned?

What are the estimated property taxes?

What appliances are included?

What landscaping is included?

Are there fencing restrictions?

Are there rental restrictions?

What happens after closing if an issue appears?

Which Is Right For You?

New Construction vs. Resale

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, priorities and lifestyle.

Consideration	New Construction	Resale
Customization	Often available	Usually limited
Repairs	Usually fewer initially	May require repairs or updates
Warranty	Typically includes builder warranty	Varies
Timeline	Can take months	Usually faster
Upgrades	Can increase final price	Already incorporated into home
Lot Selection	May be able to choose	Existing location
Community	May still be developing	Usually established

An Important Distinction

Who Is Representing You?

When you tour homes in a new construction community without a Realtor, remember that the sales representative is representing the builder.

A buyer's real estate agent can provide an independent perspective and help you evaluate the transaction, community, property and overall purchase at no cost to you.

A Buyer's Agent Can Help With:

Understanding the purchase process
Evaluating communities and homes
Researching comparable properties
Reviewing costs and fees
Understanding inspections
Tracking important deadlines
Communicating throughout the transaction
Helping you make informed decisions

Thinking About New Construction?

Don't Just Tour the Model Home.
Understand the Whole Purchase.

Before you visit a builder or sign a contract, let's talk about your goals, budget and what you're looking for in a home. A little preparation can help you make a more confident decision.

Let's Talk About Your New Home