A beautiful model home is the beginning of your due diligence.
Compare the whole builder offer, the contract and the handover—not just the incentive.
By Nana Noi, Global Realtor
Greater Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia · General education
Your first three steps
01
Price the actual home and financing
Obtain the price including lot premium, selected upgrades and other charges. Ask which incentives depend on using a particular lender or closing provider. Compare Loan Estimates and payments after any temporary incentive ends.
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02Understand the agreement before committing
03Plan inspections and the first year
Plus the documents to gather, the options to compare, the watch-outs and a printable checklist.
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02
Understand the agreement before committing
Ask for the proposed contract and specifications. Review deposits, change orders, completion timing, delay provisions and inspection access. Have a qualified attorney explain terms you do not understand before signing.
03
Plan inspections and the first year
Agree how independent inspections can be arranged within the contract and construction schedule. Keep a dated list of outstanding work. At handover, collect warranty terms, system instructions, service contacts and the process for submitting defects.
Information to gather
Complete price and selections schedule
Contract, deposit terms and change orders
Loan Estimates and incentive conditions
Inspection reports, handover list and written warranties
Options to compare
A starting framework, not a recommendation for your circumstances.
Builder financing
Compare the full loan terms and any conditions attached to credits.
Outside financing
Request a comparable estimate rather than assuming an incentive wins.
New versus resale
Compare location, all-in cost, timing, condition and likely early spending.
Who can help?
Nana can help compare purchase options and organise questions. Use independent legal, lending and inspection specialists for their respective areas.
Sources and further reading
The linked official or original resources give further detail. Check current requirements and get property-specific professional advice before acting.
