Thinking about buying in Leander but unsure whether a new build or a resale fits you best? You are not alone. With rapid growth along the 183A corridor, Leander offers both master-planned communities and established neighborhoods, each with real tradeoffs. In this guide, you will learn how timelines, incentives, warranties, inspections, and contingencies differ so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Leander market snapshot
Leander is a fast-growing suburb in Williamson County with strong commute access to Austin via major corridors like 183A. You will find a mix of new subdivisions with builder inventory and resales in established pockets. Many move-up and relocating buyers consider Leander for its newer amenities, community features, and access to Leander ISD. Local market cycles affect negotiation power, incentives, and lot premiums, so timing matters.
New construction: pros and cons
What you gain
New construction gives you modern floor plans, fresh systems, and the chance to select finishes. Builders often offer incentives like closing-cost help, temporary rate buydowns, or upgrade credits when demand softens. You also get structured warranty coverage that can shift certain risks away from you.
What to watch
Your total cost often includes the base price plus upgrades, a lot premium, and community fees. Build timelines can range from a few months for quick-move-in homes to many months for to-be-built plans. Builders may limit inspection windows and remedies to repair on their schedule, so you need to plan ahead.
Resale homes: pros and cons
Where resales shine
Resales can close faster, often in 30 to 60 days, which helps if you are coordinating a move or selling another home. You can evaluate the home in a mature setting with landscaping and established streetscapes. Offers are customizable with contingencies for inspection, appraisal, and financing.
Risks to plan for
Older systems and deferred maintenance can add costs. You do not get a builder’s warranty by default, so you rely on inspections and negotiated repairs or credits. In tight markets, seller leverage can limit concessions or push timelines.
Timelines and move coordination
- New construction usually follows lot selection, contract, build period, pre-drywall and final walkthroughs, closing, then punch-list and warranty service.
- Resale transactions commonly move from offer to inspections, appraisal, and close in 30 to 60 days.
- For move-up buyers, coordinating the sale of your current home with a builder’s timeline is key. Options include contract timing, rent-backs, temporary rentals, or bridge financing if a home-sale contingency is not feasible.
Costs, incentives, and lot premiums
- New builds: Budget for the base price, design upgrades, lot premiums, and HOA or amenity fees. Incentives can include lender-affiliated rate buydowns, closing-cost help, or upgrade credits. Lot premiums for corners, cul-de-sacs, views, or greenspace adjacent lots can materially increase the final price.
- Resales: Pricing reflects current market value, with concessions or repairs negotiated during the option period. You will see fewer separate line items for upgrades.
- Other costs: HOA fees in amenity-rich master-planned communities are often higher. Property taxes on new homes may change after reassessment. Compare total monthly cost, not just the contract price.
Warranties and service expectations
Many builders use a staged warranty structure. A common model is 1 year for workmanship and materials, 2 years for major systems, and 10 years for structural coverage. Terms vary by builder, so get the warranty in writing and understand claim steps, cure periods, and exclusions. Resale homes usually do not include a builder warranty, so you will rely on inspections and contract terms to address issues before closing.
Inspection game plan
- New construction: Ask to schedule a third-party pre-drywall inspection and a detailed final inspection. Focus on framing, electrical and plumbing placement, grade and drainage, HVAC and insulation quality, and appliance and finish checks before closing. Confirm deadlines for reporting punch-list items and how repairs will be handled after close.
- Resale: Order a general home inspection and add-ons as needed, such as pest, roof, HVAC, sewer scope, or foundation evaluation. Use the inspection contingency to negotiate repairs or credits and confirm appraisal and financing timelines with your lender.
Offers, contingencies, and leverage
- Builder contracts: Expect builder-prepared agreements with set deposit schedules, selection deadlines, and change-order policies. Negotiation often centers on upgrades, lot premiums, and financing incentives rather than price.
- Resale contracts: You can customize inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies and adjust closing timelines. In competitive moments, some buyers shorten contingency periods to win.
- Key contingencies: Builders rarely accept home-sale contingencies because of schedule risk, but resales may. Financing and appraisal contingencies are common in both, though some builders tie incentives to using a preferred lender. Always compare the true cost of any incentive package.
Quick checklists
If you are leaning new-build
- Get all incentives, lot premiums, and included features in writing.
- Confirm inspection stages allowed and deadlines to report defects.
- Review warranty coverage, claim process, and any third-party backing.
- Map the build schedule, possible delays, and temporary occupancy options.
- Compare builder-affiliated lender offers with independent lenders to find the best net cost.
If you prefer resale
- Schedule a full inspection plus specialty checks as indicated.
- Review seller disclosures, recent repairs, and permits where applicable.
- Align appraisal and financing contingency dates with your lender.
- Verify title, survey, easements, and any HOA rules or fees.
- Study neighborhood context and recent comparable sales to support pricing.
How we help in Leander
Choosing between a new build and a resale is about matching the right home, cost, and timeline with your life. Our team helps you model total cost, compare incentive packages, structure contingencies, and coordinate sale-and-purchase timelines with minimal stress. We also manage inspections, walkthroughs, and punch lists so nothing falls through the cracks. When you are ready, we will help you compare real options across Leander’s master-planned communities and established neighborhoods.
Ready to explore both paths with a clear plan? Reach out to the team at KHG Development Corp, DBA The Kelvin Glover Team for a personalized consultation.
FAQs
Are new homes always more expensive in Leander?
- Not always. New homes can cost more per square foot due to upgrades and lot premiums, but incentives, lower maintenance, and energy efficiency can offset costs. Compare the full monthly and long-term cost.
Can I do a full inspection on a new build?
- Yes, at agreed stages. Confirm in the builder contract when third-party inspections are allowed, how to submit punch-list items, and what deadlines apply before and after closing.
Will a builder repair every defect after closing?
- Builders address items covered by the written warranty within set timeframes. Cosmetic or homeowner-caused issues are usually excluded. Document issues and follow the warranty claim process.
Should I use the builder’s preferred lender?
- Consider it, but compare the true net cost. Incentives can be valuable, yet interest rate, fees, and long-term costs with an independent lender may be better overall.
How do I coordinate selling my current home and buying in Leander?
- Strategies include timing both closings, arranging a rent-back, using short-term housing, or bridge financing. Builders rarely accept home-sale contingencies, while resales may depending on market conditions.
