New construction

New Construction Homes in Ascension Parish & Baton Rouge

A new home should be the easy transaction. It usually is — right up until it isn't, and then you find out whose side everyone is on.

Ascension Parish, especially the Prairieville and Dutchtown corridor, has been one of the busiest new-construction markets in the region, with activity in Gonzales, Geismar, Walker, Denham Springs and Zachary as well. I'll help you compare communities, read the contract and stay on top of the build.

Bring your own agent, from the first visit

The person in the model home is a sales representative paid by the builder. They can be helpful and professional and still represent the builder's interests, not yours. In most communities having your own agent costs you nothing out of pocket, because the builder's budget typically includes the buyer-agent fee — though that varies by builder and is spelled out in your buyer agreement.

Important: most builders require your agent to register with you on your first visit. If you tour alone first, you may not be able to add representation later. Text me before you walk into a model home.

What I actually do on a new build

• Compare communities and builders on price per square foot, lot premiums, what's standard versus upgrade, and what's selling.
• Read the contract. Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorney. Deposit terms, delay language, change-order policies and warranty details all matter.
• Negotiate what's negotiable. Base price often isn't; closing-cost contributions, upgrades, lot premiums and rate buydowns through the builder's lender frequently are.
• Track incentives. They change monthly, and standing inventory homes usually carry the best ones.
• Schedule independent inspections. I recommend one before drywall and one before closing, in addition to the municipal inspections. Yes, on a brand-new house.
• Walk the punch list with you and follow the warranty items after closing.

Questions to ask before you sign

1. What's the builder's warranty, and who services it — the builder or a third party?
2. What exactly is standard, and what's an upgrade? Get it in writing.
3. What happens if the build runs past the estimated completion date?
4. Is the lot in a FEMA flood zone, and what's the required slab elevation?
5. What are the HOA dues, and what do they cover?
6. What's left to be built nearby, and what will the view and traffic be in three years?
7. If I use the builder's lender for the incentive, what's the all-in cost compared with my own lender?

New construction by area

Before you sign anything

New construction or resale?

New construction gives you a warranty, current building standards and nothing to fix right away. Resale often gives you a bigger lot, mature trees, an established neighborhood and a price you can negotiate harder. Neither is automatically the better buy, and I'll give you an honest comparison for the specific homes you're weighing.

Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change. Nothing on this page is legal, tax, insurance or lending advice. Verify details for any specific property or situation with the appropriate licensed professional.

Common questions

Do I need a REALTOR® for new construction?

You don't have to use one, but the builder's representative works for the builder. Having your own agent typically costs you nothing out of pocket and means someone is reviewing the contract, tracking the build and negotiating the punch list for you. Register your agent on the first visit.

Can you negotiate with a builder?

Often yes, just not always on base price, since builders protect their comparable sales. Closing-cost contributions, upgrades, lot premiums and rate buydowns are common areas of flexibility, especially on standing inventory.

Should I inspect a brand-new home?

Yes. I recommend a pre-drywall inspection and a final inspection by an independent licensed inspector. Municipal inspections check code compliance, not workmanship detail.