From choosing a builder to getting the keys, the five stages
If you're buying, a builder home is one of your options, and it comes with its own path. I'll walk you through the five stages so you know what's coming, what to ask, and where you stand. In your language, no rush and no pressure.
The path, one stage at a time
I won't promise you eight weeks or "your home by Christmas." I'll explain the shape of the path, honestly. The speed depends on you, the builder, and the market.
- 1
Are you ready?
The quiet check, before anyone rushes you.
We look at three numbers, calmly: how much you owe each month, your credit score, and what you've saved. And we figure out which of the two new-construction paths is yours, a move-in-ready home or one built to your taste. There's no rush here, this stage takes as long as it needs to take, yours.
- 2
Pre-approval
The letter that makes you a buyer, not a browser.
We gather your paperwork and knock on two doors, minimum: the builder’s preferred lender and an outside one. Comparing is where you save real money. With the letter in hand you know your real price range, and the builder takes you seriously.
- 3
Choose your builder and home
This is where having your own agent pays you back double.
We tour communities, read the builder’s contract together (long, and written in their favor), choose the lot without overpaying for a premium that isn’t worth it, negotiate the incentives, and walk the design center. I negotiate on your side, never the builder’s.
- 4
Construction
The longest part, and the hardest to wait through.
The builder puts your home up and you make decisions along the way. We stop by at the key moments: after framing, before drywall, before closing. If the date moves, and sometimes it does, staying calm is part of my job. That’s what I’m here for.
- 5
Closing and keys
The final stretch, step by step.
We do the final walk-through and build the punch list for the builder to fix. The bank gives the "clear to close," we sign the papers together (I explain each one before you put your name on it), and they hand you the keys. The home is yours.
This is the shape of the path, not a promise of timing. The full detail, with the numbers that matter and the traps worth avoiding, is in the free guide.
What the model-home agent won't explain
Everyone at the sales office is friendly, and everyone is paid by the same side: the builder's. Nobody there will tell you which incentive you can ask for, when it pays to wait, or which clause in the contract you should change. That silence costs money, yours. That's what I'm here for: so that at that table, someone is on your side.
“I work for you, not the builder.
Sheryl Cury
What people ask me most about buying new construction
Do I need an agent to buy new construction?
You're not required to, but it's in your favor. The agent who greets you at the model home is friendly, but they work for the builder, not for you. With me on your side, someone reads the contract with you, explains the incentives, and negotiates for you. The sales office will not do that on your behalf.
What is "registration," and why should I call you before visiting a model?
With new construction, the builder almost always requires your agent to "register" you on your first visit. If you walk in alone and hand over your information, many builders will no longer let an agent represent you in that community afterward. That is why I ask that we talk before you set foot in the model: a quick call and you are registered with me, without giving up your right to have someone on your side.
Does using you cost me anything?
It depends on the deal, and I confirm it in writing before we start, no fine print. With most new-construction homes the builder typically covers the buyer's-agent commission, so it is very common that my representation doesn't come out of your pocket, but it is not guaranteed. We go over it with real numbers on the first call, and you will know exactly what you are signing.
Can I negotiate with a builder?
More than people think, though rarely off the list price. Where there is usually room is in the incentives: help with closing costs, design-center upgrades, a preferred interest rate through their lender. Every builder is different and nothing is guaranteed, but we explore it together to see what can be asked for in your case.
What incentives do builders typically offer?
They vary a lot by builder, community, and time of year. Common ones include help with closing costs, upgrade credits, or a preferred rate if you use their lender. I will not promise any of them up front because they change often; what I do is ask and compare on your behalf, so you leave nothing on the table.
How long does building take?
It depends on whether you choose a finished home or one built from the ground up. A move-in-ready home can close in a few weeks; one built to your taste can take several months, and dates sometimes move. I will not promise you a calendar; I give you a realistic estimate and keep you posted at every stage.
Is an inspection worth it on a brand-new home?
Yes, and I recommend one even on a home fresh out of the ground. An independent inspection, paid by you and not the builder, checks that everything was done right before closing. Whatever we find goes on the punch list for the builder to fix while you still have that leverage on your side.
Do you handle everything in Spanish?
Yes. I guide you in Spanish or English, whichever feels more comfortable. I explain every document and every step in your language, so you sign understanding everything, not on blind trust.
Let's start from wherever you are today
Serious about a brand-new home? Take the free builder-home guide: the incentives, the contract, the build, and the closing, explained in your language.