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Buying new construction

Eight milestones.
One clear path to your keys.

A brand-new home comes with its own path - the builder's contract, the design center, the build itself. Here is the full path, so you always know what's next and how to protect yourself.

Steps8contract to keys
Protections4put in place along the way
Final review1walk-through before close
The path, step by step
Step 1

Contract

Sign the builder agreement, pay earnest money, and review contingency language - especially the appraisal contingency.

Acts You
Step 2

Pre-approval

Get pre-approved with your own lender first, so you can compare builder financing from a position of strength.

Acts Lender
Step 3

Realtor onboard

Bring your own Realtor from the very first builder visit - the builder's on-site agent works for the builder.

Acts You
Step 4

Design center

Set a firm upgrade budget before you walk in and stick to it - every upgrade dollar adds to your loan amount.

Acts You
Step 5

Rate lock

Lock an extended rate that covers the full build window with buffer, and ask about a float-down option.

Acts Lender
Step 6

Build & monitor

Construction is underway; request your own milestone inspections rather than relying only on the builder's.

Acts Builder
Step 7

Final walk-through

Walk the completed home with a punch list and get every defect noted in writing before you close.

Acts You
Step 8

Close & move in

Certificate of occupancy issued, loan funded, keys yours - confirm the CO before giving any rental notice.

Acts Lender
Protect yourself along the way

Four things that make a big difference when you buy new construction.

Your own lender

Get a Loan Estimate before you sign with the builder's preferred lender.

Works for You

A design budget

Decide your upgrade ceiling before your design center appointment.

Set Upfront

An independent inspector

Schedule your own milestone inspections separate from the builder's.

Inspector Your own

A tax cushion

New builds are often reassessed once complete - ask your county how they handle the timing.

Reassessed At CO

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We model your builder incentive, structure your rate lock, and give you an independent Loan Estimate - so you can make the right call.

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{{compliance.pendingLabel}}   Equal Housing Opportunity. {{lo.company}}, NMLS #{{lo.nmls}} (Company NMLS #{{compliance.companyNmls}}). The example household ({{example.name}}) and all figures shown are hypothetical and for illustration only; not an offer, quote, or guarantee. Figures are illustrative only and not a commitment to lend; actual rate, payment, and terms depend on creditworthiness, loan program, and market conditions at time of application. Rate buydown and lock concepts are described for educational purposes only; no specific rates or costs are quoted. Builder incentive availability, conditions, and amount vary by builder and community. This co-marketed material is shared by each party at its fair-market-value cost consistent with RESPA Section 8; no party pays for referrals and none are required.