New Construction Info & Tips

Where do you find new construction homes?

New Construction homes can be tricky because they are all not on just the MLS like pre-owned. Theres 3 ways to find new construction.

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1. The mls.

2. Newhomesource.com

3. Builders websites.
Many agents find NewHomeSource.com to be more up to date than the MLS for new construction listings. However, it's important to note that builders like D.R. Horton and Lennar often do not list their inventory on NewHomeSource. To view their available homes, it's recommended to visit each builder's official website directly.

 

 

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🏡 Inventory & Availability

• Can I get a list of your current available inventory homes?

• Are any homes move-in ready or close to completion?

• Do you have any standing or spec homes that haven’t hit the market yet?

• Do you have lots available to build on now?

• Are there any premium lot fees on certain lots?

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💰 Pricing & Incentives

• What is the current base price for each floor plan?

• What incentives are being offered right now for buyers?

• Are there additional incentives for using the builder’s preferred lender and/or title company?

• Who pays for the title policy?

• Do you cover any closing costs? If so, how much?

• Is there a price escalation clause in the contract?

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🛠️ Build Process & Timeline

• What is the average build time from contract to completion?

• Are there any delays or material shortages currently affecting timelines?

• Can buyers make changes to the floor plan or finishes? If so, until what point?

• When is the latest someone can lock in pricing?

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📜 Contracts & Policies

• What is the earnest money deposit, and is it refundable?

• Is the contract contingent on financing or appraisal?

• Do you allow third-party inspections during the build process?

• What is your cancellation policy?

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📦 Included Features & Upgrades

• What finishes and features come standard with the base price?

• Can I get a list of standard features and available upgrades?

• Are appliances included?

• Are there any design center incentives?

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📊 Community Details

• What is the property tax rate for this community?

• How much are the HOA dues, and what do they cover?

• Are there any MUD or PID fees?

• Are there community amenities planned (parks, pools, trails)?

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🤝 Agent Details

• What commission do you offer to buyer’s agents?

• Do you require the agent to be present at first visit to be paid?

• Do you work with relocation companies or corporate buyers?

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Sell new construction on your clients!

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Many homebuyers don’t realize that a brand-new home may actually be within their budget—and it can often be the easiest sale you'll ever make as an agent.

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New construction offers several advantages:

• No inspection stress: Builders typically address all defects before closing.

• Appraisals are rarely an issue, especially with builder-aligned lenders.

• Peace of mind: Most new homes come with a 1-2-10 year warranty, covering workmanship, systems, and structural components.

• For buyers with limited cash, emphasize that builders often cover a significant portion of closing costs, meaning they may only need to bring the down payment to the table.

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New homes sell themselves—sometimes buyers just need help seeing the opportunity.

 

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Registering your client.

It’s highly recommended that you accompany your clients on their first visit to the builder to ensure they are properly registered and your commission is protected.

If you’re unable to attend, be sure to contact the builder’s sales representative in advance to register your clients by providing their full names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Proper registration is key to securing your representation and compensation.

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Show your worth!

If your client is building from the ground up, make it a priority to attend all construction meetings. Your presence adds value and ensures your clients feel supported throughout the process.
Offer to join them at the design center appointment—this is a key moment where your guidance can be especially helpful.

Most importantly, always attend the builder’s first and final walkthroughs. Be hands-on during the final walk by assisting with the blue tape process, helping your clients identify and mark any cosmetic issues that need to be addressed before closing.
 

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Post close send the builders rep a GIFT CARD to the model home.

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I usually give a $50 Texas Roadhouse gift card, but feel free to do whatever fits your style. To be fully transparent, I haven’t directly landed a deal from it—but what I have gained is a ton of goodwill. Builder reps genuinely appreciate it, and when I bring clients to their model homes, they light up when they see me. They’ll often sing my praises in front of my clients, which builds instant credibility.

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You probably just earned $10,000+—what’s $50 to leave a lasting impression?