Buying New Construction in Katy, TX: Your Questions Answered

The Katy area has many new home communities, with several builders often in the same neighborhood. Here are direct answers to the questions buyers ask before choosing a builder, a lot, and a floor plan.

Will my property taxes jump after the first year?

They might. If the home was finished partway through the year, your first tax bill may be based mostly on the lot value. The next year's bill reflects the full value of the finished home. Ask your lender to estimate taxes on the full home value so your escrow doesn't come up short. Then file your homestead exemption with your county's appraisal district (Harris, Fort Bend, or Waller).

How do I compare builders in the same Katy community?

Look beyond the model home. Compare standard features against upgrades, energy-efficiency features, warranty terms, lot sizes, and the incentives each builder offers. Then visit finished homes and talk with your inspector about what they see on that builder's homes. Your agent can line up these comparisons side by side.

Should I buy in an early phase of a new community?

There are trade-offs. Early phases may offer more lot choice and introductory incentives, but you may live with construction traffic and noise, and amenities may not be finished yet. Ask the builder or developer for the master plan, the timing of amenities, and what's planned on nearby land.

Do I need my own agent to buy from a builder?

The builder's sales consultant represents the builder. Your own agent represents you on price, incentives, the contract, and inspections. Many builders require your agent to be with you, or to register you, on your very first visit. Contact your agent before touring models.

Do I have to use the builder's lender?

No. You can choose any lender. If an incentive depends on the builder's preferred lender, compare Loan Estimates from that lender and an outside lender, and pick the better overall deal.

Do I need an inspection on new construction?

Yes. Consider phase inspections before the foundation is poured, before drywall goes up, and before closing. Then schedule a warranty inspection before your first-year builder warranty ends. Homes outside city limits may have fewer government inspections.

What's in a builder's contract?

Most builders use their own contract forms rather than the standard TREC forms. Expect larger deposits, specific rules about delays and changes, and possibly non-refundable upgrade deposits. Read the contract and the warranty carefully, and consult a real estate attorney with legal questions.

Which school district serves new Katy communities?

Most new Katy-area communities are zoned to Katy ISD, but some are in neighboring districts, and new schools can change boundaries. Confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate with a Katy builder? Often, yes. Incentives such as closing cost help, rate buydowns, or upgrades are more common than price cuts, especially on move-in-ready homes.

What is a builder's design center? A showroom where you choose finishes and upgrades for a to-be-built home. Upgrades add to your price.

What's the difference between a spec home and a to-be-built home? A spec home is already started or finished. A to-be-built home is built from the ground up after you sign.

Resale or new in Katy? Compare with our guide to Buying a Resale Home in Katy, TX.

Touring new homes in Katy?

Amalia is based in Katy. Call (714) 360-5600 or email homewithamalia@gmail.com before your first model home visit, so you have your own representation from day one.

Amalia Ohe, Real Broker LLC. This article is general information and is not legal, tax, or lending advice. Builder incentives, warranties, tax rates, and school zoning change, so verify them independently. Equal Housing Opportunity.