In fact, Texas remains one of the most attractive places in America to buy a home for those seeking space, affordability and opportunity. If you’re unsure as to what is the best fit for you, you’ll want to take into consideration the fact that new homes for sale in Texas provide you with everything you need: improved energy efficiency, innovative state-of-the-art design and lower maintenance and energy costs.
A first-time buyer, an empty nester, relocating from another state, or you’re somewhere in between, building or buying newly constructed in Dallas-Fort Worth is a solid, long-term investment that never goes out of style. This guide examines the pros and cons of purchasing new construction homes in Texas, and how you can get the most out of your move.
Why Choose a New Construction Homes in Texas?
When you’re purchasing a new, never-been-lived-in home, you don’t just get the benefits of a shiny coat of paint. Here are some good reasons for doing so:
- Modern Design & Energy Efficiency: Today’s new construction homes come with all of the features you would expect, including smart thermostats, high-efficient heating and air conditioning systems, LED lighting and eco-friendly materials. These advances could save on your monthly utility bills, emit less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and reduce your impact on the environment.
- Low Maintenance Costs Everything is new, from the roof and foundation to appliances and plumbing. That translates to less downtime for repairs and a longer lifespan before major replacement is necessary.
- Customization Options: Numerous homes in Texas can be personalized at the design create. Select your floor plan, flooring, kitchen countertops and even finishes when building your home to your standards.
- Builder Warranties: New construction homes typically include warranties to cover structural defects and systems such as electrical and HVAC for a period of a few years, providing buyers peace of mind.
Popular Cities for New Construction in Texas
Texas is a big, big place and so are your options. Here are some of the hottest cities where newly built homes are driving strong sales:
- Austin: With a healthy job market and a tech-oriented economy, Austin continues to attract new developments and contemporary communities.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: The DFW metro has a mix of both suburban and urban communities that have good schools, shopping, and transportation.
- San Antonio: Known for its culture and history, San Antonio offers the best of both worlds with affordable housing and nice homes with lots of acreage.
- Houston: With a diverse economy and an international feel, Houston has a combination of gated communities and master-planned neighborhoods.
- El Paso, Lubbock and Midland: These West Texas regions are seeing fast growth driven by economies based on energy and agriculture.
Cost of Building a New Home in Texas
The question that every home buyer will ask themselves is this one: What is the cost to build a house in Texas?
Plus, there are many factors that can impact the cost from region to region, material costs, and the overall size of the house, but price to build a house in Texas is going to be a price range between $120 and $170 per square foot. For a 2,000 sq. home, that translates to a price of $240,000 to $340,000 without land or site prep.
Factors that impact your cost include:
- Type of home (single-story vs. multi-story)
- Custom vs. production builder
- Quality of materials and finishes
- Labor availability and local market trends
Financing Your New Home
VA Loans in Texas for Military and Veterans For those who have served this country, the process of acquiring a Texas VA loan through USVA Realty was never so easy. VA loans provide zero-down option, low rates and no mortgage insurance (PMI). This can be a huge benefit for veterans interested in purchasing or building new construction homes.
Moreover, many builders have preferred lenders and provide incentives, in the form of either closing costs or upgrades, if financing is done through that lender.
Land Options and Mobile Home Alternatives
Plenty of rural or suburban areas in Texas offer land for sale where you can put a mobile home, and it could be a good choice to build that way instead of the traditional route.
For instance, Texas Triple Wide Mobile Homes offer affordable, spacious homes that look and feel just like a site-built home. These homes can typically be built and moved into more quickly and installed on private land.
And while on the topic of land, if you are a veteran who want to live in Texas, then you have to learn about the programs that offer Free Land for Veterans in Texas. These kickbacks will reduce your overall cost to own and to allow you to locate and design your dream home.
Choosing the Right Builder
All home builders are not created equal, and research is crucial. Look for:
- Reputation: Read reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
- Transparency: Look for builders that are transparent about costs, time lines and materials.
- Warranty Coverage: Inquire about structural, mechanical, and appliance warranties.
- Model Tours: Walk through open houses and model homes to check out the quality of their work.
A few of the top builders in Texas include:
- D.R. Horton
- Perry Homes
- Lennar
- KB Home
- Highland Homes
Many of these builders build homes in master-planned communities that have parks, pools, trails and top-rated schools.
Final Thoughts: Is a New Construction Home in Texas Right for You?
New construction homes in Texas are an ideal way for buyers to find a fresh space that meets their needs. With its reasonable cost of living, strong economy, and diversity of cities and geographies, there’s truly something for everyone.
If you’re a veteran using land programs, a family building your forever home, or a laborer moving for work, Texas provides the room, the affordability, and the opportunity to bring your dream to life.
If you’re ready to explore your options, speak with a local real estate agent, builder, or loan officer who is experienced with new construction. It may well be the wisest move you make all year.