Buying a brand-new home in San Antonio, Texas can be exciting. New construction often means modern layouts, energy-efficient features, new appliances, and fewer immediate repairs.

But before you sign a builder contract, there are some important questions you need answered.

Builder contracts work differently from many traditional resale transactions. Whether you're considering new construction in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Cibolo, Schertz, New Braunfels, Converse, or other growing communities around Bexar County, asking the right questions before signing can save you money and prevent surprises later.

1. What Is Actually Included in the Price?

Don't assume everything you see in the model home comes standard.

Model homes are built to showcase what is possible, and they can include thousands of dollars in upgrades.

Ask which features are included in the advertised price and which cost extra. Pay attention to flooring, countertops, cabinets, appliances, lighting, landscaping, covered patios, garage features, and smart-home technology.

You want to know the real price of the home you want, not just the starting price advertised online.

2. What Builder Incentives Are Available?

This is a big one.

Builders may offer incentives depending on the community, available inventory, financing, and how quickly they want a particular property sold.

Incentives could include:

• Closing cost assistance
• Interest-rate buydowns
• Design center credits
• Appliance packages
• Upgrade allowances
• Reduced prices on inventory homes

Always ask what's currently available before signing.

Sometimes an incentive that lowers your interest rate can be more valuable than a price reduction.

3. Do I Have to Use the Builder's Preferred Lender?

Usually, you aren't required to use a builder's preferred lender simply because you're buying their home, although the specific contract and incentive terms matter.

However, builders commonly tie certain incentives to using their preferred lender.

Compare the entire loan, including the interest rate, lender fees, closing costs, incentives, and estimated monthly payment.

A big closing-cost credit doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best overall deal.

4. Can We Negotiate the Price?

Yes, sometimes.

Builders don't always want to reduce the sales price because lower sales can affect comparable values in the community. Instead, they may be more willing to negotiate incentives, upgrades, closing costs, or financing.

Your negotiating power can also depend on how much inventory the builder has available.

A completed home that's been sitting may create a very different negotiation than a home that hasn't been built yet.

5. What Is the Estimated Completion Date?

If the home is under construction, ask for the estimated completion date and what happens if construction is delayed.

Weather, labor shortages, inspections, materials, and other issues can affect construction schedules.

This becomes especially important if you're:

• Selling another property
• Ending a lease
• Relocating
• Locking an interest rate
• Scheduling movers

Don't build your entire moving plan around an estimated date without understanding what happens if that date changes.

6. How Much Earnest Money Is Required?

Ask how much money you'll need upfront and whether any additional deposits are required.

You should also understand when those deposits become nonrefundable.

Builder contracts can have different rules than the standard contracts buyers may be familiar with in Texas.

Read this section carefully before handing over your money.

7. Can I Have My Own Home Inspection?

A brand-new house doesn't automatically mean a perfect house.

Independent inspections can uncover problems before closing, even with new construction.

Depending on the construction stage, buyers may consider inspections during different phases, such as:

Pre-drywall inspection: Before the walls are closed.

Final inspection: Near completion.

Warranty inspection: Before certain builder warranty periods expire.

Ask the builder what inspections are permitted and when they can occur.

8. What Does the Builder Warranty Cover?

New homes generally come with some type of builder warranty, but coverage varies.

Ask about coverage for:

• Workmanship
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• HVAC
• Structural components
• Appliances
• Roof issues
• Cosmetic defects

Also ask how warranty requests are submitted and how long different parts of the home are covered.

Keep copies of everything.

9. What Will the Property Taxes Be?

This one can surprise buyers in the San Antonio area.

Don't rely only on what the current tax bill shows, especially if you're buying in a new development where the property was previously taxed primarily as vacant land.

Ask about the expected tax rate once the completed home is fully assessed.

Also determine whether the community has additional assessments or taxing districts that could affect your total housing payment.

10. Is There an HOA?

Many new construction communities around San Antonio and Bexar County have homeowners associations.

Ask:

• How much are the HOA dues?
• How often are they paid?
• What do they cover?
• Are there transfer or setup fees?
• What restrictions apply?
• Can the dues increase?

If you're buying the property as an investment, also check for leasing restrictions.

11. What Amenities Are Planned?

Pools, walking trails, playgrounds, clubhouses, sports courts, and community centers can make a neighborhood attractive.

But there's a difference between an amenity that already exists and one that's simply planned.

Ask what's currently completed, what's under construction, and what's planned for future phases.

12. What Else Will Be Built Around the Community?

Your beautiful view today might become another phase of houses tomorrow.

Ask about future development.

Find out where future homes, apartments, commercial developments, roads, schools, and amenities may be located.

Understanding the bigger development plan can help you choose the right lot.

13. Are There Lot Premiums?

Not every lot costs the same.

Builders may charge premiums for:

• Cul-de-sac lots
• Larger lots
• Greenbelt lots
• Corner lots
• Lots with views
• Lots with additional privacy

A great lot may be worth paying extra for, but you need to know exactly how much you're paying for it.

14. Can I Use My Own Realtor?

You can have your own real estate representation when buying new construction.

The sales representative inside the model home works for the builder.

Having your own Realtor gives you someone focused on helping you understand the transaction, compare communities, evaluate incentives, negotiate where possible, and work through the process with you.

Ideally, involve your Realtor before your first visit or registration with a builder, since builder policies regarding agent representation can vary.

15. What Happens If I Need to Cancel?

This may be one of the most important questions you ask.

Understand exactly what happens if your circumstances change.

Can you terminate the contract? Will you lose your earnest money or deposits? What happens if financing falls through? What if your current home doesn't sell?

Don't wait until something goes wrong to figure this out.

Buying New Construction in San Antonio

New construction can be a great option for buyers throughout San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Cibolo, Schertz, New Braunfels, Converse, and surrounding South Texas communities.

But don't get so distracted by the shiny model home and free cookies that you forget you're making a major financial decision.

Compare builders. Compare communities. Understand your taxes. Review the incentives. Get inspections. And know exactly what you're signing.

The right questions before you sign can prevent some very expensive surprises afterward.

Final Thoughts

When buying a new construction home in San Antonio, having someone represent your interests can make the process much easier.

A Realtor can help you compare builders, evaluate incentives, understand neighborhood differences, review comparable properties, and negotiate when opportunities exist.

Before walking into your first model home, have a plan. The builder has a team representing them. You should have someone in your corner too.