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Katy New Construction Homes for Sale (from home builder)

Many people moving to the Houston area decide they want to live in Katy or Sugar Land because of the great schools. However, they are often surprised to find out that there is very limited new construction in these areas, especially Sugar Land. Sugar Land is completely land-locked by Houston, Stafford, Missouri City, and Richmond Texas. If you want a new construction home in that area you will probably have to live in Missouri City, in either the Riverstone or Sienna Plantation neighborhoods. There is new construction in Imperial Sugar Land, but that neighborhood is not zoned to highly-rated schools, is next to a chemical plant, municipal airport, and baseball stadium, and train track. There is some new construction in Riverpark, which is zoned to poorly-rated schools.

NOTE Richmond Texas is adjacent to Sugar Land and there are new construction homes available in Aliana and a few other neighborhoods that I do not recommend. Aliana is adjacent to a large county dump and the other new construction neighborhoods are not zoned to highly rated schools.

Katy New Construction Neighborhoods

If you want Katy new construction homes for sale, especially a new construction home from a builder, then you will have to look northwest or southwest (and have a longer commute to downtown). Katy is “built out” on the northeast and southeast sides, closest to downtown Houston. The largest area of new construction homes will be on the northwest side of Katy (77493) where the schools are only Average (usually rated 5-7). If you want highly-rated schools, then look on the southwest side, including Fulshear TX (77441) because most of 77494 is built out.

katy new constructionSource: https://www.katyisd.org/

 

One thing to watch out for with Katy new construction homes for sale: High-risk flood zones. Some of the new construction neighborhoods are in 100-year and 500-year flood plains! Check out my Katy Flood Zone Report for more details and flood maps.

cross creek ranch featured

Cross Creek Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $335K to $1.7M Description Cross Creek Ranch is located on the ...
firethorne featured

Firethorne

Price Range: Home prices range from $303K to $1M Description Firethorne Katy is located on the far-west ...
tamarron featured

Tamarron

Price Range: Home prices range from $250K to $700K Tamarron Katy is located on the far-west side ...
Camillo Lakes

Camillo Lakes

Price Range: Home prices range from $287K to $430K Description Camillo Lakes Katy is located on the ...
Cane Island

Cane Island

Price Range: Home prices range from $585K to $2.45M Description Cane Island Katy is located on the ...
Elyson

Elyson

Price Range: Home prices range from $287K to $958K Description Elyson Katy is a “new construction” neighborhood ...
Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek

Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek

Price Range: Home prices range from $400K to $860K Description Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek Katy is located ...
Jordan Ranch

Jordan Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $272K to $800K Description Jordan Ranch is located on the southwest ...
polo ranch

Polo Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $249K to $539K Description Polo Ranch Katy is located on the ...
Young Ranch

Young Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $369K to $731K Description Young Ranch Katy is located on the ...

 

NOTE: There is also a major new development in Cypress (north of Katy) called Bridgeland.

 


Do Your Research!

>> Read Buying New Vs. Resale Home

>> Read What To Expect When You Buy A New Construction Home

>> Read How to Choose the Best Neighborhood

 

 


Katy New Construction Homes for Sale

Updated Daily – Sorted by Newest Listings

 

 

 

katy neighborhoods map

Katy Master Planned Communities

Katy TX is a unique area that consists mostly of “master planned communities.” We typically refer to these Katy master planned communities as “neighborhoods.” Most neighborhoods are further divided into subdivisions. There are over 200 subdivisions in Katy! Some neighborhoods like Cinco Ranch and Kelliwood are divided into many subdivisions. Here’s how this happens…

When a developer decides to create a planned community, it doesn’t develop the entire plot of land all at once. It opens a section or two at a time. Each section typically has 2 to 5 different builders who are building homes within a certain price range. So one subdivision may contain homes in the $200-400K price range, and another may contain homes in the $400-600K price range, and yet another may contain homes $750K and up.

So within one Katy master planned community you may have home prices from $200K to over $1 million, but they would be subdivided so that you should never see a $200K house next to a $900K house. Also some subdivisions may have different features than surrounding subdivisions such as a water front section, gated section, golf course section, etc.

