FREE NEW CONSTRUCTION BUYER CHECKLIST
Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Construction Home
Download our free checklist with more than 70 important questions to ask about builder incentives, closing costs, upgrades, solar, property taxes, HOA fees, inspections, warranties, timelines, and what is actually included with the home.
Before You Visit a New Home Builder
Contact your own REALTOR® before visiting a model home, touring a new construction community, or registering on a builder’s website.
Many builders have strict registration policies that may require your REALTOR® to be identified before or during your first visit. Waiting until after you register could affect whether your agent can represent you during the transaction.
The sales representative at the community works for the builder and is there to sell the builder’s homes. Your own REALTOR® can help you compare communities, review the numbers, ask questions, coordinate inspections, and advocate for your interests throughout the buying process.
Download the Free New Construction Guide To Why You Should Hire Your Own Real Estate Agent
It explains:
Why buyers should contact their own REALTOR® before registering
The difference between the builder’s sales representative and the buyer’s agent
How an agent can help compare prices, upgrades, financing, solar, HOA fees, taxes, inspections, and incentives
Questions buyers should ask before visiting a builder
A strong call to action featuring Laura and Bonilla Group
Contacting us before your first visit may help protect your opportunity to have your own REALTOR® represent you.
A Large Incentive Is Not Always the Best Deal
A Large Incentive Is Not Always the Best Deal
A builder may advertise thousands of dollars toward closing costs or a special interest rate. However, the offer may require you to use the builder’s preferred lender, purchase a specific inventory home, or close by a certain deadline.
Before accepting an incentive, compare:
The purchase price, interest rate, APR, lender fees, discount points, monthly payment, cash needed to close, property taxes, HOA dues, solar payment, mortgage insurance, and the total cost of the loan.
Our checklist helps you gather the information you need so you can make a more informed comparison.
It explains:
Why a large builder incentive is not always the least expensive offer
Temporary 2-1 buydowns versus permanent interest-rate buydowns
The difference between a rate lock, a fixed interest rate, and a temporary payment reduction
How to compare lender fees, APR, discount points, cash to close, monthly payments, HOA, solar, taxes, and mortgage insurance
Questions buyers should ask the builder’s lender
A printable Builder Lender vs. Outside Lender comparison worksheet
Don’t Forget to Download the Builder Questions Checklist
The financing explanations are grounded in official CFPB and Fannie Mae consumer guidance. We are not Lenders or mortgage loan offers
Financing Disclaimer: Laura Bonilla, REALTOR®, Angelica Bonilla Real Estate Agent, and Bonilla Group are not mortgage lenders, loan officers, or financial advisors. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is intended to help buyers know what questions to ask. Loan rates, fees, incentives, and qualifications vary. Always verify all financing information with a licensed mortgage professional. Pak Home Reality we are not lenders.
Walk Into the Builder’s Office Prepared
The model home may be beautiful, but it can include thousands of dollars in upgrades that are not included in the advertised base price.
This free checklist will help you ask about:
The actual price of the home and any lot premiums
Builder closing-cost credits and interest-rate incentives
Standard features versus model-home upgrades
Solar purchase, financing, lease, or payment requirements
Property taxes, Mello-Roos, CFD assessments, and HOA fees
Deposits, contracts, cancellation terms, and closing deadlines
Independent home inspections and final walkthroughs
Builder warranties and post-closing repairs
Appliances, landscaping, fencing, and window coverings
Community amenities and future development plans
Your REALTOR® registration and representation
The Builder Has a Team. You Should Have One To
You Should Have One Too.
The builder has its own sales representatives, contracts, preferred lenders, title company, construction team, and legal documents.
Having your own REALTOR® gives you someone who can help you understand the process from your side of the transaction.
Bonilla Group can help you:
Compare different builders and communities
Understand the difference between the base price and final price
Review available incentives and financing offers
Ask whether additional closing-cost credits or upgrades are available
Coordinate communication with the builder and lender
Schedule independent inspections and walkthroughs
Keep track of deadlines, documents, and the next step
Prepare for closing and move-in
Our team has helped buyers identify and request available closing-cost credits, interest-rate incentives, and builder upgrades. Every builder, home, promotion, and financing offer is different, so incentives are never guaranteed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-
You are not required to use a REALTOR®, but the builder’s sales team represents the builder’s interests. Your own REALTOR® can help you compare homes and incentives, ask questions, coordinate inspections, review the process, and advocate for you.
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Contact your REALTOR® before visiting a model home, attending a builder event, calling the builder, or registering online. Builder registration policies vary, and some require your agent to be identified during the first visit.
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Agent Compensation has noting to do with the Builder cooperation and compensation policies vary. You and your REALTOR® should discuss representation and compensation in a written buyer-representation agreement before touring homes. The builder should also explain any cooperation or compensation it offers to the buyer’s brokerage.
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Builders may be less flexible on the advertised purchase price, but there may be opportunities involving closing-cost credits, financing incentives, upgrades, lot premiums, appliances, or inventory homes. Availability depends on the builder, home, market, and current promotion
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You may compare the builder lender’s offer with other lenders. A preferred lender may offer valuable incentives, but you should compare the interest rate, APR, lender fees, points, monthly payment, cash needed to close, and total loan cost.
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Yes. A new home can still have incomplete work, installation problems, or construction defects. Ask whether the builder permits independent pre-drywall, final, sewer, roof, HVAC, or other inspections.
Download the Builder Questions Checklist
Guidance Before, During, and After Your Builder Visit
Bonilla Group helps home buyers throughout the High Desert and Inland Empire understand what to expect when purchasing a new construction home.
We believe buyers deserve clear explanations, honest guidance, and an organized process. Our goal is to make sure you understand the next step, what questions to ask, and what costs to consider before making a decision.
Laura Bonilla, REALTOR®
Bonilla Group | PAK Home Realty
DRE #01984701
Serving Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Oak Hills, Adelanto, Silver Lakes, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and surrounding Southern California communities.
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