Buyer's Guide

New Construction Guide

Everything you need to know about buying a new construction home in Kestrel Village. From first visit to closing, we'll guide you through every step.

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New Construction Available Now

1

First Step: Get Your Own Agent

Before visiting any model home, call Dr. Jan Duffy at 702-222-1964. Builders require agent registration on your very first visit. If you go alone, you lose the right to buyer representation in that community. Your agent (me!) costs you nothing—the builder pays my commission.

The New Construction Process

1

Get Pre-Approved

1-3 days

Before touring homes, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Builders take buyers more seriously with pre-approval, and you'll know exactly what you can afford. I can recommend trusted lenders familiar with new construction.

Pro Tips

  • Shop rates from multiple lenders
  • Ask about builder-preferred lender incentives
  • Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified
2

Tour Communities with Your Agent

1-2 weeks

Together, we'll tour Kestrel Village communities to find the right fit. I'll register you with each builder, explain the differences between communities, and help you compare floor plans and pricing.

Pro Tips

  • Never visit model homes alone
  • Take photos and notes
  • Ask about lot premiums and orientation
3

Choose Your Home & Lot

1-2 days

Select your floor plan and homesite. Lot selection affects price (corner lots, view lots cost more) and orientation (important for energy efficiency). I'll help you understand the trade-offs.

Pro Tips

  • Consider sun exposure and views
  • Check for lot premiums
  • Ask about neighboring construction
4

Design Center Selections

2-4 hours

Visit the builder's design center to choose your finishes: flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and more. This is where costs can add up quickly. I'll help you prioritize upgrades that add value.

Pro Tips

  • Set a strict upgrade budget
  • Focus on hard-to-change items
  • Get everything in writing
5

Contract & Deposit

1-3 days

Sign the purchase agreement and submit your earnest money deposit (typically $5,000-$20,000). I'll review every page of the contract, explaining terms and negotiating on your behalf.

Pro Tips

  • Read the cancellation policy
  • Understand all deadlines
  • Know what's included vs. upgrades
6

Construction Phase

4-8 months

Your home is built! You'll receive progress updates and may have scheduled walk-throughs. I'll monitor progress and address any concerns with the builder.

Pro Tips

  • Document everything with photos
  • Attend scheduled walk-throughs
  • Start shopping for movers and utilities
7

Final Walk-Through & Closing

1-2 weeks

Inspect your completed home, create a punch list of items to fix, and close on your new home. I'll be with you every step, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Pro Tips

  • Test everything (outlets, plumbing, appliances)
  • Bring a flashlight and phone charger
  • Don't close until punch list items are addressed

Costs to Expect

Upfront Costs

  • Earnest Money Deposit$5,000 - $20,000
  • Lot Premium (if applicable)$0 - $50,000+
  • Upgrades DepositVaries

Closing Costs

  • Typical Closing Costs2-5% of price
  • Down Payment3-20%
  • Builder Credits (negotiable!)-$5,000 - $20,000

Money-Saving Tip: Builders often offer incentives for using their preferred lender, sometimes covering thousands in closing costs. However, always compare rates with other lenders to ensure you're getting the best deal overall.

Smart Upgrade Strategy

Worth the Investment

  • • Electrical outlet placement
  • • Structural changes (walls, rooms)
  • • Plumbing rough-ins
  • • Cabinet height/quality
  • • Flooring in main areas
  • • Kitchen appliances

Difficult or expensive to change later

~

Consider Carefully

  • • Countertops
  • • Light fixtures
  • • Hardware
  • • Landscaping packages
  • • Window treatments
  • • Smart home features

Compare builder vs. aftermarket pricing

Often Overpriced

  • • Paint colors
  • • Backsplash tile
  • • Bathroom accessories
  • • Garage floor coating
  • • Window tinting
  • • Security systems

Usually cheaper to do yourself after closing

Common Questions

Can I negotiate with builders?

Yes! Builders often negotiate on price, upgrades, closing costs, and lot premiums—especially at end of quarter or during slower periods. Having an experienced agent like Dr. Jan Duffy significantly improves your negotiating position.

Should I use the builder's lender?

Compare offers carefully. Builders often provide significant incentives for using their preferred lender (closing cost credits, rate buy-downs), but rates may be higher. Get quotes from multiple lenders and compare the total cost over the life of the loan.

How long does new construction take?

Typically 4-8 months from contract to closing, depending on the builder, time of year, and whether you're buying a spec home or building from scratch. Some move-in ready homes are available immediately.

What if I find issues after moving in?

New homes come with builder warranties—typically 1 year on workmanship, 2 years on systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and 10 years on structural. Document issues promptly and submit warranty claims in writing.

Can I make changes during construction?

Changes become increasingly difficult (and expensive) once construction begins. Most builders have cut-off dates for modifications. It's best to finalize all decisions at the design center before construction starts.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Don't navigate new construction alone. Call Dr. Jan Duffy before your first model home visit to ensure you have expert representation from day one.

Schedule a Tour