For the larger Katy master planned communities you will notice that various subdivisions may be zoned to various elementary schools–and maybe even different middle schools and high schools–all within the same neighborhood. So it is very challenging for newcomers to get a handle on where to live!

» See How to choose the right Katy neighborhood for you for help

HOA (Home Owner’s Association) Fees

Another complication is that various subdivisions may have different HOA (home owner’s association) maintenance fees…even within the same neighborhood. This is because various subdivisions may have different amenities and features from surrounding subdivisions. For example, Avalon Seven Meadows is actually an upscale subdivision in the Seven Meadows planned community, but is treated as if it is its own neighborhood. 

The HOA fees in Katy master planned communities (sometimes referred to as maintenance fees) are annual fees that cover the cost and upkeep of the neighborhood’s shared amenities such as street lights, sidewalks, common areas, park, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. There are Pro’s and Con’s for having home owner associations but if you want to live in Katy, you might as well resign yourself to the fact that you are probably going to have to deal with one because there are very few parts of Katy that are not covered by an HOA.

HOA fees are typically paid annually and, as specified previously, they can vary from house to house within the same subdivision, so always check with your real estate agent before purchasing a specific home. These fees can change (slightly) from year to year as well. Some HOAs also have transfer fees (applied each time you buy or sell a home that is within an HOA) that may be paid by either the Seller or the Buyer. There can also be compliance inspections and certificates during home sale transactions, depending on the HOA, which is another cost when purchasing or selling a home. These fees are all typically under $200 each (transfer fee is separate from the compliance certificate fee). You need a good real estate agent who can guide you through all of the requirements during a real estate transaction so you don’t end up with a home that hasn’t met its HOA compliance, and then have to (unexpectedly) pay more money to get it up to compliance after you move-in! Inexperienced agents or agents from other areas may not know and understand these complicated HOA requirements.

 

katy real estate guide

DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE

“Best Places to Live In Katy Texas”

This is the ultimate guide about Katy TX! It has all the information on Katy, demographics, things to do, schools and up-to-date ratings, maps, detailed neighborhood comparison charts, and information on the top 20 (or so) neighborhoods…all in one place!

 

Katy Master Planned Communities

The following alphabetized list shows the top Katy master planned communities. Click a neighborhood to see a detailed description including the schools, maps, commute times, amenities, home values, and more. You may want to go to Katy neighborhoods to see these neighborhoods organized by the type of neighborhood: new construction, best schools, top 10, etc.

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Avalon Seven Meadows

Price Range: Home prices range from $560K to $1.2M Description Avalon at Seven Meadows, situated on the west side of Katy in Fort Bend County, is conveniently located near the intersection of Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway. Predominantly constructed in the mid-2000s, this neighborhood boasts around 296 homes, primarily designed in Traditional or Mediterranean styles. These homes typically feature two stories, 4 bedrooms, 3+ baths, spanning approximately 4200 square feet, with 2-car garages and a median lot size of 11,000 ... [Read More]
Camillo Lakes

Camillo Lakes

Price Range: Home prices range from $287K to $430K Description Camillo Lakes Katy is located on the northwest side of Katy (77493) in Harris County…close to the 99 Grand Parkway and Morton Rd. This is a “new construction” neighborhood, and most of the approximate 635 homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style with smallish lot sizes. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 b baths, and approximately 2225 sf with 2-car garages, and a median ... [Read More]
Cane Island

Cane Island

Price Range: Home prices range from $585K to $2.45M Description Cane Island Katy is located on the northwest side of Katy in Harris County…close to the I-10 Interstate. Primarily built since 2015, most of the approximate 1000+ homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 3100 sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 8556 sf. There are waterfront homes available in this neighborhood ... [Read More]
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Cardiff Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $500K to $760K Description Cardiff Ranch is a residential neighborhood situated on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County, Texas. Its location is convenient, positioned close to FM1464 and between I-10 and Westpark Tollway, offering easy access to major transportation routes. The neighborhood primarily consists of homes built since 2010, with over 230 properties estimated to be present. These homes typically exhibit a Traditional architectural style. On average, they are two-story residences ... [Read More]
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Churchill Farms

