Updated November 4, 2026
The big picture
Most new-home purchases follow a similar path, though each builder runs it a little differently. Knowing the steps helps you spot where to ask questions and where a mistake is hardest to fix.
Step 1: Decide on your agent and budget
Before your first visit, decide whether you want a buyer's agent. The sales staff at a model home represent the builder. Many builders require buyer's agents to be registered on the first visit, so bring your agent or tell the sales office you will be using one.
Talk to a lender early. Get a pre-approval and ask for a loan estimate, so you know your real budget including taxes, insurance, HOA dues and any CDD assessments.
Step 2: Compare communities and lots
Look at more than the house plan. Ask about the flood zone for the specific lot, the HOA and CDD costs, school assignment, future development nearby and the builder's timeline. Visit at different times of day.
Step 3: Read the contract and addenda
Builder contracts are usually the builder's own form. Ask about the deposit schedule, escrow, completion estimates, price changes, selections and upgrades, and your options if the home is late. Consider a review by a Florida real estate attorney before you sign.
Step 4: Choose options and finance
Selections of flooring, fixtures and structural options are often locked in by a deadline, and changes can cost money. Keep all upgrade agreements in writing. If a lender incentive is offered, compare it with other lenders' offers.
Step 5: Inspect during construction
Consider an independent inspector at key stages, such as before drywall is installed, when framing, plumbing, electrical and insulation are still visible. Ask the builder in advance how pre-drywall visits are handled.
Step 6: Final walk-through and closing
Before closing, walk the home with a punch list of items to fix. A final inspection can help you catch missing items. Confirm what repairs the builder will finish and by when, and get that in writing. Then review the closing documents, including the final numbers for any escrowed deposit, prorations and assessments.
Step 7: After you move in
Learn how to submit warranty requests and what the builder's warranty covers. Many builders offer a walk-through near the end of the first year, often around month 11. Ask what your builder offers. Keep your paperwork, photos and emails in one place.
If a serious problem appears and the builder does not fix it, Florida's Chapter 558 describes the notice process that usually comes before a lawsuit. See our guide on deposits, contracts and delays, and consult an attorney for your situation.
A simple checklist to bring on your first visit
- Your pre-approval or lender contact.
- Your agent's name and contact details, ready to register.
- A list of questions about HOA dues, CDD assessments, flood zone and warranty.
- A notebook or phone for photos and notes. Ask for every promise in writing.
Pausing before you sign a reservation or deposit form is fine. Ask what is refundable and under what terms, and read the whole form.
Tampa Bay specifics worth keeping in mind
The four counties we cover, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee, each have their own permitting offices, impact fee schedules and flood maps. A home in one county can have a very different cost picture than a similar home in another.
Ask the builder which jurisdiction permits the home, which flood zone the lot is in, and whether the community is inside a community development district. Those three answers shape much of your long-term cost and risk.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting a model home alone and signing a registration form that does not list your agent.
- Treating the estimated completion date as a promise.
- Skipping the review of HOA and CDD documents until after you have paid a deposit.
- Relying on verbal answers instead of written ones.
- Waiting until closing week to schedule your final inspection.
Slowing down at the early steps usually saves the most trouble later. A buyer's agent can keep a calendar of key dates, such as selection deadlines, inspection windows and closing, so nothing slips by. Ask the builder for a written schedule of milestones and for updates as construction moves along.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an attorney for a builder contract?
It is not required, but contracts are long and written by the builder. Many buyers have a Florida real estate attorney review the contract first.
When should I register my agent?
Many builders require it on the first visit. Ask each builder for its policy and get it in writing.
How long does new construction take?
It varies by builder, home and conditions. Treat any date in the contract as an estimate and read what the contract says about delays.