--- title: "The Treasure Coast New Construction Buying Process" url: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-buying-process description: "Step-by-step guide to buying a new construction home in Florida, from builder selection and reservation to design center, financing, walk-throughs, and clo" lang: en --- Image: Sunlit light-colored coastal homes and palms beside the turquoise Atlantic Ocean (https://petekaterealestate.com/assets/guides-tPfL56om.webp) All Guides (https://petekaterealestate.com/guides) New Construction # The Treasure Coast New Construction Buying Process Step-by-step guide to buying a new construction home in Florida, from builder selection and reservation to design center, financing, walk-throughs, and closing day. Buying a new construction home on the Treasure Coast follows a different path than a resale transaction. There is no MLS listing, no inspection-period negotiation, and the seller is a builder with their own contracts and timelines. ## The new construction buying journey 01 Pre-approval Lender letter + priorities 02 Tour with agent Register on first visit 03 Reserve & contract Deposit varies by builder 04 Design center Lock options early 05 Construction 7–11 months typical 06 Closing day Walk-through + keys ## Step 1: Get pre-approved and define your priorities Most Treasure Coast builders require a lender pre-approval letter before reserving a homesite. Define your must-haves first, county, city, school zone, lot premium tolerance, and timeline. ## Step 2: Tour communities with a buyer's agent Bring your own buyer's agent on the FIRST visit. Builders cover the agent commission, but only if your agent registers you on the initial walk-in. This is the single most expensive mistake new construction buyers make. ## Step 3: Reserve the homesite and sign the builder contract Reservation deposits convert into the contract deposit, which varies by builder. Florida builder contracts are non-standard, review escalation clauses, change-order rules, and contingency language carefully. ## Step 4: Design center and structural options Within 2–4 weeks of contract you'll select cabinets, countertops, flooring, and any structural options. Lock in upgrades early, most are non-refundable and locked at this point. ## Step 5: Construction phase and walk-throughs Treasure Coast new construction typically takes 7–11 months from permit to closing. Expect a pre-drywall walk-through and a final orientation walk. ## Step 6: Closing day and warranty period Final walk-through, lender funding, and key handoff happen the same day. Your 1-year workmanship warranty starts at closing, keep a punch list. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need a real estate agent for new construction? Yes, and you must register them on your first visit. The builder pays the commission either way; without an agent, the builder simply keeps it. An experienced buyer's agent helps negotiate incentives, review contracts, and protect your interests. ### How much earnest money is required? It varies by builder and price point, so ask for the deposit schedule in writing. Much of it is non-refundable once you pass contingency periods. ## Keep researching - Hidden Costs of New Construction Homes in Florida: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/hidden-costs-new-construction - Property Taxes, Homestead and Portability: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/property-taxes - Homeowners Insurance in Florida: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/insurance-florida-new-homes - Flood Zones on the Treasure Coast: What Buyers Need to Know: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/flood-zones - Browse communities: https://petekaterealestate.com/neighborhoods - Home builders: https://petekaterealestate.com/new-construction/builders ## Want a personalized walk-through? Talk with Pete & Kate about how this applies to your move, whether you are buying, selling, or building new. Talk to a Local Expert (https://petekaterealestate.com/contact) ## Related Guides New Construction ### New Construction vs Resale Homes on the Treasure Coast Read Guide https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/new-construction-vs-resale New Construction ### Builder Contracts Explained: What Treasure Coast Buyers Should Know Read Guide https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/builder-contracts-explained New Construction ### Hidden Costs of New Construction Homes in Florida Read Guide https://petekaterealestate.com/guides/hidden-costs-new-construction ## Have Questions About New Construction? Get personalized guidance on buying a new construction home anywhere on the Treasure Coast, from a local expert. Contact Us: https://petekaterealestate.com/contact Browse All Guides: https://petekaterealestate.com/guides Call Us (+17722841419) ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "RealEstateAgent", "name": "Pete & Kate Real Estate", "url": "https://petekaterealestate.com", "telephone": "+1-772-284-1419", "description": "Kate Ward and Peter White, REALTORS with The McKinney Team at RE/MAX Gold. 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