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The 25-Point Guide

The North Texas New Construction Buyer Checklist

Everything to review — and every question to ask — before you sign a builder contract in Northlake, Argyle, Justin, Roanoke, or Haslet.

01

Before you visit a model home

  • Have a buyer's advocate registered before you walk into any sales office
  • Know your target price range including upgrades (typically 8–15% over base)
  • Get pre-approved with a lender that will honor your rate lock timeline
  • Research the school district boundaries — they can shift lot-by-lot
  • Check the community's HOA fees, transfer fees, and CDD/PID/MUD taxes
  • Confirm the builder's warranty structure (1-2-10 vs. custom)
02

Choosing a lot

  • Ask for the lot premium sheet — premiums range from $0 to $80,000+
  • Check for easements, drainage direction, and lot grading plan
  • Ask what will be built behind the lot (greenbelt, road, or another home)
  • Verify sun orientation — where does morning and afternoon sun land?
  • Confirm setback lines and whether a pool will fit in the backyard
03

Reading the contract

  • Get every promise in writing — verbal upgrades don't survive closing
  • Check the earnest money and design-center deposit forfeiture terms
  • Look for the builder's right to substitute materials clause
  • Confirm the closing date is a target, not a guarantee (typical clause)
  • Ask about builder-paid closing costs tied to preferred lender use
  • Review the arbitration and dispute-resolution clause carefully
04

At the design center

  • Get the full options catalog with prices before your appointment
  • Prioritize structural options — they can't be added after framing
  • Compare design-center pricing to aftermarket for the same finish
  • Ask which upgrades add resale value vs. personal preference
  • Photograph every selection sheet and get signed copies
05

Final walk-through and closing

  • Do a pre-drywall walk with a third-party inspector
  • Do an independent final inspection before the builder's blue-tape walk
  • Keep a punch list — nothing signs off until items are complete

Don't sign anything without one of our experts there to help represent you.

When you're ready to tour a community, reach out and we'll walk in with you — at no cost to the buyer.

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North Texas New Builds