New Construction Homes in Kansas City
From move-in-ready inventory homes to houses already under construction, build-to-suit opportunities and fully custom homes, Sellstate Heartland Realty helps buyers compare builders, communities, contracts, incentives and construction options throughout the Kansas City metro.
How Do I Buy a New Construction Home in Kansas City?
Start by determining your financing range, deciding whether you want a move-in-ready home, a home already under construction, a build from the ground up or a custom home, and then comparing builders and communities.
Before registering at a model home or signing a builder contract, consider choosing your own real estate agent. The sales representative at the builder's model home represents the builder's interests. Your buyer agent can help you compare properties, review pricing and incentives, understand the transaction, coordinate inspections and negotiate where opportunities exist.
Four Ways to Buy a New Construction Home
1
Move-In Ready
The builder has completed the home, so you can see the finished product and potentially close much sooner.
2
Under Construction
Construction has already started. Depending on the stage, some selections may already be finalized while others may still be available.
3
Build From a Plan
Select an available homesite and builder floor plan, then make permitted structural, design and finish selections.
4
Custom Home
Work with a custom builder to create a property tailored more specifically to your site, design priorities and budget.
Bring Your Own Buyer Agent Into the Process Early
The sales professional working in the builder's model home is there to represent the builder. That is completely normal, but buyers should understand who is representing their side of the transaction.
Builder registration policies can matter. If you want your own buyer agent involved, it is best to establish that relationship before your first substantive visit or registration with the builder.
What Can a Buyer's Agent Do During a New Construction Purchase?
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Help compare builders and competing communities
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Compare base price with included features and upgrades
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Review comparable resale and new-construction alternatives
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Help evaluate homesite premiums and location differences
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Help you understand important builder-contract terms
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Coordinate independent inspections when permitted
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Monitor important transaction and construction milestones
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Advocate for you rather than for the builder
The builder knows its homes. Your buyer agent helps you decide whether the home, price and contract actually make sense for you.
Where Are New Homes Being Built Around Kansas City?
New construction is spread across both sides of the state line. Inventory changes constantly, but buyers frequently find new-home communities and custom-building opportunities throughout the Kansas City metro.
Johnson County, Kansas
Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Spring Hill, Gardner, Stilwell and surrounding areas.
Eastern Jackson & Cass Counties
Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Raymore, Belton, Peculiar and surrounding communities.
Kansas City Northland
Kansas City North, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Platte City, Parkville and growing areas of Clay and Platte Counties.
Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties
Kansas City, Kansas, Basehor, Bonner Springs, Lansing, Leavenworth and nearby developing areas.
South Johnson County
Southern Overland Park, Olathe, Spring Hill and surrounding areas continue to offer new subdivisions and building opportunities.
Infill & Custom Construction
Buyers may also find individual new homes and teardown/rebuild opportunities in established areas such as Prairie Village, Leawood, Fairway, Mission and Kansas City.
Established New Home & Custom Builders in the Kansas City Area
Kansas City has a large builder community ranging from national production builders to locally owned semi-custom and fully custom builders. The companies below are examples of established names active in the area. Communities, inventory, pricing and build areas change frequently, so verify current availability directly with the builder.
Summit Homes
A major Kansas City-area builder with communities and new homes across multiple Missouri and Kansas locations.
Visit Summit HomesDon Julian Builders
Long-established Kansas City custom and luxury home builder with homes and communities throughout the metropolitan area.
Visit Don Julian BuildersRoeser Homes
Kansas City custom home builder known for building throughout Johnson County and select surrounding communities.
Visit Roeser HomesBickimer Homes
A locally established semi-custom builder with decades of experience building new homes in the Kansas City area.
Visit Bickimer HomesJames Engle Custom Homes
Custom home builder serving Johnson County and other Kansas City metro locations with community and infill opportunities.
Visit James Engle Custom HomesStarr Homes
Kansas City custom home builder specializing in personalized residential construction throughout the greater metro.
Visit Starr HomesNew Mark Homes
Established Kansas City builder with new-home communities on both sides of the state line.
Visit New Mark HomesD.R. Horton
National home builder offering new-home communities and move-in-ready inventory in Kansas City-area markets.
Visit D.R. HortonLennar
National builder offering new-home communities, floor plans and inventory homes in the greater regional market.
Visit LennarBuilder names are provided as a consumer resource, not as an endorsement or representation that Sellstate Heartland Realty is affiliated with every builder listed.
