--- title: 10 Questions to Ask a New Home Builder When Your Realtor Isn’t With You description: Discover essential questions to ask a new home builder when visiting model homes without your Realtor. Ensure you understand costs, inclusions, and timelines. image: https://www.liveormondwest.com/hubfs/Florida%20builder%20questions%20guide.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-a-new-home-builder-when-your-realtor-isnt-with-you#main-content) [![Live Ormond West Ormond Beach Florida Real Estate-1](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Live%20Ormond%20West%20Ormond%20Beach%20Florida%20Real%20Estate-1.png?width=1254&height=1254&name=Live%20Ormond%20West%20Ormond%20Beach%20Florida%20Real%20Estate-1.png)Homepage](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog/liveormondwest.com) - [Volusia County Relocation Guides](https://www.liveormondwest.com/new-home-buying-guides-moving-checklists-ormond-beach-realty) - [New Construction Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/new-construction-communities-ormond-beach) - [Current Happenings](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog) - [About Live Ormond West](https://www.liveormondwest.com/about-ormond-west-creator) - [Ormond West Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/communities) - [Personalized Video Valuation](https://www.liveormondwest.com/what-could-your-ormond-beach-home-sell-for-today) [Explore Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/communities) - [Volusia County Relocation Guides](https://www.liveormondwest.com/new-home-buying-guides-moving-checklists-ormond-beach-realty) - [New Construction Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/new-construction-communities-ormond-beach) - [Current Happenings](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog) - [About Live Ormond West](https://www.liveormondwest.com/about-ormond-west-creator) - [Ormond West Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/communities) - [Personalized Video Valuation](https://www.liveormondwest.com/what-could-your-ormond-beach-home-sell-for-today) [Explore Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/communities) ![](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Florida%20builder%20questions%20guide.png?width=1672&height=941&name=Florida%20builder%20questions%20guide.png) # 10 Questions to Ask a New Home Builder When Your Realtor Isn’t With You ![Nicole Comenole](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook%20banner%202026.png?width=48&height=48&name=facebook%20banner%202026.png) Nicole Comenole October 14, 2026 Walking into a model home is exciting. You’re picturing your furniture in the living room, checking out the kitchen, and wondering how soon you could move in. But before you fall in love with the finishes, there are a few details worth asking about. If you’re exploring new construction in Ormond Beach or the surrounding area without your Realtor beside you, use these 10 questions to help understand what’s included, what costs extra, and whether the home fits your timeline. ## 1. What appliances are included? Don’t assume every appliance you see comes with the home. Ask specifically about the refrigerator, dishwasher, range, microwave, washer, and dryer. Also ask whether the appliance package applies to the exact home you’re considering. Model homes and promotional packages may have different inclusions. ## 2. Does the home come with blinds? Window coverings can become an immediate expense after closing. Ask whether blinds are included throughout the home, which windows are covered, and whether installation is part of the price. While you’re discussing finishing touches, ask about towel bars and toilet paper holders, too. These small details can add to your move-in shopping list. ## 3. What fixed interest rates are you offering, and through which lender? A lower advertised rate can catch your attention, but ask for the full explanation: - Is the interest rate fixed for the entire loan term? - Does the offer involve a temporary buydown that lowers payments only during the first few years? - Which lender provides the offer? - What credit, down-payment, and loan requirements apply? - Are there points or other costs to obtain that rate? - Is there a deadline to close? Ask the lender for a written estimate showing the rate, annual percentage rate (APR), closing costs, and monthly payment so you can compare options. ## 4. What warranties come with the home? Ask what coverage applies to workmanship, major systems, and the home’s structure—and how long each type lasts. You’ll also want to know who handles warranty requests, how to submit a claim, and what is excluded. Request the written warranty documents so you can review the actual terms. ## 5. Are there closing-cost incentives? Ask how much assistance is available, which expenses it can cover, and what conditions apply. Does the incentive require using a preferred lender or title company? Is it available for every home or only certain inventory? Can it be combined with the advertised financing offer? Get the details for the specific home you’re considering in writing. ## 6. Which homes can meet my moving timeline? Instead of asking only what’s available, be specific: **“Which homes are ready now—or expected to be ready within the next \_\_\_ days?”