Before you sign a builder contract, compare the full offer.
Review deposits, incentives, financing, representation, closing costs, and written promises before you commit.
- Identify the money and deadline questions to ask.
- Compare incentives against the total cost of the deal.
- Get important promises documented before signing.
Ten decisions, organized into five checkpoints
This is a practical review sheet for the financial, contractual, and representation questions that can get lost when buyers focus only on the home.
“The virtual product was incredible. The amount of times I went back to the videos to look at the home after the fact.”Marc + Mary Elizabeth, Potomac Shores
“Your page popped up in one of those YouTube videos... this is the person that we need to work with.”Diwakar + Shirinithi, Leesburg
The model shows the home. The offer determines the deal.
A beautiful floor plan can make it easy to move too quickly. These are the areas where buyers need to slow down and compare the full picture.
The builder usually provides the contract
New construction agreements may allocate delays, substitutions, deposits, and remedies differently than a standard resale contract.
An incentive is only one part of the price
Compare the total cost, lender terms, upgrade package, lot premium, and cash needed instead of focusing on the headline credit.
Verbal promises need documentation
Confirm incentives, included features, deadlines, and special agreements in the contract or an addendum before relying on them.
Before you download
Is the checklist really free?
Yes. Enter your first name and email to receive immediate access to the one-page PDF. No purchase or consultation is required.
How will I receive the checklist?
After the form is successfully submitted, you will be taken directly to a page where you can open or download the PDF. You do not have to wait for an email before using it.
Is a phone number required?
No. The initial checklist request only requires your first name and email address. Any additional questions after delivery are optional.
Is this the same as the First Visit Checklist?
No. The First Visit Checklist is focused on what to notice and ask during an initial model-home visit. This checklist goes further into the offer, deposits, incentives, financing, contract terms, inspections, hidden costs, and preparation before signing.
What if I have already visited or registered?
You can still use the checklist to organize what you learned and identify unanswered questions. Builder registration and representation policies vary, so confirm your specific situation before assuming what options remain available.
Will the builder’s current incentives be included?
No. Incentives, prices, availability, lender terms, and builder policies change. The checklist helps you ask for the current information and compare it carefully.
Does this replace professional advice?
No. The checklist provides general information and is not legal, financial, lending, appraisal, inspection, or tax advice. Review the actual documents and facts with the appropriate professionals.
Do not let the model make the decision for you.
Get the checklist, review the full offer, and walk into the builder conversation with better questions.
