The Hidden Costs of Buying a New Home in McKinney For Home Buyers
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR

- Aug 12
- 3 min read

Buying a new construction home in McKinney, TX is exciting—but it’s easy to overlook the extra costs that come with it. Beyond the purchase price, first-time buyers often face unexpected fees and financial obligations that can derail their budget. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to prepare.
Common Hidden Costs You Need to Plan For
1. Upgrades and Customizations
Model homes are loaded with upgrades that may not be included in base pricing
Expect to spend $20,000–$50,000 on flooring, countertops, lighting, and appliances
2. Lot Premiums
Some lots come with added costs due to size, view, or location
Premiums can range from $5,000 to $30,000+
3. HOA Fees
Most new communities in McKinney have Homeowner Associations
Fees can range from $300 to $1,200 annually depending on amenities
4. Landscaping and Window Treatments
Builders often include only front yard sod
Buyers must pay for backyard landscaping, blinds, and drapes, which can total $5,000–$10,000
5. Property Taxes
New homes are taxed based on final value
McKinney property tax rates average around 2.1%, higher than many out-of-state buyers expect
Why Work With a REALTOR®?
Nitin Gupta helps clients understand total move-in costs, not just the base price
As a certified GRI and CRS agent, he protects you from signing contracts with hidden fees or vague terms
📞 Reach out now: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact🎓 Designations: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designations
Cost Awareness Stats:
62% of first-time buyers underestimated their actual purchase cost by over $15,000
Landscaping and appliance packages add an average of $9,700 to move-in readiness
Property tax surprises are a top reason buyers exceed their expected monthly payments
Final Word
New homes come with big benefits—but also hidden expenses that first-time buyers often miss. Know the full picture and protect your investment by working with a REALTOR® who’s seen it all.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about McKinney real estate!
About us: McKinney New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in McKinney, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in McKinney and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.
As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.
Whether you are a first time buyer in McKinney looking to buy a home in Fields or whether you are relocating to McKinney from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Fields in McKinney. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new construction home in Fields in McKinney? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Fields community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.




