Buying New Construction in Navarro, Ellis & Freestone Counties

Brand-new homes are going up across Ellis County and around Corsicana. Buying one is a little different from buying a resale home. Here's what to know before you sign.

Bring your own agent from the first visit

The sales rep in the model home works for the builder. Many builders ask that your agent come with you, or be registered, on your very first visit, so bring your agent before you walk in.

Know which contract you're signing

TREC has New Home Contracts for both completed and incomplete construction, but many builders use their own contracts and addenda. Read every page, and ask what happens if construction runs late, what deposits are refundable, and what upgrades cost.

Inspect it anyway

New doesn't mean perfect. Many buyers hire an independent inspector at key stages, such as before the drywall goes up and again before closing, plus a final walk-through to build a punch list.

Ask about

• Builder warranties: what's covered and for how long
• HOA dues, deed restrictions and any special districts that add to property taxes
• Utilities: city water and sewer, rural water, or septic
• The lot: drainage, flood zone and what's planned around it
• Builder incentives, and whether they require using the builder's lender or title company

Building on your own land?

If you'd rather buy land and build, our Land & Acreage Guide covers septic, water, power, surveys and restrictions.

Shopping for a new build? Call Lacy Rider, Broker/Owner of K4G Realty, at (775) 934-1655, or get a free home value.

Explore Our Town Guides

Learn more about the towns across our area, including local history, school districts and what to research before you buy.

Navarro County: Corsicana, Kerens, Rice, Blooming Grove, Frost, Dawson, Richland, Mildred

Ellis County: Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, Ferris, Italy, Palmer, Maypearl

Freestone County: Fairfield, Teague, Wortham, Streetman

Henderson County: Athens, Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Malakoff, Seven Points, Chandler, Brownsboro, Eustace