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New construction home in Central Texas

New Construction · Central Texas

Buy new construction
with someone in your corner.

Temple, Belton, Salado, and Killeen have some of the most active new construction markets in Central Texas. We know every builder, every community, and every negotiation lever; and we represent you, not the builder.

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Vista Real Estate Group
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27
Agents
4,929+
Transactions
$447K
Avg. Sale Price
5.0
Zillow Rating
13+
Years in Central TX

The builder's agent works for the builder.
We work for you.

Most buyers walk into a model home, fall in love, and sign a contract with the builder's on-site agent; never realizing that agent's job is to protect the builder's margin, not theirs.

A Vista buyer's agent represents your interests from lot selection through final walkthrough. We know what each builder is currently willing to offer, what the contract language means, and what to inspect before you close. And the builder pays our commission; so it costs you nothing.

Talk to a specialist
Builder reps work for the builder; not you
The sales agent in a builder's model home is employed by the builder. Their job is to maximize the builder's profit. A Vista buyer's agent represents your interests exclusively, at no cost to you; the builder pays our commission.
We negotiate what most buyers don't know to ask for
Builders rarely move on price, but they routinely offer upgrades, closing cost contributions, rate buy-downs, and lot premiums as negotiating currency. We know what each builder is currently offering and how to get it in writing.
Independent inspections catch what builders miss
New construction is not automatically defect-free. We recommend a pre-drywall inspection and a final walkthrough inspection by an independent licensed inspector; not the builder's in-house quality control team.
Builder timelines slip; we protect your contingencies
If you're selling a current home to fund a new build, timeline management is critical. We structure your sale contract to align with the builder's delivery date and protect you if the builder is late.

Active builders in Central Texas

We work with all of them; and we know what each one is currently willing to negotiate.

Semi-Custom

Carothers Executive Homes

Central Texas's most active semi-custom builder. Strong warranty program, flexible floor plans, and communities across Bell County.

TempleBeltonSaladoTroyAcademy
Price Range
$280K – $600K+
Markets
Temple, Belton, Salado, Troy, Academy
Ask about Carothers Executive Homes

Where to build in Central Texas

Each community has a different character, school district, and price point. Here is how they compare.

Salado
Premium / Lifestyle
$350K – $700K+
new construction

Boutique Hill Country feel, top-rated Salado ISD, and a charming historic downtown. New construction here commands a premium but holds value exceptionally well.

CarothersEagle RidgeCustom
Belton
Top Schools / Lake Access
$260K – $550K
new construction

Belton ISD consistently ranks among the best in Central Texas. Lake Belton access, strong resale values, and a growing inventory of new communities.

CarothersKiellaJohn Houston
Temple
Medical Hub / Strong Resale
$230K – $600K
new construction

Largest city in Bell County with the deepest new construction inventory. Proximity to Baylor Scott & White and I-35 makes it a top relocation destination.

CarothersJohn HoustonEagle RidgeD.R. Horton
Harker Heights / Nolanville
Military / Fort Hood
$190K – $380K
new construction

Closest communities to Fort Hood's main gate. Strong military buyer demand keeps resale values stable. Entry-level new construction widely available.

LGID.R. HortonJohn Houston

We track every new community opening in Central Texas.

New communities sell out fast; especially in Salado and Belton. We maintain a running list of upcoming communities, lot releases, and builder incentive windows. If you tell us your target area and budget, we'll alert you when the right opportunity opens.

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New Construction, Frequently Asked Questions

You are not required to have one, but it is strongly in your interest. The builder's on-site sales agent represents the builder. A Vista buyer's agent represents you; and our commission is paid by the builder, so there is no cost to you. We negotiate upgrades, closing costs, rate buy-downs, and contract terms that most buyers leave on the table.
Yes. Most builders in the Temple/Belton/Killeen market accept VA financing. The key requirement is that the home must meet VA minimum property standards, which most new construction does by default. We work with VA-approved lenders who have experience with new construction timelines and extended rate locks.
Production builders (D.R. Horton, LGI, John Houston) typically deliver in 4–6 months. Semi-custom builders (Carothers, Kiella) run 6–9 months. Custom builds vary widely but typically require 10–18 months. Inventory homes (spec homes already under construction) can close in 30–60 days.
A spec home is a home the builder started constructing before finding a buyer; often already framed, drywalled, or nearly complete. You get a faster close but less customization. A to-be-built home starts from scratch after you sign a contract, giving you full selection of floor plan, elevation, and options; but a longer timeline.
Absolutely. Builder quality control is not a substitute for an independent licensed inspector. We recommend two inspections: a pre-drywall inspection (before the walls are closed) to check framing, plumbing, and electrical, and a final walkthrough inspection before closing. Issues found after closing are significantly harder and more expensive to address.
The market is active. Carothers Executive Homes is building in multiple Bell County communities. John Houston Homes and Kiella are active in Temple and Belton. Eagle Ridge is building custom and semi-custom in Temple and Salado. D.R. Horton and LGI have communities near Fort Hood. We track current inventory and new community openings; contact us for an up-to-date list.
Builders rarely discount the base price, but they regularly offer closing cost contributions (often 2–4% of the purchase price), free upgrades (appliance packages, flooring, countertops), lot premiums waived, and interest rate buy-downs through their preferred lender. The key is knowing what each builder is currently offering and having an experienced agent make the ask. We do this every week.

Ready to buy new construction in Central Texas?

Tell us your target community, budget, and timeline. A Vista new construction specialist will follow up within 24 hours.

254-231-0209 [email protected]
Vista Real Estate Group
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