Builder Contracts Can Be Very Different From Resale Contracts
Buying a newly built home is still a real estate transaction, but the paperwork can look very different from a traditional resale purchase. Many builders use their own contracts and addenda.
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Construction-completion timelines
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Earnest-money and deposit requirements
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Upgrade and selection deadlines
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Change-order procedures
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Financing and lender requirements
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Inspection provisions
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Builder warranty provisions
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Closing-date and delay provisions
Your real estate agent can help explain the real estate terms and transaction process. Questions requiring legal interpretation should be directed to a qualified attorney.
Can You Negotiate the Price of a New Construction Home?
Sometimes, but the best opportunity is not always a reduction in the advertised base price. Builders may prefer incentives that do not directly reduce the recorded price of the home.
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Closing-cost assistance
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Interest-rate buydown incentives
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Design-center or upgrade credits
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Appliance or finish packages
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Incentives on completed or aging inventory homes
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Preferred-lender incentives, subject to financing terms
Timing Can Matter
A builder with completed inventory, approaching sales goals or homes that have remained available longer than expected may have different motivation than a builder selling lots in a new phase.
What Happens When You Build a Home From the Ground Up?
1
Homesite & Plan
Select the lot, floor plan and permitted structural options.
2
Selections
Depending on the builder, select finishes, fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, colors and other available options.
3
Foundation
Site work begins and the home's foundation system is constructed.
4
Wood Framing
The home takes shape with floor systems, wall studs, sheathing and roof trusses or rafters.
5
Mechanical Rough-In
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC components are installed before interior walls are closed.
6
Insulation & Drywall
Insulation and drywall transform the framed structure into recognizable interior rooms.
7
Interior Finishes
Cabinets, flooring, trim, counters, fixtures and other finishes are installed.
8
Final Details
Paint, landscaping, fixtures and remaining construction details are completed.
9
Walkthrough & Closing
Final walkthroughs, applicable inspections, financing and closing are coordinated before possession.
Do You Need a Home Inspection on a Brand-New House?
New does not necessarily mean perfect. A newly constructed house involves many materials, subcontractors, installations and building stages. Buyers may choose independent inspections where allowed by the builder contract and construction schedule.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
When permitted, an inspector may evaluate visible framing, mechanical rough-ins and other components before drywall covers them.
Final Home Inspection
An independent inspection near completion can identify items a buyer may want evaluated before closing.
Warranty Inspection
Some homeowners schedule another inspection before an applicable builder warranty period expires so concerns can be documented.
Financing a New Construction Home
Financing can vary depending on whether the home is completed, already under construction or being built from the ground up. Builders may also advertise incentives tied to an affiliated or preferred lender.
Compare the complete financial picture rather than looking at an incentive by itself.
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Interest rate and APR
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Closing costs and lender fees
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Rate-buydown structure and duration
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Builder or lender credits
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Loan-program requirements
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Rate-lock options during longer construction timelines
A Big Builder Incentive Is Not Automatically the Best Deal
Compare the home's price, lot premium, upgrades, financing, closing costs, HOA expenses, taxes and long-term fit. A large advertised credit can be valuable, but it should be evaluated as part of the complete transaction.
We can help you compare what the builder is offering with other new homes, other builders and available resale properties before you make a decision.
Read Our Kansas City New Construction Homebuyer Booklet
Building or buying a newly constructed home involves more decisions than simply picking a floor plan. Our new-construction resource helps buyers understand questions to ask, decisions to make and issues to consider before moving forward.
What Should You Compare Between Kansas City Builders?
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Base price versus actual finished-home price
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Standard features versus optional upgrades
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Homesite premiums
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Floor-plan flexibility
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Estimated construction timeline
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Warranty coverage and procedures
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Inspection policies
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HOA dues and community amenities
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Current incentives
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Completed homes and resale competition nearby
Don't Assume the Model Home Equals the Base Home
Model homes are designed to show a builder's product at its best and may contain structural options, upgraded finishes, landscaping, technology packages and design features that are not included in the advertised base price.
Before comparing one builder's advertised price with another, ask for a clear explanation of:
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What comes standard
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Which model-home features are upgrades
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The price of the selected homesite
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Structural-option costs
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Expected design-center allowance or upgrade budget
Should You Buy New Construction or a Resale Home?
There is no universal winner. The right answer depends on your budget, timeline, desired location, tolerance for construction delays, preferred finishes and how much customization matters to you.
New Construction Can Offer
Newer systems and finishes, builder warranties, current design trends, energy-efficient features and the opportunity to choose certain options when purchasing early enough in the build process.