Price Range: Home prices range from $340K to $687K Description Churchill Farms is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County, close to FM1464 and in between I10 and Westpark Tollway. It actually has a Fulshear, TX, address. Primarily built since 2013, most of the 300+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 3280sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot ... [Read More]
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Cimarron

Price Range: Home prices range from $220K to $360K Top 6 Things About Cimarron: Convenient location Good schools Affordable prices Nearby shopping Low annual HOA fee Not located in a high-risk flood zone  Description Cimarron is located on the east side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to I10 and Grand Parkway (southeast corner). Primarily built in the late 1970s, most of the 1500 homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are one-story ranch-style homes. On average, these homes have 3 bedrooms, ... [Read More]
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Cinco Ranch

77450 77494 Home prices range from $249K to $975K Home prices range from $298K to $1.8M Description Cinco Ranch Katy TX is a very large master-planned neighborhood that spreads across both the east and west sides of Katy’s Grand Parkway and across two ZIP Codes (77450 and 77494). Parts of Cinco Ranch are gated, on the Cinco Ranch Golf Course, or have water views. Whatever type of home you are looking for, you will probably be able to find it ... [Read More]
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Cross Creek Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $335K to $1.7M Description Cross Creek Ranch is located on the southwest side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to FM1093 (Westpark Tollway). In fact, Cross Creek Ranch is actually located in Fulshear TX 77441. Part of the neighborhood (the east side) is zoned to Katy ISD, so it is included as a Katy neighborhood. The west side of the neighborhood is zoned to the Lamar Consolidated ISD school district. Primarily built since 2007, ... [Read More]
Elyson

Elyson

Price Range: Home prices range from $287K to $958K Description Elyson Katy is a “new construction” neighborhood located on the northwest side of Katy in Harris County…close to 99 Grand Parkway and FM 529 (Freeman Rd). This is about 10 minutes north of Interstate I-10. Primarily built since 2016, most of the approximate 1500+ homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and approximately 2737 sf with 2-car ... [Read More]
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Falcon Landing

Top 6 Things About Falcon Landing: Convenient location High performing schools Affordable prices Nearby shopping Lower property taxes Not in high-risk flood zone Description Falcon Landing  is located on the west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to the southwest corner of Grand Parkway and I10. Primarily built in the late 1990s, most of the 600+ homes (approx.) in Falcon Landing are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately ... [Read More]
falcon point featured

Falcon Point

Top 7 Things About Falcon Point: Convenient location High performing schools Affordable prices Nearby shopping Golf course homes available Lower property taxes Not in high-risk flood zone Description Falcon Point Katy is located on the west side of Katy TX 77494 in Fort Bend County…close to the southwest corner of Grand Parkway and I10. Primarily built in the late 1990s, most of the 500+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style and many are located on the Falcon ... [Read More]
falcon ranch featured

Falcon Ranch

Top 5 Things About Falcon Ranch: Convenient location High performing schools Affordable prices Nearby shopping Not in high-risk flood zone Description Falcon Ranch  is located on the west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to the southwest corner of Grand Parkway and I10. Primarily built in the late 1990s, most of the 850+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 3000sf with 2-car ... [Read More]
firethorne featured

Firethorne

Price Range: Home prices range from $303K to $1M Description Firethorne Katy is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to I10 and FM1463. Primarily built since 2008, most of the 3000+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 3300sf with 2-car garages. This newish neighborhood does not have mature trees but it does have a community clubhouse with fitness ... [Read More]
Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek

Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek

Price Range: Home prices range from $400K to $860K Description Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek Katy is located in 77441 in Fulshear Texas, which is on the southwest side of Katy and in Fort Bend County. Many people choose this neighborhood when they are looking for a new construction home and want good schools with a “country living” flair. It is close to the new Texas Heritage Parkway and Westpark Tollway (FM 1063) so it has good access to head east ... [Read More]
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Governors Place

Top 5 Things About Governors Place: Convenient location Good schools Affordable prices Nearby shopping Not in high-risk flood zone Description Governors Place  is located on the east side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to I10 and Grand Parkway (southeast corner). Primarily built in the 80s and 90s, most of the 500 homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are one-story ranch-style homes. On average, these homes have 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 2500sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot ... [Read More]
grand-lakes-featured

