McDONALD INSIDER INTELLIGENCE™
Before you walk into the builder’s sales office, there’s something you should know.
Before I became a Realtor, I worked in home construction as a superintendent/builder. Today, after more than 30 years in real estate and negotiations, I help buyers understand what they’re walking into before they sit down with the builder’s sales team.
The builder knows how to sell you a house. My job is to help you understand the deal.
No pressure. No obligation. Just answers.
This is where McDonald Insider Intelligence™ starts earning its name.
A beautiful model home and a big incentive can make a new home look like a straightforward purchase. But some of the most important decisions happen behind the advertised price.
Before you sign, you should understand:
Is that $20,000 builder incentive really $20,000 in value?
Is the builder’s preferred lender actually offering the best overall deal?
What can potentially be negotiated besides the sales price?
Which upgrades make financial sense—and which ones don’t?
Should a brand-new home still have an independent inspection?
What happens when defects or incomplete work are discovered?
What does the builder’s contract require from you?
When does your real estate agent need to become involved?
You shouldn’t have to discover the answers after you’ve already signed the contract.
Ask Us Before You BuyYou can buy directly from a builder without your own real estate agent. But that’s not really the question.
The better question is: Who is looking at the transaction from your side of the table?
The builder has people protecting its interests. The salesperson works for the builder. The builder selected the contract. The preferred lender has a relationship with the builder. The construction team works for the builder.
Sales representative
Contract
Construction team
Preferred lender
Builder incentives
YOUR SIDE
Your Realtor
Representing you, and only you, through the entire transaction.
Your real estate agent is there to represent you.
McDONALD INSIDER INTELLIGENCE™
After more than 30 years in real estate and negotiations, I’ve learned that some of the most expensive mistakes aren’t caused by what buyers know. They’re caused by the questions they didn’t know they should ask.
That’s the idea behind McDonald Insider Intelligence™.
We help buyers look beyond the advertised incentive and evaluate the entire transaction—price, financing, incentives, upgrades, inspections, contract terms and negotiating position—so they can make a better-informed decision.
Our job isn’t to sell you a particular builder’s home. Our job is to help you make a smart real estate decision.
Talk to us first.
Builder policies regarding buyer-agent registration and representation vary. If you think you may want your own representation, the safest approach is to speak with us before your first visit, online registration or model-home appointment.
You don’t need to know which builder you want yet.
You don’t need to have selected a house.
You don’t even need to be certain you’re buying new construction.
A short conversation before you start can help you know what to look for—and what questions to ask.
I’m Considering New ConstructionTell us where you’re looking and what you’re considering. We’ll help you figure out the next step.
Buying a new home is full of expensive mistakes most buyers never see coming. That’s why qualified buyers who purchase a new home with McDonald & Associates Realty can receive our Smart Move Advantage Package—including up to $1,200 toward eligible closing costs, inspections, or related buyer expenses.*
INCLUDED WITH THE SMART MOVE ADVANTAGE PACKAGE
✓ Up to $1,200 toward eligible buyer expenses
✓ Confidential strategy consultations with Shawn McDonald, virtual or in person
✓ Insider market and pricing insights
✓ Local tax and neighborhood intelligence
✓ Personalized support from the McDonald & Associates Realty team
There’s no pressure, obligation, or cost to schedule a strategy consultation with Shawn to discuss your goals and options. Even if you decide not to move forward, you’ll walk away with useful information that can help you make a more informed new-home decision.
To qualify for the Smart Move Advantage Package, buyers must purchase a new home and enter into a buyer representation agreement with McDonald & Associates Realty.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
To maintain a high level of personalized service, the Smart Move Advantage Package is limited to two qualified new-home buyers per month.
Text “SMART MOVE” to Shawn at 281-685-5628
Schedule Your 20-Minute Discovery Call*See disclosure at the bottom of this page.
If buying a new home is part of a move to the Houston area, we’ve put together another resource for you.
The Houston Relocation Guide covers information designed to help you get oriented before making your move.
Get the Houston Relocation GuideMake sure someone is looking at the deal from your side of the table.
Whether you’re comparing builders, evaluating incentives, considering financing or just beginning to explore new construction, we’re happy to answer your questions.
McDonald & Associates Realty
Powered by McDonald Insider Intelligence™
30+ years of real estate and negotiating experience.
Houston-area new construction.
No pressure. Just experienced advice.
*Smart Move Advantage Package incentives are payable at closing as a rebate from the buyer’s broker commission. Offer available to qualified buyers purchasing a new home through McDonald & Associates Realty and subject to execution of a buyer representation agreement. Terms, eligibility, and availability are subject to change without notice.