Scottsdale New Construction
New Construction & Pre-Construction
Introduction
The Builder's Agent Does Not Work for You
Every builder's on-site sales agent works for the builder, not the buyer. They are helpful, they know the product, and their job is to protect the builder's price, contract terms and timeline.
Darren Tackett represents buyers independently at no added cost across nearly every major builder and master-planned community in North Scottsdale, and tells buyers plainly where builder pricing has room to move. You can browse North Scottsdale communities to see where new construction is available.
Process
Step-by-Step New Construction Process With Tackett Team
Step 1
Define Criteria and Budget
- Set lot preferences, floor plan needs and must-have features first
- Budget the total, including likely upgrades and lot premium, not just base price
- Register with an independent agent before your first builder visit
Step 2
Evaluate Builders and Communities
- Compare base pricing, standard features and current incentives builder by builder
- Review construction quality, warranty history and delivery timelines
- Get an honest read on appreciation potential by community
Step 3
Select Lot and Floor Plan
- Weigh sun orientation, privacy, elevation and what may be built next door
- Get a second opinion on whether the lot premium is worth paying
- Confirm the floor plan works for how you actually live
Step 4
Navigate the Design Center
- Focus on the upgrades that hold resale value and skip the ones that do not
- Know which items are cheaper to add after closing
- Verify every selection is reflected accurately in the contract
Step 5
Review the Purchase Contract
- Identify builder-favorable terms before you sign anything
- Understand the deposit structure and what is refundable
- Preserve your inspection rights and delivery date protections
Step 6
Inspections and Closing
- Schedule independent pre-drywall and final inspections
- Document punch-list items and confirm they are completed
- Use warranty support for anything that surfaces after move-in
Highlights
What New Construction Buyers Should Know
01
Using your own agent for new construction costs nothing extra in almost every case.
02
Builders require registering your agent on the very first sales-office visit.
03
There is often real negotiation room in incentives even when base price is not negotiable.
04
An independent pre-drywall inspection catches issues that are expensive to fix later.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction
Does it cost more to use my own agent?
In almost every case, no. Builders budget for buyer-side representation in their pricing, so having your own agent does not raise your purchase price or reduce your incentives. What it adds is someone reviewing the contract, the lot premium and the upgrade list on your side of the table.
When do I need to register with an agent?
Before your very first visit to the sales office. Most builders will not allow representation to be added later if you toured and signed in alone, so bring your agent, or name them, on visit number one.
Can I negotiate the price on new construction?
Base price is often held firm to protect community comps, but incentives are frequently negotiable: design center credits, closing cost contributions, rate buydowns, lot premium adjustments and included upgrades. That is usually where the real money is.
What is the biggest mistake new construction buyers make?
Over-spending at the design center on upgrades that do not return at resale, while skipping the ones that are expensive to add later. A close second is choosing a lot on the plat map without walking it and checking orientation and what will be built nearby.
Should I get an independent inspection on a new home?
Yes. Municipal inspections confirm code compliance, not workmanship, and a pre-drywall inspection is the only chance to see framing, plumbing and electrical before they are covered. Darren Tackett coordinates independent pre-drywall and final inspections on every new construction purchase. Call (602) 622-1226 before you visit your first sales office.
About
About Darren Tackett, Tackett Team Founder
Darren Tackett founded and leads the Tackett Team at eXp Realty from their North Scottsdale headquarters at 20551 N. Pima Road, Suite 185, Scottsdale, AZ 85255: a powerhouse with 30 years dominating luxury residential sales totaling over $1 billion in closed Scottsdale transactions. His crown jewel? The record-shattering $28.1M sale of Altitude at Silverleaf in 2022, Arizona's highest at the time, featured in top luxury publications.
Backed by a tight-knit crew, including team director Jenna Mateo and a deep bench of licensed agents and marketing support, Darren focuses on $2M+ buyers and sellers in gated communities: Silverleaf canyon estates, DC Ranch, Grayhawk golf properties, Windgate Ranch, McDowell Mountain lock-and-leaves, plus Cave Creek customs and Paradise Valley.
Clients value his transparent style: deep off-market sourcing unearths pocket listings, honest comps drawn from hyper-local data dodge pricing traps, and vendor networks covering movers, stagers and lenders erase transition hassles. See what past clients say about working with the Tackett Team.
Contact
Get independent representation on your new construction purchase
Let's Connect
Let's Connect
Considering new construction or a pre-construction purchase in Scottsdale or North Phoenix? We will help you compare builders, evaluate lots and review the contract before you commit, at no added cost. Share a few details below.