New Construction Buyer Quiz

Four questions to get an honest read on where you are in the new-build process, and what to ask before that base price turns into something bigger.

Your answers to the questions below are never saved or sent anywhere — the quiz itself runs entirely on your own screen. The only way any information leaves this page is if you choose to fill out the optional follow-up form after you see your result.

1. Where are you in the new construction process? Just starting to explore — haven't picked a builder or lot Comparing builders or communities, narrowing it down Have a builder and lot in mind, close to signing

2. How comfortable are you with allowances and change orders? Not familiar with how builder contracts and allowances work I've read about it, but want someone to walk me through the numbers I understand allowances and I'm budgeting for upgrades already

3. What's your timeline flexibility? Very flexible — no rush Somewhat flexible, but working toward a rough date Tight timeline — I need to be in by a specific date

4. Do you already have someone representing just you in this, separate from the builder? No — I've mostly just talked to the builder's sales office I've thought about it but haven't set anything up Yes, or I know I need to before I sign anything

Just Starting to Explore

Good time to slow down before you fall for a model home. The person in the builder's sales office represents the builder, not you — that's true even if they're friendly and helpful. Before you get attached to a floor plan, it's worth understanding what's actually included in that base price versus what's a lot premium or an upgrade allowance.

Read what buyers usually don't know to ask, and reach out before you sign anything, not after.

Want this in writing, or want to talk it through? Leave your info and I'll follow up — totally optional, and your result above doesn't go anywhere either way.

Comparing Builders

You're doing the right thing by comparing, but base prices between builders usually aren't apples-to-apples until you know what's included versus what's an allowance. A production builder and a custom builder also give you very different amounts of leverage to negotiate. Worth understanding the difference before you pick a favorite.

See the questions worth asking before you compare numbers, and let's talk about what you're looking at.

Want this in writing, or want to talk it through? Leave your info and I'll follow up — totally optional, and your result above doesn't go anywhere either way.

Close to Signing

Before you sign, get a buyer's agent reviewing the contract, the timeline, and the options list on your behalf — it costs you nothing extra, since the builder already accounts for it. And yes, even a brand-new house needs an independent inspection before your final walkthrough; installation errors and missed items happen even on new construction.

Let's talk before you sign, especially if this is also tied to selling a current house on a timeline.

Want this in writing, or want to talk it through? Leave your info and I'll follow up — totally optional, and your result above doesn't go anywhere either way.

Builder contracts and allowance structures vary widely — this is a starting point, not a substitute for reading your actual contract closely.