North Houston is one of the most active new construction markets in the US. Builders like Pulte, David Weekley, Perry Homes, Chesmar, Taylor Morrison, and Lennar are building thousands of homes across Cypress, Conroe, and Magnolia right now. Here's what most buyers don't realize: the sales rep in the model home works for the builder, not for you. Having Christine represent you as a buyer's agent costs you nothing — builders pay the commission — but it changes everything about the outcome.
1. The Base Price Is Just the Starting Point
That $340,000 sign out front is for the smallest floor plan, smallest lot, zero upgrades. By the time most buyers add the finishes they actually want — flooring, countertops, extended patio, extra garage space — the final price is often 15–30% higher than the base. Christine helps you understand the total cost before you're emotionally committed.
Always ask for a "spec sheet" or "as-built" price for a recently completed home in the community. That gives you a realistic benchmark for what you'll actually pay.
2. Upgrade Pricing Is Often Negotiable
Builders present upgrade pricing as fixed. It often isn't — especially at end of quarter or when a community is nearing sellout. Christine knows which builders have flexibility on design center credits, lot premiums, and closing cost incentives, and exactly when to ask.
Real example: A client in Conroe received $15,000 in free upgrades and a 2-1 interest rate buydown from the builder — because Christine knew the right time to ask and which items were negotiable on that builder's matrix.
3. You Need Your Own Inspector
New construction homes go through builder inspections — but those are not the same as independent third-party inspections. Production builders move fast, and construction defects are common: grading issues, improperly installed HVAC, missing insulation, foundation concerns. Christine recommends independent inspections at foundation pour, pre-drywall, and final walk-through stages.
4. The Builder's Lender Isn't Always the Best Deal
Most builders offer incentives to use their preferred lender. Those incentives are real — but they don't always mean the best overall terms. Always get a competing quote from an independent lender before accepting the builder's package. Sometimes the incentive offsets a higher rate; other times you're better off elsewhere.
5. The Contract Heavily Favors the Builder
New construction contracts are written by the builder's attorneys. Key things to know before signing:
- Earnest money is often non-refundable after a short window
- Completion timelines include broad delay provisions with no financial penalty to the builder
- Change orders must be in writing — verbal agreements are unenforceable
- Arbitration clauses limit your legal options if something goes wrong
The Bottom Line
Buying new construction in North Houston can be a fantastic experience. The communities are exceptional and the builders are largely reputable. But the process is significantly better — and more financially favorable — when you have an experienced buyer's agent who represents you and only you. Christine's representation costs you nothing and the knowledge she brings to the table is current and specific.