New-Construction Buyer's Checklist
New builds (Totem Lake, Juanita) still need independent inspection and a contract read that protects you, not the builder.
Buying and First-Time
Direct answer
Washington's new construction - concentrated in Totem Lake and pockets of Juanita - is appealing for low maintenance, but the builder's contract favors the builder. Independent representation and inspection keep the advantages without the traps.
Work through the decision in order
Before you sign
Get the builder contract reviewed (deposits, timelines, change orders, disputes). Know which upgrades hold value vs. builder margin; confirm your lender can compete with the builder's.
During the build
Attend milestone walkthroughs; independent inspection (pre-drywall + final).
At/after closing
Punch-list walkthrough; understand the warranty; confirm permits closed and CO issued.
Your next move
Use the framework before the property creates urgency.
Bring the actual address, timing, financing assumptions, and open questions into a buyer strategy call before urgency takes over.
Decision guide · private in this browser
New-Construction Buyer's Checklist
Work through the decision without a form. Your selections stay in this browser. Bring the live facts into a buyer strategy call when you are ready.
Questions about New-Construction Buyer's Checklist
Q1What does the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist help me decide?+
You flagged [X] items. Independent inspection and contract review save new-build buyers the most - never skip either because "it's new."
Q2Does the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist apply in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle?+
Yes. The decision framework is shared across all three markets. Address-specific pricing, rules, schools, taxes, insurance, and property facts still need live verification.
Q3What information should I gather before using the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist?+
Start with the live address, your timing, available cash, financing assumptions, and any property documents tied to the decision. Use only the inputs that apply to your situation.
Q4How current is the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist?+
This guide was reviewed on July 31, 2026. Confirm live rates, rules, availability, costs, and property facts before you act.
Q5Is the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist a substitute for professional advice?+
No. It is educational planning material, not a loan approval, inspection conclusion, appraisal, legal opinion, or tax conclusion.
Q6When should I bring the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist result into a Real Estate Review?+
Bring it in when the result changes what you would buy, sell, repair, finance, or postpone. The review can pressure-test the live property and household plan.
Q7Can I use the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist before speaking with a lender or inspector?+
Yes. Use it to organize questions first, then verify financing with a lender and condition findings with the appropriate property professionals.
Q8What is the next step after using the New-Construction Buyer's Checklist?+
Mark the points that affect your decision, collect the missing facts, and book a Real Estate Review if you want to apply the framework to a specific property or move.
Make the next property decision with the facts in front of you.
Bring the address, timing, financing plan, and open questions. We will identify what to verify before you tour or write an offer.
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