Ultimate McKinney New-Construction Buyer Checklist (2026 Edition) | McKinney Relocation Realtor

This checklist is your down-to-earth, no-fluff guide to navigating McKinney’s booming new-construction market in 2026.Follow these steps in order, and you’ll avoid costly mistakes most buyers make — from picking the wrong lot to losing builder incentives or locking into a bad contract.

1) Pre-Approval First — Not Second

Before you tour anything:

• Get fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified)

• Know your max purchase price including taxes and HOA

• Compare at least two lenders (builder lender vs. outside lender)

✔ Ask for a loan estimate showing interest rate + buydowns + closing costs

✔ Don’t buy based on “pre-qualified” letters

2) Choose the Right REALTOR® — Before You Visit Model Homes

Not all agents handle new construction well.

Your agent should:

✅ Negotiate builder incentives

✅ Review builder contracts line by line

✅ Coordinate inspections

✅ Compete builder offers against each other

✅ Protect you from one-sided language

If they say “builder contracts are standard,” that’s a red flag.

3) Target McKinney Communities with Data, Not Hype

Research:

• Lot premiums vs. resale appeal

• Schools your target home zone will feed into

• Property tax history vs. builder estimates

• How quickly inventory is selling

Homes in McKinney often sell above list within days. Data prevents emotional decisions.

4) Lot Selection Comes Before Options

Don’t choose upgrades before lot selection.

Checklist:☑ Corner lot or interior☑ Orientation (north/south/east/west)☑ Backyard drainage and sun exposure☑ Street type (collector vs. cul-de-sac)☑ Distance to community amenity noise

Premium lots often don’t pay back at resale.

5) Understand How Builder Price Works

Builder prices aren’t straight.

They’re influenced by:

• Base price + lot premium

• Structural options

• Elevation choice

• Design center upgrades

Ask your agent to give you the total contract price before upgrades so you compare apples-to-apples.

6) Negotiate Incentives — Not Just Price

Builders rarely cut price outright. They negotiate:

• Rate buydowns

• Closing cost credits

• Free upgrades

• Title or HOA credits

Your checklist here:☑ Incentive cash total (equivalent value)☑ How incentive affects appraisal☑ Whether incentive requires using builder lender

7) Contract Review (Don’t Sign First)

Your agent should review for:

🔍 Deposit and earnest money risk

🔍 Timeline extensions and penalties

🔍 Warranty details and escalation path

🔍 Change order costs and allowances🔍 Appraisal gap responsibility

A builder contract is not a resale contract.

8) Inspection Plan

Never assume “new = perfect.”

Schedule:

• Pre-drywall inspection

• Final inspection

• Optional 11-month warranty inspection

These protect you from:⚠ Framing issues⚠ Electrical/plumbing misses⚠ Grade/slope problems⚠ Finish defects

Your agent should coordinate these.

9) Tax and HOA Reality Check

Ask:

• What are actual property tax bills nearby?

• What are HOA fees and what they cover?

• Are there future assessments planned?

Builders often give estimates — not actual bills.

10) Closing Strategy

Before closing:☑ Confirm incentives are on record☑ Final walkthrough with punch list☑ Confirm closing date flexibility☑ Compare final lender numbers☑ Verify HOA documents and restrictions

Never assume the builder will handle these correctly.

11) Move-In and Warranty Follow-Up

After keys:

• Track your 1-year warranty timeline

• Log issues early

• Push for repairs in writing

• Keep inspection reports handy

Builders fix most issues within warranty — if you document promptly.

Quick Print: The Ultimate Checklist

Pre-Approval & Finance✔ Pre-approval✔ Two lender comparisons✔ Total monthly cost estimate

Agent & Strategy✔ New-construction specialist agent✔ Incentive negotiation plan✔ Contract review checklist

Property & Lot✔ Lot evaluation✔ Community comparison✔ Property tax and HOA check

Pricing & Incentives✔ Price breakdown✔ Total incentive cash value✔ Builder lender impact review

Inspections & Closing✔ Pre-drywall✔ Final inspection✔ Walkthrough punch list✔ Closing coordination

Post-Move✔ Warranty tracking✔ Documentation retention

Final Reality Check

McKinney’s new-construction market is not automatically a better deal than resale.But when you follow this checklist — in the right order — you dramatically shift leverage in your favor and avoid the common traps that make buyers pay extra or walk away frustrated.

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Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about McKinney real estate!

FIND A LUXURY HOME IN  McKinney, TEXAS WITH NITIN GUPTA, BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®.

When purchasing a luxury home in McKinney, Texas, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, architectural style, security, and amenities to ensure the home meets both lifestyle and investment needs. By selecting a property in a prestigious neighborhood with numerous amenities and security measures, buyers can ensure they’re making a valuable and rewarding investment in the vibrant McKinney market.

For those looking to invest in luxury homes in McKinney, Texas, Nitin Gupta is an expert real estate professional ready to assist. Known for his extensive experience, market insights, and numerous awards, he is committed to finding his clients the best properties in the area.

Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or send a message today to explore exclusive listings and secure your ideal luxury residence in one of Mckinney's elite communities.