Grand Lakes

Price Range: Home prices range from $320K to $1M Description Grand Lakes Katy is located on the east side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway. Primarily built from 1998 to 2008, most of the 2700+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional or Colonial in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 3500sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 9000+sf. This upscale neighborhood ... [Read More]
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Grayson Lakes Katy

Price Range: Home prices range from $435K to $1M Description Grayson Lakes Katy is located on the far-southwest side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to the I10. It may also be referred to as “Country Lakes at Grayson Lakes.” Primarily built in the mid-2000s, most of the 530+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 3400sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot ... [Read More]
Jordan Ranch

Jordan Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $272K to $800K Description Jordan Ranch is located on the southwest side of Katy (actually Brookshire Texas in 77423) in Fort Bend County…close to the I-10 Interstate. Primarily built since 2016, most of the approximate 800+ homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 2300 sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 6781 sf. There are some waterfront ... [Read More]
Kelliwood-featured

Kelliwood

Price Range: Home prices range from $350K to $1.3M Description Kelliwood Katy is a very large master-planned neighborhood that spreads along South Fry road on the far-east side of Katy TX…close to George Bush Park and the Energy Corridor. This neighborhood was built during the late 80s and throughout the 90s so the trees are mature and the scenery is beautiful. Parts of Kelliwood are gated, on the Willow Fork Golf Course, or have water views. Whatever type of home ... [Read More]
Marcello Lakes

Marcello Lakes

Price Range: Home prices range from $390K to $600K Description Marcello Lakes Katy is located on the northwest side of Katy in Harris County. Primarily built since 2017, most of the approximate 300 homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 2600sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 7150sf. In Marcello Lakes, every home has a waterfront lot. Water sports and electric powered ... [Read More]
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Nottingham Country

Price Range: Home prices range from $203K to $1.3M Description Nottingham Country Katy is located on the east side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to I10 and the Energy Corridor. Primarily built in the 70s and 80s, most of the 2500+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional or Colonial in style with some one-story Ranch homes too. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and approximately 2700sf with 2-car garages, and a median ... [Read More]
pine-mill-ranch-featured

Pine Mill Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $290K to $923K Description Pine Mill Ranch Katy is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to FM1463. Primarily built since 2008, most of the 1400+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 3200sf with 2-car garages. This newish neighborhood does not have mature trees but it does have a community clubhouse, two playgrounds, ... [Read More]
polo ranch

Polo Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $249K to $539K Description Polo Ranch Katy is located on the southwest side of Katy in Fulshear, TX, Fort Bend County. Primarily built since 2019, most of the approximate 300+ homes (so far) in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these homes are one-story homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 1800sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 7000sf. Two-story homes are available. Polo Ranch Katy features a ... [Read More]
seven meadows featured

Seven Meadows

Price Range: Home prices range from $347K to $1.1M Description Seven Meadows Katy is is located on the west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to the northwest corner of Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway. Primarily built in the mid 2000s, most of the 1700+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 3100sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 9500sf ... [Read More]
silver ranch featured

Silver Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $313K to $618K Description Silver Ranch Katy is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to FM1463. Primarily built since 2008, most of the 640+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 2900sf with 2-car garages. This newish neighborhood does not have mature trees but it does have a community clubhouse, playground, swimming pool, ... [Read More]
tamarron featured

Tamarron

Price Range: Home prices range from $250K to $700K Tamarron Katy is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to FM1463. This is a new neighborhood that just started in 2014 and currently has several hundred homes built with plans to have a total of 4000+ homes (approx.) when completed. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, and approximately 2900sf with 2-car garages. This newish neighborhood does not have mature trees ... [Read More]
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West Memorial Katy

Top 5 Things About West Memorial: Convenient location Affordable prices Nearby shopping Lower property taxes Not located in a high-risk flood zone Description West Memorial Katy is located on the east side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to I10 and the Energy Corridor. Primarily built in the 1970s, most of the 1100+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are one-story Ranch homes. On average, these homes have 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 1800sf with 2-car garages, and a median ... [Read More]
westheimer-lakes-north-featured

