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Buying new construction in North Houston: questions to ask before signing
Quick answer. The model home is the easy part. These are the questions that decide whether a new build is a good purchase.
By Michael O'Neal, Broker and REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Northeast
Published October 11, 2026
Who represents you?
The sales counselor in the model home works for the builder. You can bring your own agent, and in most cases the builder pays that agent. Many builders require your agent to be registered on your first visit, so call me before you walk in.
What contract are you signing?
Most builders use their own contract, not the standard Texas Real Estate Commission forms used on resale homes. Builder contracts are written to protect the builder. Read the sections on delays, price changes, earnest money and what happens if either side cancels. I review these with my clients line by line.
What is the total tax rate?
Two homes at the same price can have very different monthly payments. Many newer sections in Porter, New Caney, Spring, Conroe and Cypress sit inside a municipal utility district or a public improvement district that adds its own tax or assessment. Ask for the total rate and any assessments in writing, then run the payment on that number.
What is the incentive really worth?
Builders often tie incentives to their preferred lender and title company. Sometimes that is the best deal available and sometimes it is not. Get the loan estimate from the builder lender and from one outside lender, and compare the full cost over the time you expect to own the home.
What is included, and what is an upgrade?
The model is loaded with options. Ask for the list of standard features for your floor plan and price the upgrades you care about before you sign. Structural choices usually lock early.
Will you get your own inspections?
A new home should still be inspected by someone who works for you. A common schedule is before the drywall goes up, before closing, and again before the one-year warranty expires. Confirm in the contract that your inspector will be allowed on site.
What does the neighborhood become?
Ask what is planned for the land around your section: more homes, commercial, roads or drainage. Ask about HOA dues, amenity timelines and how many sections are left to build, because you will be competing with the builder if you sell early.
Buying new in North Houston? Call me before your first model home visit.
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