Buying New Construction in Fort Worth
The short answer: a new build can be a great fit, but it works differently from buying a resale home. You are dealing with a builder's contract, a construction timeline and, in many new communities, extra taxes and HOA rules. The buyers who feel best about the process are the ones who read the contract closely, understand the full monthly cost and get independent inspections.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For anything involving a builder's contract or a construction dispute, talk to a Texas attorney.
What is different about buying new
You are usually working from the builder's paperwork
If a builder gives you their own contract, read the whole thing, including anything about deposits, timelines, upgrades, price changes and what happens if the closing date moves. Ask questions before you sign, not after.
The sales office works for the builder
The person at the model home sells the builder's product. If you want your own agent involved, I recommend bringing them to your first visit and asking the builder about their policy for buyers with agents.
Location often means a newer, still-developing area
New communities tend to be in growing areas, such as the master-planned Alliance area of north Fort Worth or towns like Argyle and Northlake. Drive the area at rush hour and ask what is planned nearby before you commit. If you want to compare specific communities, start with my new construction communities comparison, or go straight to Walsh, Wellington, Pecan Square, Furst Ranch or Canyon Falls.
Costs to check beyond the price
Special taxing districts. Some new communities sit inside a Municipal Utility District (MUD). According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, a MUD is a political subdivision that provides water, sewage, drainage and related services, and it repays bonds for infrastructure through property taxes collected from the district. Sellers must deliver a written notice before the contract is signed or include it as an addendum, and the notice discloses information about tax rates, bonded debt and possible assessments. If the notice is not delivered on time, the buyer can terminate the contract through closing.
HOA dues and rules. Ask for the governing documents and current fees.
Upgrades and options. Get every upgrade and its cost in writing.
Landscaping, fencing and window coverings. Ask what is included and what you will pay for after closing.
Property taxes. A new home may be taxed on land only, or on a partly finished value, until it is fully assessed. Ask how the appraisal district will treat the property, and plan for the full tax bill. The cost of living page covers how to think about total monthly cost.
Get independent inspections
A new home has a builder's inspections and city inspections, but those are not the same as an inspection you hire yourself. A licensed inspector who works for you can review the home before closing and give you a list to raise with the builder. Ask whether the builder allows inspections at different stages of construction, and build the inspection into your schedule.
Know your recourse before you need it
According to the Texas State Law Library, the Residential Construction Liability Act, in Chapter 27 of the Texas Property Code, applies to work on new residences, existing residences and additions, and encourages resolving disputes before litigation. Before filing suit, a homeowner must send a written demand at least 60 days beforehand by certified mail, describing the defects in reasonable detail. The contractor then has 60 days to make a written settlement offer. Read your builder's warranty documents too, and keep records of everything you report.
My take: keep a folder of every email, text and form from the builder. If you ever need to raise an issue, clear records make the conversation easier.
Questions to ask a builder
What is included in the base price and what costs extra?
Is the community in a MUD or other special taxing district, and what are the tax rates?
What are the HOA dues and what do they cover?
What is the estimated completion date, and what happens if it changes?
What warranty comes with the home, in writing?
Can I bring my own inspector, and at which stages?
New construction FAQ
Is new construction cheaper than resale?
It depends on the area, the builder, the upgrades and the taxes. Compare the full monthly cost, not only the price.
Do I still get an option period on a new build?
That depends on the contract you sign. Ask how inspections and termination rights work in the builder's contract before you commit.
What is a MUD?
A Municipal Utility District is a political subdivision authorized to provide water, sewage, drainage and related services. It repays the cost of infrastructure through property taxes collected from the district, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center.
Should I bring an agent to the model home?
I recommend it if you want representation. Ask the builder about their policy for buyers with agents before your first visit.
Thinking about a new build?
If you are comparing a new build with resale homes, tell me what you are looking for and we can walk through the tradeoffs. For the full process, see the buyer guide.
Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center on MUDs, Texas State Law Library on construction defects. This is general information, not legal advice.