Open-plan living room with a suspended fireplace, white sectional sofa, and mezzanine above.

3 Ways To Buy A New Construction Home

Brent Wells May 8, 2025

New homes are fresh, modern, and hassle-free. Whether you want to save money, move in fast, or design your perfect place, there are three ways to go. Let’s break them down to help you pick the right one.

Option 1: Save Big with a Completed Inventory Home

Want the best deal? Buy a home that’s already built and sitting unsold.

How You Save

Builders pay costs like interest and taxes every month the home sits, motivating them to offer discounts.
You get deals or incentives to buy quickly.
No extra costs for upgrades since the home’s done.

Why It’s Awesome

It's the cheapest option because builders want these homes gone.
Move in right away.
New homes mean fewer repair bills early on.
You still get the full warranty.
You receive instant equity in many cases due to home value appreciation.

Keep In Mind

You can’t change the design—it’s already built.
Choices might be limited to what’s available.

Spring savings event flyer advertising up to $35,000 in savings, with a modern white house.

Option 2: Move Quick with an Inventory Home

Need to settle in fast? Grab an inventory home that’s ready or almost ready.

What’s an Inventory Home?

The builder selected the lot, floor plan, and finish out.
Homes built or nearly finished, ready for quick move-in.
Check with builders or agents for what’s out there.

Why It’s Awesome

Move in within weeks.
You see the actual home before buying.
The builder typically designs a beautiful home due to their experience.

Heads Up

Costs more than inventory homes since discounts are smaller.
Virtually no changes to the home.
They will not accept changes to the color palette and finish out.

Option 3: Build Your Dream Home

Got a vision? Customize a home to make it yours. The industry calls this a 'build-to-suit'.

How It Works

Work with the sales associate to select your floor plan.
Determine which lots will fit your floor plan.
Negotiate your purchase agreement.
Pick colors, materials, and extras to match your style.
Enjoy the build process for the next 6-12 months,

Why It’s Awesome

It’s precisely what you want, down to the details.
You get a one-of-a-kind home.
You typically lock in pricing at the time of contract.

Heads Up

It is the most expensive option. Think of buying a bespoke suit.
Takes the longest to go from planning to moving in.
You are paying retail with a modest financial incentive or discount thrown in.

Which One’s for You?

Each option’s got its perks. Here’s the rundown.

How They Stack Up

Cost: Inventory homes are cheapest, and the older the house, the better the discount.
Speed: Existing inventory is the fastest, in-progress inventory is next, and a 'build-to-suit' is last.
Personalization: 'Build to Suit' homes offer the most personalized and detailed touches.