The New-Construction Buyer's Guide

The builder has an agent. You should too.

Everything on this page is illustrated with photos from our own construction walks on a $1,003,225 Toll Brothers build we're representing right now.
Before You Visit a Model Home

Five things builders won't tell you.

i.
The on-site agent works for the builder

They're professional and helpful — and contractually loyal to the seller. Register your own agent on the first visit; walk in alone and many builders will refuse to let representation join later.

ii.
Your representation typically doesn't raise the price

Builder pricing is set by the community's comp sheet, not by whether you brought an agent. You get a negotiator and an inspector-of-record at the table.

iii.
The base price is the beginning of the conversation

Lot premiums, structural options, design-studio selections, and incentive packages (rate buydowns, closing-cost credits tied to the builder's lender) are all negotiable levers — some more than others, community by community.

iv.
The builder's contract is not the standard state contract

Builder agreements are written by the builder's attorneys and favor the builder — deadlines, deposits, delay remedies, and warranty terms all deserve a careful read before signing.

v.
New doesn't mean inspected

Municipal inspections check code minimums, not quality. An independent pre-drywall inspection and a final inspection routinely pay for themselves — and the builder's own punch-list standard only helps if someone holds them to it.

How We Walk a Build

From dirt to keys, watched every step.

These photos are from our visits to 2275 Whitebark Drive #148 — a Toll Brothers "William Elite" in Indian Land we're representing on the buyer side.
Whitebark exterior during construction with SOLD sign
Home site 148 — sold, framing through finish
Stage i.

Contract & selections

Before the first nail: structural options locked, design-studio budget set with resale in mind, contract terms and timeline protections reviewed line by line. The decisions made this month are the ones you can't change later.

Staircase with iron balusters during construction
Millwork & stair rail going in — details checked against selections
Stage ii.

The walks

Pre-drywall is the one chance to see what the walls will hide — framing, wiring runs, plumbing, HVAC. Then we keep showing up: each visit checks progress against the selection sheet, because "close enough" isn't a standard we accept on your behalf.

Kitchen during construction — island and cabinetry set
Cabinetry, counters & island set — punch-list season begins
Stage iii.

Punch list, final walk, keys

An independent inspection, a full punch-list pass, and a final walkthrough where every item gets a checkmark or a commitment in writing — before you close, while the leverage is still yours. Then the good part: keys.

"The builder builds hundreds of homes a year. You're buying one. Our job is making sure yours gets built like it's the only one."
Touring Models This Weekend?

Take us with you — it costs the builder's price either way.

New communities are opening across Union County, Indian Land, and Fort Mill right now. Register us as your agent on the first visit and everything on this page is handled.

Talk before you tour