Steps to Buying a New Construction Home

by David J. Moore

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving into a home where everything is brand new—fresh paint, modern floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, and not a single squeaky floorboard—you’re not alone. Many buyers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland are drawn to new construction homes because they offer customization, convenience, and peace of mind.

But buying a new construction property isn’t quite the same as buying a resale home. There are unique steps, questions, and decisions along the way. The good news? With the right guidance, the process can feel exciting instead of overwhelming.

Below, we’ll walk through the key steps to buying a new construction home—whether you’re looking in Kent Island, Stevensville, Chester, or anywhere across the Eastern Shore.

Step 1: Decide Between a Builder Community or Custom Build

The first step is determining what type of new home fits your vision.

Builder Community Homes: Many Eastern Shore buyers choose neighborhoods built by regional or national builders. These homes often come with a variety of floor plans, model home tours, and semi-customizable features like flooring, cabinetry, or countertops. Think of it as a "menu" of choices.
Custom Homes: If you’ve always dreamed of designing every detail—from the lot size to the roofline—you may prefer a custom home builder. This option gives you the most freedom but also requires more time, patience, and usually, a higher budget.

Real-world example: Imagine moving into a new community in Chester, where you can walk through a model home and pick your favorite finishes. Compare that to hiring a custom builder in Queen Anne’s County to design your dream home on a waterfront lot—you’ll have more decisions but also a one-of-a-kind result.

Step 2: Work with a Local Real Estate Expert

Here’s a common myth: “I don’t need a real estate agent if I’m buying new construction.” Not true!

Builders have their own representatives who are there to protect their interests—not yours. Having a knowledgeable agent who knows the Eastern Shore market ensures you:

Understand the fine print in builder contracts.
Know which builders have strong reputations locally.
Have someone negotiating upgrades, timelines, or incentives on your behalf.

At David J. Moore & Associates, we’ve helped countless buyers navigate this process. We know which communities on Kent Island sell quickly, what incentives are worth asking for, and how to avoid surprises.

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for Financing

Financing a new construction home can look different than buying an existing one. Some builders even offer preferred lenders with special perks. Still, it’s smart to shop around and compare.

Construction-to-Permanent Loans: For custom homes, these loans cover the build process and convert to a mortgage once construction is complete.
Traditional Mortgages: For builder communities, you’ll typically use a standard mortgage once the home is move-in ready.

Pro tip: A pre-approval letter not only shows builders you’re serious but also helps you set a realistic budget. On the Eastern Shore, where new builds can range from $400,000 starter homes to multimillion-dollar waterfront estates, having clarity is key.

Step 4: Choose Your Lot and Floor Plan

This is where the fun begins. Depending on the community, you may have multiple lot options—some near water, some on cul-de-sacs, others backing to wooded areas. The location of your lot can impact privacy, resale value, and even your daily lifestyle.

Then, you’ll select a floor plan that fits your needs. Are you downsizing into a single-level ranch in Stevensville? Or do you need a spacious two-story with five bedrooms for your growing family?

Step 5: Select Your Upgrades and Finishes

Most builders offer a design center where you can choose finishes like flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and appliances. This is where costs can add up quickly—so be strategic.

Invest in structural changes (like an extra bathroom or larger garage) upfront, because you can’t easily add those later.
Focus on high-impact finishes like countertops, flooring, and cabinets. You can always upgrade smaller items like light fixtures down the road.

Step 6: Stay Involved During Construction

One of the best parts of buying new construction is watching your home come to life. But it’s important to stay engaged:

Schedule regular walk-throughs with your agent.
Ask for construction timelines and milestone updates.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t look right.

Builders on the Eastern Shore generally do a great job, but mistakes happen. Catching them early is far easier than waiting until after closing.

Step 7: Schedule Inspections (Yes, Even for New Homes)

It might seem unnecessary to hire an inspector when everything is brand new. But new construction homes can still have issues—anything from miswired outlets to drainage concerns. A licensed inspector provides peace of mind and protects your investment.

Step 8: Closing and Move-In Day

Once inspections are complete and financing is finalized, it’s time to close and get your keys! This is the moment when all the dreaming, planning, and waiting pay off.

And here’s the best part: you’ll be the first to cook in that kitchen, the first to step onto the new flooring, and the first to truly make it feel like home.

Why Work with Us on Your New Construction Journey?

Buying a new construction home on the Eastern Shore is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re going it alone. That’s where our VIP Buyer Program comes in.

When you work with David J. Moore & Associates, you get:

Early access to new construction communities before they hit the market.
Expert negotiation on upgrades and builder incentives.
Personalized guidance so you avoid costly mistakes.
A team that treats you like family, not just another transaction.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re eyeing a new community in Kent Island, a semi-custom build in Stevensville, or a waterfront dream home in Queen Anne’s County, following these steps will help make your new construction journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Remember—you don’t have to do it alone. With the right local guidance, you can walk into your brand-new home with confidence and excitement.

👉 Ready to buy? Contact David J. Moore & Associates today!

Call or text code 'New Construction' at 410-733-6477 or visit ChesapeakeShoresRealtor.com.