Buying new construction? Bring your own agent.
The friendly person in the model home is the builder’s sales agent, and they work for the builder. Your own agent helps you compare plans and lots, read the builder’s contract, ask for incentives, and keep inspections and deadlines on track until closing.
Why bring your own agent
- Someone on your side. The builder’s agent represents the builder, including on price and contract terms.
- A second look at the contract. Many builders use their own purchase agreement, written to protect the builder.
- Help with incentives. Builders often offer help with closing costs, a lower rate or upgrades. I’ll help you ask for them and compare the full deal.
- Inspections that work for you. New homes can have problems too. Independent inspections catch them before closing.
- Bring me in early. Many builders ask that your agent register you on your first visit, so call me first.
The builder process, step by step
Lot and plan
Pick the community, lot and floor plan, then price the options you want. Lot premiums and upgrades add up, so we keep a running total.
Contract
You sign the builder’s purchase agreement and pay earnest money. We go over deadlines, deposits, change orders, delays and the warranty first.
Construction
The builder schedules the work. I stay in touch with the builder’s team and pass along updates.
Inspections
Independent inspections during the build and before closing catch problems while they’re easier to fix.
Final walkthrough
Walk the finished home, list anything that needs fixing, and confirm the fixes before closing.
Closing
Sign at the title company and get your keys. Make sure you know how the warranty works and who to call.
Builder contracts vs. TREC forms
When you buy a resale home in Texas, agents use contract forms published by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Many builders use their own contract instead, written by the builder’s attorneys.
Builder contracts can differ on earnest money, construction delays, change orders, inspections and warranties. I’ll walk you through the terms and point out anything that needs a closer look. For legal advice, talk with a real estate attorney.
Negotiating incentives
Builder incentives change often. They depend on the community and on how soon a home needs to sell. They can include help with closing costs, an interest-rate buydown or upgrades.
Some incentives only apply if you use the builder’s preferred lender or title company. Compare the whole deal, not just the headline.
Magnolia Trails, Needville
Magnolia Trails is a Debo Homes community in Needville that I know well, with 3D tours of three of its homes.
- Floor plans from about 2,092 to 3,472 sq ft, with 3 to 5 bedrooms
- Starting sales prices from $481,160, per the builder’s price list of August 21, 2026. Prices include standard features, while upgrades and options cost extra. Prices change, so ask me for current pricing.
- Construction time about 8 to 10 weeks
3D tours: 14611 Camila Dr · 14703 Camila Dr · 13007 Willow Dr
Current offers
- A 2-1 rate buydown, paid by Debo Homes, on select homes: a lower interest rate for the first two years. Your rate and monthly payment go up in years 2 and 3.
- Up to $7,000 toward closing costs, combined from Debo Homes and Movement Mortgage, on select homes when you finance with Movement Mortgage. It covers allowable closing costs and prepaid items only. It isn’t cash back, it can’t go toward your down payment, and your loan program may limit the amount.
Offers are for a limited time and can change or end without notice. You can choose any lender, but the closing cost offer applies only with Movement Mortgage. Subject to credit approval; not a commitment to lend. Ask me which homes qualify and which offers can be combined.
For today’s rates, talk to me or my preferred lender:
Adrian Mora
Branch Leader, Movement Mortgage
NMLS #1020515
Call 713-478-8679adrian.mora@movement.comAdrian’s page at Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #39179
If I represent the builder on a home you’re considering, I’ll tell you in writing before we go any further and explain your options.
Quick answers
Can I bring my own agent to a builder’s community?
Usually, yes. Many builders ask that your agent register you or come with you on your first visit, so call me before you walk into a sales office or sign anything.
Do I need an inspection on a brand-new home?
I recommend it. An independent inspector works for you, not the builder, and can catch problems during construction and before closing, while they are easier to get fixed.
Should I use the builder’s lender?
You can, especially if an incentive depends on it. Compare a loan estimate from at least one other lender too, so you can see the full cost of the deal.
What if construction runs late?
The builder’s contract sets the rules for delays. We’ll read that part together before you sign.
How are you paid?
Before I show you homes, we’ll sign a written agreement that spells out what I do for you and how I’m paid. Texas law requires it, and the terms are negotiable.
Do you work in Spanish?
Yes. Hablo español, and I’m happy to work with you in Spanish from your first question to closing.
Thinking about a new home?
Call or text me before your first visit to a sales office. Hablo español.