Marcela Arenas Logo
Expert Guidance

New Construction Specialist

Building a new home is exciting—but it's also complex. I guide you through every decision, protect your interests with the builder, and ensure you get the home you deserve.

Why You Need Your Own Agent

The builder's sales agent works for the builder—not you. Having your own representation costs you nothing extra, but protects your interests throughout the entire process.

Protect Your Interests

I negotiate on your behalf, review contracts, and ensure the builder honors their commitments.

Navigate the Paperwork

Builder contracts are complex. I review every document to protect you from unfavorable terms.

Quality Control

I attend key inspections and walkthroughs to identify issues before they become your problems.

Design Center Guidance

I help you make smart upgrade decisions that enhance value without overspending.

Timeline Management

I keep the builder accountable to deadlines and help you plan your move strategically.

No Cost to You

Builder pays my commission—you get expert representation at no additional cost.

The New Construction Process

Building a home involves multiple stages. Here's how I support you through each one.

1

Builder & Community Selection

I help you evaluate builders' reputations, compare communities, and choose the right floor plan for your lifestyle and budget.

2

Contract Review & Negotiation

I review the purchase agreement, negotiate terms, and ensure you understand every clause before signing.

3

Design Center Appointment

I attend your design center meeting to help you make smart upgrade choices that maximize value and stay within budget.

4

Construction Monitoring

I stay in touch with the builder, attend key construction milestones, and keep you informed of progress.

5

Pre-Drywall & Frame Walkthrough

I accompany you to inspect the home before walls go up, ensuring everything is built to spec.

6

Final Walkthrough & Closing

I conduct a thorough final inspection, create a punch list of items to fix, and guide you through closing.

How I Protect Your Interests

As your buyer's agent, I work exclusively for you—not the builder. Here's exactly how I safeguard your investment.

Contract Negotiation & Review

  • Negotiate builder incentives (closing costs, upgrades, rate buydowns)
  • Review and explain every clause in the purchase agreement
  • Identify and challenge unfavorable terms or hidden fees
  • Ensure warranty coverage is clearly defined and enforceable

Construction Monitoring & Quality Control

  • Attend pre-drywall walkthrough to inspect framing, plumbing, electrical
  • Document any deficiencies with photos and detailed notes
  • Verify builder corrections are completed properly
  • Conduct final walkthrough with comprehensive punch list

Design Center Strategy

  • Advise on which upgrades add resale value vs. builder markup
  • Help you stay within budget while getting the features you want
  • Identify where to upgrade (kitchen, bathrooms) and where to save (paint, flooring)
  • Review design center contract for hidden costs or restrictions

Timeline & Deadline Management

  • Hold builder accountable to construction milestones
  • Negotiate realistic closing dates that work for your situation
  • Coordinate with lender to ensure financing is ready on time
  • Plan for potential delays and protect your interests if they occur

Key Questions Every Buyer Should Ask

Don't sign anything until you have clear answers to these critical questions. I'll help you get them.

1

What exactly is included in the base price vs. upgrades?

2

What are the builder's current incentives and can they be negotiated?

3

What is the estimated completion date and what happens if it's delayed?

4

What warranty coverage is provided and for how long?

5

Can I choose my own lender or am I required to use the builder's?

6

What is the builder's policy on change orders after contract signing?

7

Are HOA fees included in my monthly payment estimate?

8

What happens if I find defects during the final walkthrough?

9

Can I hire my own inspector for the pre-drywall and final walkthrough?

10

What is the builder's reputation for quality and on-time delivery?

11

Are there any upcoming assessments or special fees I should know about?

12

What recourse do I have if the builder doesn't honor the warranty?

I'll make sure you have complete, honest answers to every question before you commit.

Schedule Your Consultation

What I Can Do For You

Beyond just representation—here's the comprehensive support you'll receive throughout your new construction journey.

Builder Vetting

Research builder reputation, financial stability, and track record. I'll tell you which builders deliver quality and which ones to avoid.

Incentive Negotiation

Negotiate closing cost credits, free upgrades, rate buydowns, and other builder incentives that can save you thousands.

Upgrade ROI Analysis

Advise on which design center upgrades will increase your home's value and which are just builder profit centers.

Independent Inspections

Coordinate third-party inspections at critical stages to catch issues the builder's inspector might miss.

Timeline Coordination

Manage the construction schedule, coordinate with your lender, and plan your move-in logistics strategically.

Quality Assurance

Attend construction milestones, document progress, and ensure workmanship meets industry standards.

Budget Protection

Review all change orders and additional costs to prevent budget overruns and surprise expenses.

Punch List Management

Create comprehensive punch list at final walkthrough and ensure all items are corrected before closing.

Closing Coordination

Review closing documents, verify all credits and incentives are applied, and guide you through the final steps.

Search New Construction Homes

Explore available new construction homes in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, including Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and surrounding communities.

Ready to start your new construction journey?

Schedule Your Consultation

Common New Construction Mistakes

Avoid these costly errors by working with an experienced buyer's agent.

Visiting the Model Home Alone

Once you register with the builder's agent, you can't bring your own representation later.

Skipping the Contract Review

Builder contracts heavily favor the builder. You need someone to identify unfavorable terms.

Over-Upgrading at the Design Center

Not all upgrades add value. Some are overpriced and won't increase resale value.

Assuming the Builder's Inspector is Enough

The builder's inspector works for the builder. You need independent eyes on quality.

Not Documenting Issues During Construction

Without proper documentation, it's harder to hold the builder accountable for fixes.

Accepting the First Closing Date

Builders often push for early closings. I help you negotiate realistic timelines.

Let's Build Your Dream Home—The Right Way

Don't navigate the new construction process alone. I'll be your advocate from the first model home visit to the day you get your keys.