New Construction Process: Building & Buying in DFW
New construction homes in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and across DFW are attracting buyers from all over the country, but navigating the new construction buying process without a knowledgeable buyer’s agent representing your interests, can cost families an average of $15,000-$30,000 in missed negotiations and construction oversights.
As a new construction specialist serving Ellis County since 2023, I’ve represented buyers purchasing from several major builders in the DFW metroplex, including; Highland Homes, John Houston Homes, Bloomfield Homes, Meritage Homes, DRB Homes, DR Horton and Centre Living Homes.
Guides: The New Construction Process
I often work with various types of buyers:
-First-time home buyers exploring new builds
-Buyers relocating to Texas from California, Colorado, Arizona or another state.
-Buyers comparing new construction vs resale homes.
I always make sure my buyers are up to date on the latest intel, making sure they understand
-The builder contract process and how builders protect their own interests.
-The different construction phases and needed inspections.
-Incentives, upgrades and negotiations is critical.
These comprehensive guides provide the insider intelligence that transforms overwhelmed buyers into informed negotiators who protect their investment at every construction milestone.
The New Construction Timeline
The Building Process: Full Construction Timeline
The Entire Process
step by step.
(click the image to read)
Understanding Builder Contracts
Texas builder contracts are notoriously one-sided. Learn which terms are negotiable, what protections to add, and red flags that signal problems. This guide covers contract review strategies, standard vs. custom agreements, and leverage points most buyers miss..
(click the image to read)
Builder Comparison Chart
Because Texas isn't just another state, its a lifestyle.
(click the image to read)
Custom Homes vs. Production Homes
The Entire Process
step by step.
(click the image to read)
How To Monitor The Construction Process
Texas builder contracts are notoriously one-sided. Learn which terms are negotiable, what protections to add, and red flags that signal problems. This guide covers contract review strategies, standard vs. custom agreements, and leverage points most buyers miss..
(click the image to read)
New Construction Market Data
Understanding New Construction Market Dynamics in Ellis, Johnson, and Dallas Counties
When evaluating new construction opportunities across the DFW metroplex, three critical metrics reveal the true state of the market: median sales price, median days on market, and median percentage of original list price.
These data points tell completely different stories depending on whether you’re looking at Ellis County, Johnson County, Dallas County, or the broader North Texas MLS.
Why These Three Counties Matter:
-Ellis County (including Waxahachie, Midlothian, Red Oak, and Ennis) represents the strategic value zone, offering newer construction at price points typically 15-25% below Dallas County while maintaining proximity to the metroplex. Ellis County’s new construction market moves differently than its northern neighbors, often showing longer days on market but higher percentages of original list price due to builder pricing discipline.
-Johnson County provides the western corridor comparison, with communities like Burleson, Cleburne, and Alvarado attracting buyers seeking even more affordable new construction. Johnson County pricing trends often signal where Ellis County’s market may move in the following 6-12 months.
-Dallas County serves as the premium benchmark—the market that defines what “top dollar” looks like across North Texas. When Dallas County new construction pricing climbs, it creates strategic opportunities for value-focused buyers to target Ellis and Johnson County communities with comparable builder quality at lower price points.
-The Entire MLS data (representing all of North Texas) provides context for how our target markets perform relative to the broader region, helping identify whether Ellis County is appreciating faster or slower than the metro average.
What Median Sales Price Reveals
-Half sold for more, half for less. This metric matters more than average price because it isn’t skewed by ultra-luxury outliers or spec home fire sales.
∙Entire MLS median usually falls between Dallas and Ellis County, showing the market-wide price point
What Median Days on Market Tells You
Median days on market measures how long new construction homes sit before going under contract. In new construction, this metric includes both spec homes (already built) and to-be-built homes that go under contract during construction.