Resale Homes Can Offer
Established neighborhoods, mature landscaping, potentially larger lots, a known completion date and the ability to see exactly what you are buying before writing an offer.
Our Kansas City New Construction Buying Game Plan
1
Financing & Budget
Determine a comfortable price range and financing strategy.
2
Builder & Community Search
Compare communities, builders, inventory homes and available lots.
3
Model & Home Tours
Tour model homes, completed inventory and homes in various construction stages.
4
Compare the Numbers
Evaluate base price, homesite, upgrades, incentives and financing.
5
Contract & Build
Follow transaction milestones and coordinate inspections and financing.
6
Walkthrough & Closing
Review final items, complete applicable inspections and prepare for closing and possession.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction Homes in Kansas City
Do I need a buyer's agent when buying new construction?
You are not generally required to have your own real estate agent, but the builder's sales representative represents the builder. Having your own agent gives you someone focused on your side of the transaction.
When should I contact my real estate agent?
Ideally before your first substantive visit to a builder's model home. Some builders have registration and representation policies that can affect whether your agent can participate later.
Can my agent negotiate with a new home builder?
Negotiability varies by builder, community, property and market. Opportunities may involve price, upgrades, closing-cost credits, financing incentives or completed inventory.
Should I use the builder's preferred lender?
Compare the preferred lender's complete loan terms and incentives with other financing options. Evaluate rate, APR, fees, loan terms and closing costs together.
Do I need an inspection on a brand-new home?
Many buyers choose independent inspections even on new construction. Inspection rights and timing depend on the builder contract and stage of construction.
What is a pre-drywall inspection?
A pre-drywall inspection occurs before insulation and drywall conceal much of the home's framing and mechanical rough-ins. Whether it is allowed depends on the builder and contract.
How long does it take to build a new home?
Construction timelines vary based on builder, floor plan, permitting, weather, labor, materials, selections and other factors.
Is a model home the same as the standard home?
Not necessarily. Model homes can include upgrades and options beyond what is included in the builder's base specifications.
What is a spec or inventory home?
A spec or inventory home is a property a builder begins or completes without a specific buyer having selected every feature from the beginning.
Can I make changes to a home already under construction?
Possibly. Available options depend on the construction stage and builder policies. Earlier-stage homes often offer more flexibility.
Who are some well-known Kansas City home builders?
The Kansas City market includes builders such as Summit Homes, Don Julian Builders, Roeser Homes, Bickimer Homes, James Engle Custom Homes, Starr Homes, New Mark Homes, D.R. Horton and Lennar, along with many additional local and custom builders.
Does Sellstate Heartland Realty represent new construction buyers?
Yes. Sellstate Heartland Realty can assist buyers comparing new-construction homes, builders, communities, contracts, incentives and available properties throughout the Kansas City metro.
Kansas City New Construction Buyer Resources
Want to learn more before visiting builders? Start with these Sellstate Heartland Realty new-construction resources.
New Construction Booklet
A practical guide for buyers considering a newly built home.
Read the BookletDo You Need a Buyer's Agent?
Understand the difference between the builder's representative and having your own real estate representation.
Read the ArticleWhen Are Builders More Negotiable?
Learn why timing, completed inventory and builder goals can sometimes create additional negotiating opportunities.
Read the ArticleBefore You Register With a Builder, Put Someone on Your Side
Whether you're looking for a completed inventory home, a property already under construction, a homesite and floor plan or a fully custom build, Sellstate Heartland Realty can help you compare options throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Get New Construction Homes & Builder Updates
Search All Kansas City Homes
Read Our New Construction Booklet
Sellstate Heartland Realty
KC's Home Team in Real Estate
19310 E 50th Ter S, Suite E
Independence, MO 64055
913-379-3892
Builder names and links are provided as consumer resources. Sellstate
Heartland Realty is not representing that it is affiliated with, endorsed
by or the exclusive real estate brokerage for any builder listed on this page.
Builder communities, homes, prices, incentives, construction timelines,
specifications, included features, warranties and availability can change
without notice. Information should be independently verified with the
applicable builder before making a purchase decision.
Builder sales representatives generally represent the builder or seller.
Buyer representation and compensation should be established through a
written buyer representation agreement, and builder policies regarding
outside real estate agents should be confirmed before visiting or registering.
Construction inspections, changes, upgrades and access rights are subject
to the applicable builder contract and construction policies. Legal questions
regarding builder contracts should be directed to a qualified attorney.
The information displayed on this page is confidential, proprietary, and copyrighted information of Heartland Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
