New Construction Homes in North Texas | Your Guide to Building in D...

The New Construction Process in North Texas

Building a home in today’s market looks a little different than it used to. Many builders across DFW and Fort Worth have shifted from fully custom homes to spec and semi-custom builds, meaning a lot of the major design choices are made before the home ever hits the market.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get something beautiful and new, it just means knowing what kind of build you’re getting into (and what’s negotiable) is more important than ever.

The Three Types of New Construction Homes

1. Spec Homes (Move-In Ready or Nearly Finished)
Most of what you’ll find in today’s market are spec homes, properties the builder started (or even completed) before a buyer was attached. They’re designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, often featuring popular finishes, neutral colors, and modern layouts.
Best for: Buyers who want a new home without waiting months to build.

2. Semi-Custom Homes
With semi-custom builds, the structure and floor plan are already chosen, but you might have the chance to pick out some interior finishes, like flooring, paint colors, or countertops, if you get in early enough.
Best for: Buyers who want some personalization without starting from scratch.

3. Fully Custom Homes
If you have a vision for a one-of-a-kind home, a fully custom build lets you design every detail from the ground up. These are typically found through smaller, independent builders or on private lots.
Best for: Buyers who have specific design goals and flexibility in budget and timeline.

In North Texas, new builds offer modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and fewer repair headaches, plus, you get to make it your own.

What to Expect in the DFW New Construction Process

While every builder works differently, here’s a general idea of what the process looks like:

Consultation & Budget Planning

We’ll go over your goals, preferred areas, and financing. From there, I’ll help you determine which builders and communities align with what you want, and what’s realistic in the current market.
Builder & Community Selection

From Fort Worth to Haslet and Azle, there’s no shortage of new construction. The key is knowing which builders are producing quality homes, and which ones allow some customization versus spec-only options.
Design Options (If Available)

For semi-custom builds, we’ll review any design selections you can still make before the builder finalizes the home. This might include tile, paint, or hardware.
Construction Oversight & Walkthroughs

Even with spec homes, it’s essential to have someone watching the process. I attend blue-tape walkthroughs, coordinate independent inspections, and make sure your new home is delivered as promised.
Final Walkthrough & Closing

Before closing, we’ll walk through the property to mark any imperfections, confirm repairs, and ensure all promised features are complete.

Why You Still Need a Realtor (Even With a Builder)

Representation That Protects You

Builders’ reps work for the builder, not you. I make sure your interests come first, guiding you through contracts, timelines, and community comparisons so you can make informed decisions.

Inspections and Oversight

New doesn’t always mean perfect. I coordinate third-party inspections to ensure your home is built right and meets your expectations before closing.

Negotiation Power

From upgrades and incentives to closing costs or rate buy-downs, I help you get the most value out of your new home purchase while avoiding costly surprises.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Stacy Hampel

Agent | License ID: 0784639

+1(517) 812-9703

stacy@livingfortworth.com