∙County comparisons show which markets are “hotter” and where builders may be more motivated to deal
What Percentage of Original List Price Means
Understanding the numbers:
New construction nuance: Unlike resale homes, builders rarely drop list price. Instead, they offer incentives (closing costs, upgrades, rate buydowns) that don’t show in this percentage. A builder selling at 99% of list price might actually be giving away $15,000 in incentives, making the true net price closer to 95%.
What you’ll notice in the data:
How to Use This Data Strategically
Strong Seller’s Market:
Current Ellis County positioning: The charts above show real-time data, but the strategic question isn’t just “what are the numbers today”—it’s “what do these trends mean for YOUR timeline and budget?”
FAQ's
DFW New Construction Process: Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does the new construction process take in Ellis County?
A: Production builds in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Red Oak typically take 6-9 months from contract to close. Custom homes can take 9-12+ months depending on complexity. Timeline factors include lot preparation, weather, material availability, and builder schedules. [Full timeline guide →]
Q: Do I need a buyer’s agent for new construction in Texas?
A: Absolutely. Builder sales agents work for the builder—not you. Having representation costs you nothing (builder pays commission) but saves an average of $15K-$25K through contract negotiations, upgrade guidance, and inspection advocacy. [Learn why representation matters →]
Q: When in the process should I get pre-approved for financing?
A: Before your first builder visit. Pre-approval strengthens negotiating position and helps builders take you seriously. Some Ellis County builders offer preferred lender incentives, but you’re not required to use them. [Learn about pre-approval →]
Q: Can I negotiate with production builders in DFW?
A: Yes—lot premiums, closing costs, upgrades, and contract terms all have negotiation potential. Builder negotiability varies (some are more flexible than others), and timing matters. [See builder comparison chart →]
Q: What’s the difference between building and buying new construction?
A: “Building” typically refers to custom homes where you control design. “Buying new construction” usually means production builders with pre-designed models and option packages. Both processes differ significantly from resale purchases. [Custom vs. Production detailed comparison →]
Q: How do I protect myself during construction?
A: Independent inspections at critical phases (foundation, framing, pre-drywall, final) catch issues before they’re hidden. Most builders resist this, but your contract should allow it. [Construction monitoring guide →]
Why DFW New Construction Buyers Work With Bobby Franklin
The new construction process in DFW is fundamentally different from buying a resale home. Whether you’re building with a production builder in Waxahachie or going custom in Midlothian, understanding the complete timeline, contract structure, and protection strategies determines whether you save $20,000 or lose it.
With partnerships across Ellis County’s top builders: Highland Homes, Centre Living Homes, John Houston Homes, Bloomfield Homes, and 8th & Main, I’ve guided dozens of families through the complexities of new construction.
✅ Builder Partnerships: Direct relationships with Centre Living Homes, Bloomfield Homes, Highland Homes, 8th & Main
✅ Ellis County Specialist: Deep knowledge of Waxahachie, Midlothian, Red Oak, and Ennis building patterns
✅ Proven Savings: Average $18K saved per transaction through contract negotiations and upgrade guidance
✅ Full-Process Support: From first builder visit through one-year warranty walkthrough
“Most agents dabble in new construction. I specialize in it.”
Your Next Move
The market data above provides the foundation where Ellis County, Johnson County, and Dallas County new construction markets stand relative to each other and the broader North Texas MLS. These metrics update continuously, showing real-time median sales prices, days on market, and percentage of original list price across our target markets.
But knowing the data and knowing what to DO with the data are different skills entirely.
As your Ellis County new construction specialist, I help translate these numbers into strategy: which communities offer the best value, which builders are most motivated to deal, when to move quickly versus when to wait, and how to structure offers that maximize your incentives while protecting your interests.
Ready to discuss what these trends mean for your specific new construction search?
Bobby Franklin
Realtor®
Serving DFW | Ellis County
16 Northgate Dr. Ste 100
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Ready To Start Building Your Dream Home?
1 On 1 Consultation | Market Advantage