Eugenia Grajales is a Texas REALTOR with more than 20 years of experience in real estate and related industries and has been licensed in Texas since 2015. Brokered by Citiwide Properties Corp., she helps buyers evaluate new-construction options across McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, and North DFW.
Builder and Community Comparisons
Comparing builders and communities across North DFW is an important part of the new-construction evaluation process. Each community offers different builders, floor plans, standard features, upgrade options, amenities, and price ranges. Buyers are encouraged to visit multiple communities, tour model homes, and review builder specifications side by side. Factors to compare include construction quality and materials, floor plan design and flexibility, standard features and included finishes, upgrade and design-center options and pricing, community amenities such as parks, pools, trails, and common spaces, location, school district assignment, and proximity to work and services, HOA fees, MUD and PID assessments, and total tax burden, and builder warranty terms and post-close service reputation. This site does not rank builders or communities. All guidance is neutral and educational. No endorsements, guarantees, or unsupported savings claims are made.
Key Considerations
Builder Contracts
Builder contracts differ from standard Texas resale purchase agreements. Review the contract carefully, including the total purchase price, escalation provisions if any, construction timeline and completion deadline, detailed specifications and finishes schedule, change-order procedures and pricing, warranty coverage terms and duration, and dispute resolution provisions. Texas real estate transactions use TREC-promulgated forms where applicable. Have the contract reviewed by qualified professionals before signing.
Read the Q&A on builder contract reviewIncentives and Preferred Lenders
Many production builders offer incentives such as rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, or design-center allowances. These incentives may be contingent on using the builder's affiliated lender. Compare the builder lender's offer with independent lenders to ensure competitive terms. Federal law requires a Loan Estimate within three business days of application, which supports comparison shopping. Verify current incentive terms with each builder directly.
Read the Q&A on builder incentivesTaxes and MUD/PID Assessments
New-construction communities in North DFW may have Municipal Utility District (MUD) taxes and/or Public Improvement District (PID) assessments in addition to base property taxes. These special assessments fund infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, and parks. They vary significantly by community and property. Verify the specific tax rate and any MUD or PID assessments for a property through the Collin Central Appraisal District, Denton Central Appraisal District, or the applicable taxing authority, and through the title company during the purchase process.
Read the Q&A on property tax ratesLots, Upgrades, and Inspections
Lot selection affects price, size, orientation, and view. Premium lots may have additional costs. Upgrade selections through the design center can add significantly to the base price. Understand what is included in the standard specification and what costs extra. Independent inspections during and after construction are recommended. A third-party inspector can evaluate foundation, framing, mechanical systems, and final finish quality before the warranty period begins.
Build Timelines
Re-verified September 17, 2026: current DFW builder and real-estate sources put most production-home construction at roughly 4 to 10 months from contract to closing, with builder quotes commonly clustering at 6 to 9 months and roughly 6 to 8 months of active construction from foundation to closing, depending on the builder, home size, complexity, weather, permitting, and selections. Custom and semi-custom homes commonly take longer. The purchase agreement should include a specific estimated completion timeline. Delays can occur due to material availability, labor, weather, and permitting, and quoted ranges change with market conditions. Ask each builder for current timeline estimates in writing.
Read the Q&A on build timelinesBuilder registration, representation, compensation, inventory, and incentive policies vary by builder, community, and property. Contact Eugenia before your first builder interaction or visit so current requirements can be verified.
Guidance for Relocation Buyers
Buyers relocating from out of state to North Texas will find a new-construction market that differs significantly from other regions. Key considerations for out-of-state buyers include:
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Market familiarity. North DFW has distinct market conditions, builder practices, and contract norms. Work with a local professional who understands the area.
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Timing. New construction takes time. If you need a home quickly, resale inventory or a home nearly complete may be a better option.
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Temporary housing. Plan for a temporary housing arrangement between your move and the home completion date.
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Tax and school differences. Texas has no state income tax but may have higher property taxes than your current state. School districts have specific attendance boundaries unrelated to city limits.
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Builder registration policies. Some builders require buyer registration before the first visit. Contact Eugenia before visiting any builder to confirm current registration requirements.
Spanish-Speaking Buyers
Guidance is available in Spanish. Hablamos espanol. Eugenia can assist Spanish-speaking buyers with new-construction evaluations, builder communications, contract review, and the home-buying process in North DFW.
Contact Eugenia Before Visiting a Builder
Builder registration and representation policies vary. Many builders require buyers to register with an agent before the first visit to ensure proper representation. Contact Eugenia before visiting or registering with any builder so current requirements can be verified and you receive the full benefit of professional representation.
Request New-Build Guidance
Eugenia Grajales and Citiwide Properties Corp. are not affiliated with or endorsed by any builder unless expressly stated.