How to Buy a New Construction Home in 2025: 5 Steps to Do It Right

Buying or building a new construction home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and it should be treated like a business decision, not just an emotional one.

At the Veltri Group, we’ve helped dozens of families navigate this process across Florida’s Space Coast, and in this guide, we’re sharing the five most important things you need to know before walking into that model home.

Whether you’re dreaming of a semi-custom home or considering a move-in ready option, here’s what makes the difference.

✅ Step 1: Talk to a Lender First

Before you step foot in a model home, talk to a lender—your lender.

Yes, builders often offer incentives like closing cost credits or interest rate buy-downs, but those deals typically only apply if you use their preferred lender. And more often than not, that will be your best deal.

Still, it’s smart to speak with a lender you trust first. You need to understand your monthly comfort zone—not just what you’re approved for. New construction communities may have higher taxes, HOA fees, or even CDDs. Run the numbers first so you can make decisions with confidence.

✅ Step 2: Bring Your Agent—and Write Their Name Down

Here’s what a lot of buyers don’t realize:

Builders welcome real estate agents—and they offer compensation. We’re not only allowed, we’re encouraged to be part of the process because we keep things smooth, track your timeline, and protect your interests from start to finish.

But if your agent’s name isn’t written down at your very first visit, you might lose the right to have representation at all. Even if you’ve already been working together. Even if you were “just checking things out.”

And once it’s done, you can’t go back and fix it.

That’s why we always recommend scheduling your visit together. That way, we can ask the right questions, get answers on pricing and upgrades, and explore homes that fit your needs.

✅ Step 3: Know the Timeline and Process

Not every new construction home is the same.

Some homes are fully built. Others are in framing. Semi-custom builds might take 8–10 months or more depending on permitting, materials, and weather.

Before you sign anything, know what the timeline looks like—what’s refundable, what’s not, and what happens at each phase.

We’ve walked buyers through this with every builder we work with, and it makes a world of difference. No surprises. Just smart planning.

✅ Step 4: Understand What Kind of Build You’re Buying

There are different types of new construction homes—and your choices impact everything from your budget to your move-in date.

Let’s break it down:

• Spec Homes: Standard finishes, quick delivery. You often still choose the lot and model—unless it’s already a move-in ready option.

• Move-In Ready: Homes already built or nearly done. Great for quick timelines and often come with the biggest builder incentives.

• Semi-Custom: Choose your floor plan and lot, then head to the design studio to personalize. Think: adding a second sink, extending a patio, or closing off a den.

• Full Custom (in a community): Choose your lot and model, but work with the builder to make layout changes and create specialty spaces. Total flexibility—just not a one-off custom on your own land.

🟨 Note: This video focuses on building in communities—not on buying your own land and designing from scratch. We help with that too, but it’s a very different process.

Also, most new construction homes come with warranties—but they vary by builder. We’ll walk you through what’s included and help you compare options.

✅ Step 5: Get Independent Inspections—Before and After Closing

Yes, even brand-new homes need inspections.

We’ve seen plumbing issues, electrical problems, and more—even from reputable builders.

That’s why we always recommend two inspections:

1. Before closing

2. Again at 11 months—before your warranty expires

It’s worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

Here’s something else that’s important to know:

Many buyers think they’ll save money by going directly to the builder’s rep or using the seller’s agent on a resale. But the seller already decided what the buyer’s agent commission is. If you go unrepresented, that listing agent just keeps both sides of the commission.

It’s legal in Florida, but in other states? It’s not.

You deserve an agent who specializes in new construction—who understands these contracts, knows the build phases, and will advocate for you the whole way.

That’s what we do.

And while our YouTube channel is fairly new, we’ve been helping families through this process for years—we’re just now sharing more of what we know.

📺 Watch the full video here:

📣 Ready to Build Your Own New Construction Home?

Whether you’re dreaming of a semi-custom home like this one or just beginning your search, we’re here to guide you through every step—from selecting a builder to handing you the keys.

We help buyers navigate the new construction process with confidence, and we’d love to help you do the same.

📘 Selling a home first? Check out our Seller Tips Playlist — with home staging advice, prep strategies, and a new pricing video coming soon.

📍 Local to Palm Bay? Browse our Palm Bay New Construction Playlist to tour Cypress Bay West, Gardens at Waterstone, and more.

📌 VELTRI GROUP OF BREVARD | Lew & Tina Veltri

Space Coast’s Sibling Team | LPT Realty
Two Agents. Twice the Service. Local Expertise.

📞 Call or Text: 321-341-6541
📧 Email: veltri@veltrigroupofbrevard.com
🌐 Visit: https://www.veltrigroupofbrevard.com

📍 Serving Brevard County, FL & referral partners nationwide bit.ly/FindYourAgentToday

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