Westheimer Lakes North

Price Range: Home prices range from $252K to $600K Top 5 Things About Westheimer Lakes North: High performing schools Affordable prices New construction homes available Energy-efficient homes available Not located in a high-risk flood zone Description Westheimer Lakes North is located on the southwest side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to FM1063 (Westpark Tollway). Primarily built in the late 2000s, most of the 1100+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story ... [Read More]
windsor-park-estates-featured

Windsor Park Estates

Price Range: Home prices range from $650K to $1.6M Top 10 Things About Windsor Park Estates:  Convenient location High performing schools Lower property taxes Beautiful neighborhood with lakes and mature trees Luxury homes available Not located in a high-risk flood zone Description Windsor Park Estates is located on the far-east side of Katy in Harris County (77094)…close to I10 and the Energy Corridor. Primarily built in the early 1990s, most of the 100+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are large ... [Read More]
windsor-park-lakes-featured

Windsor Park Lakes

Price Range: Home prices range from $800K to $1.9M Top 9 Things About Windsor Park Lakes: Convenient location High performing schools Lower property taxes Beautiful neighborhood with lakes and mature trees Neighborhood amenities Fishing and boat access available Not located in a high-risk flood zone Luxury homes available Manned gate for access Description Windsor Park Lakes is a gated community located on the far-east side of Katy in Harris County (77094)…close to I10 and the Energy Corridor. Primarily built since ... [Read More]
woodcreek reserve featured

Woodcreek Reserve

Price Range is from $468K to $2M Top 5 Things About Woodcreek Reserve: High performing schools Nearby shopping Neighborhood amenities Beautiful neighborhood with mature trees Not located in a high-risk flood zone Description Woodcreek Reserve Katy is located on the far-west side of Katy in Fort Bend County…close to the I10. Primarily built in the mid-2000s, most of the 380+ homes (approx.) in this neighborhood are Traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 ... [Read More]
Young Ranch

Young Ranch

Price Range: Home prices range from $369K to $731K Description Young Ranch Katy is located on the southwest side of Katy in Fort Bend or Waller County…close to the I-10 Interstate. Primarily built since 2016, most of the approximate 600+ homes in this neighborhood are traditional in style. On average, these homes are two-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and approximately 2942sf with 2-car garages, and a median lot size of 8600sf. “Drive into Young Ranch and discover a ... [Read More]
familypacking1

Buying New vs. Resale Home

One question that I get a lot is, “What’s recommended: buying new vs resale home?” A new home is one that has never been lived in while an existing home has been lived in by a previous owner. There are Pros and Cons either way that you should consider. Here are my home buying tips for buying a new vs resale home.

PROs for Purchasing a New Home May Include:

  • Lower maintenance costs during the first years of owning the home.

  • Lower energy costs because new homes are built with better energy saving materials and equipment than older homes.

  • More functional home designs and floorplans as well as up-to-date home fixtures.

  • Latest technology features such as pre-wired for a home computer network.

  • Possibly the ability to choose paint colors, floor types and colors, exterior colors, and other optional home features.

NOTE: There is typically a substantial markup on these items.

  • Builder incentives to lower the initial cost to purchase.

  • Easier to get to know neighbors because everyone is “new.”

 


 

READ:  KATY MODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES

 


 

PROs for Purchasing an Existing (Resale) Home May Include:

  • Lower price per square foot than newly built homes.

  • Better locations and shorter commute times.

  • Mature landscaping in both the yard and throughout the neighborhood.

  • Proven track record of home values in the neighborhood.

  • Lower tax rates since more neighborhood features have already been paid for by home owners.

  • Sales contracts that are fair to both parties…not one-sided in favor of the builder.

  • Lower move-in costs (possibly) since home already has window coverings, landscaping, garage door openers, and other items that you will have to buy for a brand new home.

  • Easier for home inspector to find home defects because more time has passed since the home was constructed. NOTE: New homes may have hidden defects that are impossible for a home inspector to find.

  • More established school zone boundaries than for new neighborhoods.

  • Established community activities and events.

  • Quicker move-in date compared with building a home from scratch in a new neighborhood.

