Top 5 Things First-Time Home Buyers Wish They Knew Before Building a New Construction Home with Southgate Homes
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Southgate Homes is known for luxury craftsmanship, high-end finishes, and semi-custom floor plans, making it a popular choice for buyers looking for upscale new construction homes. However, many first-time buyers later realize key details they wish they had known beforehand. Here are the top five things first-time home buyers often overlook when building a home with Southgate Homes.
1. The Base Price Doesn’t Include Many of the Luxury Features in Model Homes
Southgate Homes offers beautifully designed model homes, but many buyers don’t realize that most of the high-end finishes and custom features they see are expensive upgrades.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
Custom cabinetry, upgraded flooring, and high-end light fixtures are not standard.
Outdoor living spaces, extended patios, and designer kitchens add significantly to the price.
Lot premiums can increase the total cost, especially for corner lots, oversized lots, or lots with scenic views.
💡 Tip: Request a detailed breakdown of included features vs. upgrades and budget accordingly.
2. Customization Options Are Semi-Custom, Not Fully Custom
While Southgate Homes allows for more personalization than a production builder, there are limits to what can be changed.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
Floor plans cannot be heavily modified, though minor adjustments may be possible.
Structural upgrades (such as ceiling height or additional rooms) must be chosen during the early design phase.
Design selections are limited to Southgate’s approved vendors, which may not include all the luxury finishes you want.
💡 Tip: Work closely with the design team early in the process to ensure your preferred finishes and features are available.
3. Construction Timelines Can Be Longer Than Expected
Southgate Homes focuses on high-quality craftsmanship, which means construction may take longer than buyers expect.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
Luxury homes require more detailed construction, so they can take longer than mass-production homes.
Delays due to material shortages or labor availability can push back move-in dates.
Custom selections may require extra time to be ordered and installed, especially high-end finishes.
💡 Tip: Ask for a realistic construction timeline and plan for possible delays before setting moving dates.
4. Warranty Coverage Has Limitations
Southgate Homes provides a limited home warranty, but not everything is covered, and some repairs can take time to be addressed.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
One-year warranty covers general workmanship, but minor cosmetic issues may not be included after move-in.
Two-year coverage applies to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Ten-year structural warranty only covers major foundation or structural issues, not normal settling.
💡 Tip: Hire a third-party home inspector before closing to catch any potential issues early.
5. HOA Rules & Fees Can Be Restrictive
Most Southgate Homes communities are part of an HOA, and buyers don’t always fully understand the long-term rules and costs.
🔹 What Buyers Wish They Knew:
HOA fees can increase, affecting long-term expenses.
Restrictions may limit exterior modifications, fencing, and landscaping choices.
Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) may not be allowed, affecting future investment potential.
💡 Tip: Request a copy of the HOA rules and bylaws before finalizing your home purchase.
Final Thoughts: Be an Informed Buyer
Southgate Homes builds luxury, semi-custom homes, but understanding upgrade costs, customization limits, construction timelines, warranty coverage, and HOA rules is essential for first-time buyers.
🏡 Thinking about buying a Southgate Home? Let’s connect to ensure you get the best deal and avoid costly mistakes!
About us: Prosper New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Prosper & Dallas area, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 50 builders in the Dallas area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas 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 in Prosper 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 Prosper looking to buy a home in Dallas or Prosper or whether you are relocating to Prosper 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 Prosper. 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 Prosper? 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 Prosper community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
