Should You Buy a New Construction Home? Pros, Cons & Insider Tips

By Robert Wink, Realtor®
Explore New Homes Now → ShowingNew.com/robertwink

If you’re home shopping in Denton County or anywhere in North Texas, chances are you’ve come across a new construction community—or five.

From Argyle and Northlake to Southlake and Flower Mound, brand-new homes are popping up fast.  I’ve seen both sides of the fence when it comes to buying new.

So, before you walk into that model home and sign anything, here’s what you really need to know.

✅ The Pros of Buying New Construction

1. Everything Is Brand New

No outdated carpet. No mystery smells. No cracked foundations. Everything—from the roof to the appliances to the paint—is fresh, clean, and ready to go.

🧰 Most builders also offer warranties that cover systems and structure for 1–10 years.

2. You Can Customize the Home to Fit You

Want white shaker cabinets, a Texas-sized walk-in shower, and hardwood floors? Builders let you pick your finishes, colors, and upgrades—especially if you buy early in the construction phase.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs for the First Few Years

Unlike older homes that may need new HVAC or plumbing work soon after purchase, new homes typically won’t require major repairs for years. That can translate to thousands in savings.

4. Energy Efficiency

New homes often meet stricter building codes, include energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and better insulation—helping lower your utility bills.

5. Builder Incentives

Many builders offer closing cost assistance, interest rate buydowns, or free upgrades when you work with their preferred partners. I can help you leverage these offers to your advantage.

⚠️ The Cons of Buying New Construction

1. Longer Wait Times

Depending on where you build, construction can take anywhere from 5 to 12 months. If you need to move quickly, a resale or quick move-in home might make more sense.

🕓 Pro Tip: On ShowingNew.com/robertwink, you can filter Quick Move-In Homes to skip the build time.

2. Upgrades Can Add Up Fast

The base price may look attractive, but once you start adding upgraded floors, countertops, lighting, and landscaping—it can quickly jump $30K to $100K+ over list price.

3. Landscaping and Construction Zones

Many new communities take years to fully develop, so you might be living next to empty lots, dirt piles, or construction noise for a while.

4. HOA Restrictions and Fees

Some newer neighborhoods come with strict HOA guidelines—down to the color of your fence or mailbox. Be sure to review the HOA rules and annual dues before you commit.

🔍 What to Know Before You Walk into a Model Home

Model homes are designed to wow you—and they do. But keep in mind, the model usually includes every upgrade possible, which is not included in the base price.

Before you fall in love with the quartz countertops and extended patio:

✅ Ask what comes standard
✅ Understand the upgrade pricing sheet
✅ Get a copy of the floorplan and lot premium map
✅ Have your Realtor (me, Robert Wink 940.999.8988) with you on your first visit

Did you know? If you don’t bring your Realtor with you the first time, some builders won’t allow you to be represented later. That means you’re negotiating with a builder rep who works for the builder, not you. Sometimes they will provide a Realtor, who is only looking out for the closing date to get paid.

🧭 Use ShowingNew.com/robertwink to Browse Every New Home in One Place

I’ve partnered with ShowingNew.com to give my clients MLS-style access to every builder home available in Denton, Argyle, Northlake, Southlake, Flower Mound, Roanoke, and beyond.

Here’s what you can do:

🔍 Filter by city, builder, school district, or price
📆 Book tours online directly through me
🏡 View Quick Move-In Homes with ready dates
💬 Message me for questions or next steps anytime

➡️ Start your search here: https://www.showingnew.com/robertwink

Final Thought

New construction can be a fantastic option—but only if you know what to expect. I’ll help you:

• Review builder contracts

• Coordinate inspections

• Compare incentives

• Avoid common buyer mistakes

• And make sure the home works for your long-term goals

📍 Whether you’re buying in Harvest, Canyon Falls, The Ridge, or anywhere in Denton County, I’m here to guide you through it all.

👋 Let’s Build Something Together

Robert Wink, Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Realty – Denton County
📧 robert.wink@cbrealty.com
📱 Call/Text: 940.999.8988
🔗 ShowingNew.com/robertwink