** Ask what work remains, what could delay completion, and when the builder expects the home to be ready for closing. This is especially helpful if you’re coordinating a home sale, lease expiration, or relocation. ## 7. What builder fees are added to the price? The advertised price is the starting point for your questions. Ask for an itemized breakdown of required charges, including any builder or administrative fees, lot premiums, and upgrades. Confirm which charges are already included in the quoted price and which will be added. A written breakdown makes it easier to understand the total purchase cost. ## 8. What are the community fees? Ask about HOA dues, how often they’re paid, and what they cover. Also ask whether there are separate master-association dues or one-time charges at closing, such as setup fees or capital contributions. Request the community documents and current fee schedule so you can budget beyond your mortgage payment. ## 9. Is there a CDD, and what is the annual assessment? A **Community Development District**, or CDD, is a special local government that helps finance and maintain community infrastructure. Depending on the district, that may include roads, drainage, landscaping, or recreational facilities. CDD assessments are separate from HOA dues and commonly appear on the property-tax bill. Ask for the annual amount for your specific lot and a breakdown of the debt assessment and operating assessment. You’ll also want to ask what the district maintains and whether its assessment is included in the monthly payment estimate you’ve received. ## 10. Are the estimated property taxes based on the land or the completed home? This is an easy detail to overlook with new construction. The current tax bill may reflect only the vacant land. Once the completed home is included in the assessment, the tax amount can increase. Florida property assessments reflect the property’s status as of January 1, and the county property appraiser determines the assessed value—not the builder. Ask for an estimate that includes **both the land and the completed home**, and confirm the assumptions with the county property appraiser. You want a realistic estimate of your ongoing expenses. ## Bonus: How does everyday life in the community work? Before you leave, ask about the practical details: - Which amenities are open now, and which are planned? - How do residents receive access cards or keys? - What does it cost to replace a lost key or access card? - Where is the mailbox, and how do you get its key? - What maintenance does the HOA cover for your property? - Who maintains the common areas? These questions help you picture daily life in the neighborhood and understand what you’ll be responsible for after moving in. ## Take This List With You Save these questions on your phone before your next model-home visit. Ask for the inclusions, incentives, warranties, and fee breakdown in writing, then share them with your Realtor before signing. If you’re considering new construction around Ormond Beach, my [New Construction Guide](https://www.liveormondwest.com/new-construction-communities-ormond-beach) is a helpful place to start exploring local communities. Have a neighborhood or home in mind? Reach out, and let’s talk about what fits your budget, timeline, and everyday life. **Nicole Comenole** Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveormondwest.com%2Fblog%2F10-questions-to-ask-a-new-home-builder-when-your-realtor-isnt-with-you](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveormondwest.com%2Fblog%2F10-questions-to-ask-a-new-home-builder-when-your-realtor-isnt-with-you) ## Keep reading ### [![](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ormond%20Beach%20Halloween%20%26%20Fall%20Guide.png?width=1672&height=941&name=Ormond%20Beach%20Halloween%20%26%20Fall%20Guide.png) To-DO 2026 Halloween Events & Trunk-or-Treats in Ormond Beach, Florida 🎃](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog/2026-halloween-events-trunk-or-treats-in-ormond-beach-florida) ### [![](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Live%20Ormond%20West_%20Around%20Town-1.png?width=1122&height=1402&name=Live%20Ormond%20West_%20Around%20Town-1.png) To-DO Things to Do in Ormond Beach & Daytona Beach This Weekend: October 2–4, 2026](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog/things-to-do-in-ormond-beach-daytona-beach-this-weekend-october-2-4-2026) - [Buying A Home Guide](https://www.liveormondwest.com/ultimate-home-buying-guide-ormond-beach-fl-real-estate) - [Volusia County Relocation Guide](https://www.liveormondwest.com/volusia-county-moving-checklist) - [Ormond West Community Comparison Guide](https://www.liveormondwest.com/community-comparison-guide-live-ormond-west) - [Moving Checklist Guide](https://www.liveormondwest.com/ultimate-moving-checklist-live-ormond-west) - [Blog](https://www.liveormondwest.com/blog) - [Contact US](https://www.liveormondwest.com/about-ormond-west-creator) - [Hunters Ridge Ormond Beach](https://www.liveormondwest.com/hunters-ridge-ormond-beach) - [Tattersall Ormond Beach](https://www.liveormondwest.com/tatersall-ormond-beach-new-construction) - [Breakaway Trails Ormond BEach](https://www.liveormondwest.com/breakaway-trails-ormond-beach) - [Compare Ormond West Communities](https://www.liveormondwest.com/communities) - [Ridgehaven Ormond Beach](https://www.liveormondwest.com/ridgehaven-ormond-beach-new-construction) - [Before You SELL FREE Upgrades List](https://www.liveormondwest.com/boost-your-homes-appeal-25-low-cost-upgrades-to-sell-brand-name) - [Personalized Video Valuation By Nicole Comenole](https://www.liveormondwest.com/what-could-your-ormond-beach-home-sell-for-today) --- Privacy Policy · Legal · © 2026. 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