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Home Buying TipsKATY & FULSHEAR · NEW CONSTRUCTION
A beautiful model home makes it easy to picture your next chapter. The kitchen feels right. The covered patio looks inviting. Suddenly, you are choosing where the furniture will go.
Enjoy that excitement. Then give yourself a plan that helps you decide whether the actual home, homesite, price and timeline fit your life.
Before visiting model homes in Katy or Fulshear, talk with your agent about your goals, comfortable budget and move-in needs. A little preparation gives every tour a purpose—and helps you compare what you would actually purchase.
1. Which homes fit my goals—not just my wish list?
Start with an ordinary day. Where will you work? How will you use the bedrooms? Do you need a downstairs guest room, fewer stairs, space for hobbies or a yard you can comfortably maintain?
Separate must-haves from preferences. A larger home may add upkeep you do not want. A smaller plan may work beautifully if the rooms support the way you live.
Ask your agent to help you define three priorities and two deal-breakers before selecting communities. Share your expected time in the home and whether you need to sell another property. Those details belong in the search from the beginning.
2. What is included in the home I would actually buy?
A model is a useful place to explore a layout. Use it to start questions about the exact home you are considering.
Ask for a written specification list and a price breakdown for the selected plan, elevation and homesite. Confirm structural options, design selections, appliances, landscaping and any lot premium. For a completed inventory home, request the features and finishes already installed at that address.
Try this question: “Can you show me which features in this model are included in my quote, and which would cost extra?”
TTG can help you organize those answers so your shortlist compares actual homes rather than model-home impressions.
3. What monthly ownership cost fits my budget?
Give your lender a comfortable monthly target, then build an address-specific estimate. Include principal and interest, applicable mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA obligations and any separate flood coverage. Leave room for utilities, maintenance and moving expenses in your household budget.
Texas property taxes involve local taxing units. Ask which entities apply to the particular property, including whether a municipal utility district applies, and verify the information through the appropriate county resources. Texas.gov explains how to find local property-tax information.
Ask the lender what property value, tax rates and exemption assumptions support the estimate. Request current HOA documents and an insurance quote for the actual address. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, according to the National Flood Insurance Program; discuss coverage with your insurance professional.
4. How should I compare builder incentives and financing?
A promotional offer deserves a closer look at its written terms. Ask which homes qualify, when the offer expires, whether it requires a particular lender or closing provider, and what deadlines or eligibility conditions apply.
Have your lender explain how any advertised payment is calculated and whether it changes later. Compare loan offers using the same purchase scenario, with attention to interest rate, upfront fees, lender credits and cash needed at closing. The CFPB’s Loan Estimate comparison guide is a helpful reference.
Bring the written promotion to your TTG agent and lender. Together, you can organize the comparison around your plans instead of choosing on the size of an advertised incentive alone. Your lender should confirm qualification and explain the financing.
5. Does the completion timeline work for my move?
Ask whether the home is completed, under construction or a future build. Request the current estimated completion window and ask what could change it.
Then connect that window to your lease, current-home sale, moving arrangements and financing. Ask the builder to explain the written terms covering delays, deposits and completion. Ask your lender about the rate-lock period and potential extension costs.
Make a backup plan before committing to dates. TTG can help you map the moving pieces and identify where extra flexibility may be needed. If a contract provision needs legal interpretation, involve a qualified attorney before signing.
6. What should we verify about this specific homesite?
Walk the lot and consider the parts of daily life a model cannot show you: backyard orientation, nearby roads, surrounding construction, drainage questions and the routes you will actually drive.
Ask for the available survey or site plan and relevant HOA restrictions. If schools matter to your decision, verify the exact address with the school district. Ask which amenities are available now and which remain planned; use current written information when comparing communities.
Our Cross Creek West guide and Fulshear Lakes guide provide starting questions for exploring local options. Refresh property and community details before relying on them.
7. What is our plan for inspections, walkthroughs and warranty follow-up?
Ask about arranging an independent inspection, available construction-phase inspections, access requirements and scheduling deadlines. TREC’s inspection rules distinguish builder quality-control inspections from an inspection by an inspector of the buyer’s choice.
Before closing, clarify how identified issues will be documented, who will respond and what follow-up is expected. Request the actual warranty documents and ask about covered items, exclusions, reporting procedures and deadlines. Coverage depends on the applicable documents; do not assume every builder offers the same terms.
Work with your agent and inspector to organize the questions and inspection findings. Keep the walkthrough, repair records and warranty information together so you know where to turn after moving in.
Your first step can be a conversation
Before making a model-home appointment or registering online, ask the builder how its agent-registration process works. Contact your agent early so representation and any required agreements can be discussed before the visit. Confirm responsibilities and compensation arrangements in writing; do not assume representation is automatically free.
When you contact TTG, a few details will help us get started:
- Your preferred area and communities you are considering.
- Your comfortable budget and whether you have spoken with a lender.
- Your ideal move date and whether you have a home to sell.
- Your three must-haves and any home links you already love.
Not sure where to begin? That is a good reason to reach out. We can help you turn a broad search into clear questions and a manageable next step.
Questions buyers ask before touring model homes
When should I contact an agent about new construction?
Before your first visit or online registration is a useful time to start. Discuss representation and ask about the builder’s registration requirements before touring.
Can TTG help if I have not chosen a community?
Yes. Share your priorities, budget and timing so our team can help you organize a shortlist and the questions to ask.
Is the model-home price the price of the home I will buy?
Request a written quote for the actual plan, homesite and included features. Confirm every option and additional charge.
Should I compare the builder’s lender with other lenders?
Ask for comparable written loan offers and review the incentive conditions. Your lender can explain financing choices and qualification.
How do I check taxes and HOA costs?
Use current property-specific county records, HOA documents and lender estimates. Ask what assumptions are included in the monthly payment.
Should I ask about an independent inspection?
Yes. Discuss inspection options, access and timing with your agent, builder and inspector before the relevant deadlines.
What should I send TTG before we talk?
Your preferred area, budget, timeline, must-haves and any home links are a useful start. You can also reach out while you are still figuring those out.
Prepared October 26, 2026. Builder terms, availability, costs and community details can change. Supporting resources: CFPB home-shopping guidance, CFPB loan comparisons, Texas property taxes, TREC consumer information, TREC inspection rules and NFIP insurance information.
