Your roadmap - contract to close
Buying New Construction
From signing with the builder to move-in day - the milestones, decisions, and how to protect yourself. Use your own lender, understand the incentive, lock your rate.
Contract
Sign the agreement, pay earnest money, and review contingency language - especially the appraisal contingency.
Design selections
Set a firm upgrade budget before you walk in. Every upgrade dollar adds to your loan amount.
Build begins
Request milestone inspections from your own inspector - not just the builder's. Timeline can slip; plan for it.
Rate lock
Lock an {{example.lockType}} covering the full {{example.buildMonths}} window with buffer. Ask about a float-down option.
Appraisal
An independent appraisal confirms value before you close. Know your appraisal contingency rights.
Final walk-through
Walk with a punch list. Get every defect noted in writing before you close.
Close
CO issued, loan funded, keys in hand. Do not give rental notice until the CO is confirmed.
Make your {{example.builderIncentive}} incentive work
| Price reduction | Lowers the loan permanently. Simple and predictable. |
| Rate buydown (concept) | Trades upfront dollars for a lower rate. Best if you stay 5+ years. Get your lender to model this for you. |
| Closing cost credit | Reduces cash due at close. Does not lower the loan or rate. |
Ask your lender to model all three options with your actual numbers. Rate buydown terms are illustrative - not a quote.
Your lender vs the builder's lender
| Works for | You (your lender) |
| Rate + fee comparison | Get both |
| Independent advocacy | Your lender only |
| What to do | Get a Loan Estimate from your own lender first |
Under RESPA you cannot be required to use the builder's lender. Always compare.
Get your free new-construction plan
We model your incentive, structure your rate lock, and give you an independent Loan Estimate - so you can make the right call.
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