Questions to ask before you buy a new home

Bring this list to your first conversation with the builder’s sales consultant.

Which homes are available now, and which plans can still be built? When would each be finished?
What is included in the price, and what costs extra?
What does the written warranty cover, and for how long?
Is there a homeowners association? What are the fees and rules?
Can I have my own inspections, and when?
What deposits are required, and when are they refundable?
Are there any offers now, and what are their conditions? (Ask for them in writing.)
Whom do you represent, and may I bring my own agent?

Updated October 11, 2026

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The new-home buyer’s checklist

What to ask before you visit, at the model, before you sign and before closing. Print it or save it to your phone.

Keep reading

How buying a new-construction home differs from buying a resale home: choices, timing, warranty, fees and inspections.

Who a builder’s sales consultant represents, what they can do for you, and how to bring your own agent if you want one.

The usual steps from first visit to move-in day when you buy a new-construction home, and what happens at each one.