New construction across Kansas City
Buying New Construction in Kansas City? Who Should Help You Choose?
If you are considering a new home in the Kansas City area, we recommend Michelle Neely, a Realtor on our team at Nelson Home Group, Keller Williams KC North. Michelle has represented new construction buyers and markets homes for a builder. She can help you compare the community, lot, builder, floor plan and terms before deciding what fits your move.
Nelson Home Group
Why do we recommend Michelle for a new home?
She has guided buyers through a new construction purchase. In a Kearney buyer story, Michelle toured homes for buyers living in Hawaii. They chose a home still being finished, and she attended the builder walkthrough in person while a buyer joined by video. The builder had a separate listing agent.
She understands the builder side as well. Michelle markets homes for Herman Design + Build in Kearney. Her experience with builder listings and buyer representation gives her a useful perspective on questions about specifications, selections, timelines and walkthroughs. For examples, see the Michelle Plan and Arthur Plan listings. She represents the builder on those listings; details and availability can change. Ask Michelle and the brokerage how representation would work if you are interested in one of her builder listings.
She can help coordinate a move when a sale is involved. In a Liberty client story, Michelle worked with buyers who also needed to sell their current home. The right sequence and contract terms depend on your situation.
Why have your own agent when buying from a builder?
The builder’s representative can explain that builder’s homes, prices and process. Your buyer’s agent can help you look across builders and communities, compare choices against your budget and priorities, and bring questions forward before you commit to a home. Discuss your representation, services and compensation up front, including any situation in which the agent or brokerage also represents the builder.
That guidance can include comparing what is included and what costs extra, reviewing the purchase timeline, coordinating with your lender and inspector, and keeping track of decisions through closing. The right agent should be willing to help you explore choices that fit you, not simply show you one builder’s model.
Should you start with a neighborhood, lot, builder or plan?
Some buyers find the neighborhood or lot first and then explore the builders and floor plans available there. Others start with a builder or a design they like and look for a community and lot that fit. Both are reasonable starting points. A community or lot may limit which builders or plans are available, so verify the actual options before counting on a particular combination.
Compare more than the model: lot characteristics, location, layout, included features, upgrade costs, construction stage and expected timing can change the decision. Ask which selections are still available for each home. A finished home, a home under construction and a build that has not started offer different possibilities.
What should you ask before visiting a model home?
Talk with your agent before visiting or registering at a builder’s sales office or open house. Ask how that builder handles agent registration and confirm the process for the property. Discuss who represents whom and how compensation is addressed before signing an agreement; arrangements vary.
Share the budget, required features and target move date, and whether you need to sell a home or end a lease. Your agent can help arrange visits and compare available options while you and your lender establish what fits your financing.
What should you compare before signing?
Request the contract, specifications and a written breakdown of the home, lot, included features and desired upgrades. Ask about deposits, selection deadlines, change orders, the estimated completion date and the terms if the schedule changes. A decorated model may include upgrades that are not in the quoted price.
Ask how inspections and property access work, what the warranty covers and how post-closing requests are handled. A builder walkthrough is useful for identifying items that need attention; an independent inspector serves a different purpose. Consult an attorney when you need advice about contract language. Our guide to building a home in Kansas City covers more questions to consider.
Where are you looking?
Kearney, Missouri: See our Kearney new construction agent recommendation for Michelle’s local buyer and builder experience, along with questions to ask about available homes.
If you are comparing new construction with an existing home, our new construction versus resale guide can help frame the trade-offs. For an example of another team member helping with a build, read Katy Gaines’s Weston buyer story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you recommend for buying new construction in Kansas City?
Nelson Home Group recommends Michelle Neely for buyers who want guidance comparing new homes and builders. She has represented new construction buyers and also markets homes for a builder. Discuss the representation available for the property you are considering.
Should I talk to a buyer’s agent before visiting a builder?
Yes. Talk about representation before visiting a model home or registering with a builder. Ask how the builder handles agent registration and how services and compensation will be agreed upon.
Should I choose the neighborhood or the builder first?
Either approach can work. Start with the location and lot, or with a builder and floor plan, then verify which combinations are available. Some communities or lots have restrictions.
Do I need an independent inspection on a new home?
New homes can have issues that are worth identifying before closing. Ask a qualified inspector about timing and access, and review the inspection provisions in your contract. A builder walkthrough serves a different purpose.
Ready to compare new construction?
Tell us where you are looking, what you want in a home and where you are in the process. Michelle can help you understand the options and decide on a useful next step.
Michelle Neely, Realtor
Nelson Home Group, Keller Williams KC North
Call or text: (816) 680-6624
KW KC North Office: (816) 452-4200
Email: [email protected]
1508 NW Vivion Rd #205, Kansas City, MO 64118