If you decide to buy a new home, make sure that you check out the builder first: http://houston.bbb.org/consumers/. Also make sure that you hire an inspector (read http://www.best2inspect.com/buyersguide.html for more information). And don’t forget to bring your Realtor along when you view new home models! Remember: A Realtor’s job is not “just” helping you find a house to buy…there are over 100 tasks that Realtors may perform for you during the home purchase process! Your Realtor should be on your side because she is your agent. The salesperson at the builder’s model home office is not on your side…as an employee of the builder, he or she is looking out for the builder’s best interest.

Before you decide to buy a new home, make sure you get up-to-speed on new home builder’s warranties at  http://www.fairarbitrationnow.org/content/home-court-advantage-how-building-industry-uses-forced-arbitration-evade-accountability (scroll to the bottom and then click “Read the Full Report.”

You will also find these articles interesting:

I don’t want to discourage you from buying a new home…Houston has some really great new home builders. But it’s my job to make sure that you have all the information that you need to make a wise buying decision. 

NOTE: The Following rankings are from JD Powers 2010. I’m not aware of a more current list.

houston_home_builders_rating1

houston_home_builders_rating2


 

buying-tips2

What To Look for In a Katy Real Estate Agent

What To Look for In a Katy Real Estate Agent

Want to know how to hire the best Katy real estate agent?  See below!

NOTE: Many of these items are specific to Texas agents.

 

___ Did your agent give you the “Information About Brokerage Services” notice that is legally required by the Texas Real Estate Commission before showing you houses? Can your agent effectively explain it?

 

___ Did your agent provide all the other necessary disclosures, notices, and the Buyer’s Representation Agreement to you before showing you houses? Be careful! You don’t want to find out after-the-fact that your agent actually represents the Seller.

 

___ Does your agent provide a detailed 18+ page house report on a home (see my sample), before you make the offer, to ensure that you know what you are buying before you make the purchase? This report should include information on the home’s price history, comparable sales numbers, school ratings, flood plain, tax info, environmental hazards (if any), near-by sex offenders (if any) at a minimum.

 

___ Can your agent effectively explain the HOA maintenance fees, MUD and LID taxes, compliance certificate requirements, amenities, property tax rates, school performance ratings, and other important information for the neighborhoods you are looking at?

 

___ Does your agent know how to provide you with an accurate CMA (price analysis) on a home before you make an offer? Is he or she committed to helping you get the right price or does the agent just want you to buy the highest priced home you can afford? (See “How to Price a Home Correctly“)

 

___ Does your agent point out possible defects of homes when you tour them or does your agent always seem to overlook the obvious problems of a home and try to convince you that they don’t matter? (Check my client satisfaction rating.)

 

___ Does your agent actually show you homes or does he or she expect you to drive the neighborhood on your own and then contact the listing agent directly to let you see the house? A dedicated agent wants to be with you every step of the way.

 

___ Has your agent set up a customized automatic home search for you that is pulled directly form the local MLS? Or are you still trying to find homes on your own using the limited online search Websites available in your area? These programs (such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com) can be outdated very quickly showing contract-pending homes as “active.”

 

___ Does your agent use an online paperwork system where you can e-sign documents instead of having to fax and scan them (which is sometimes challenging and time-consuming)? What if your spouse is still back home in another state or country? You need to be able to e-sign!

 

___ Does your agent work to negotiate a residential service contract (aka, home warranty) in the deal or provide one for you to protect you from too many future home repairs?

 

___ Does your agent have at least a 4.5 star client satisfaction rating with the local board of area Realtors? What’s your agent’s YELP rating, Homes.com endorsements, Angie’s List reviews, and so on?

 

___ Does your agent have 20 years experience? (Trick question.) IT DOESN’T NECESSARILY MATTER! There are  terrible agents with 30+ years of experience who even have a broker’s license. And there are outstanding agents with only a couple of years experience. Time does not equal quality in this business. Time cannot guarantee attitude, dedication, integrity, intelligence, or commitment to customer service. Check their satisfaction rating...this is a free service for all members of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). If your agent hasn’t signed up, maybe they have something to hide.

 

“If you’re not sure whether you need a real estate agent or not, please take a look at Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to help you decide.”

 

 

Next:

How To Buy a Home in Katy

–Or–

How To Sell Your Katy Home