WHAT ZILLOW WON’T TELL YOU

New Construction vs. Resale — 2026

With Austin Point and many other new communities launching in 2026, families face a real choice. Here’s what the numbers actually look like.

THE HONEST COMPARISON

Side by side, category by category.

Timeline & Process

New Construction6–12 month build timeline
Established ResaleClose in 30–45 days
New ConstructionBuilder's contract — limited flexibility
Established ResaleEverything is negotiable
New ConstructionPick your finishes & floor plan
Established ResaleInherit seller's choices

Cost & Negotiation

New ConstructionBuilder incentives: rate buydowns, upgrades
Established ResaleSellers negotiating — avg 94% list price
New ConstructionMUD tax can add 0.3–0.7% to your rate
Established ResaleEstablished tax rates — no surprises
New ConstructionLimited comp data — harder to verify value
Established ResaleFull MLS comp history available

Neighborhood & Lifestyle

New ConstructionTop amenities — pools, trails, parks
Established ResaleMature trees, established character
New ConstructionRetail & schools still developing
Established ResaleSchools, restaurants already proven
New ConstructionEarly equity upside as community grows
Established ResaleKnown quantity — no waiting on vision

⚠️ READ THIS BEFORE YOU TOUR A MODEL HOME

The number that shocks every family moving to new communities.

MUD Districts (Municipal Utility Districts) are special taxing zones created to pay for new community infrastructure. They are common in brand-new master-planned communities — and most buyers don’t find out about them until they’re already in contract.

On a $600,000 home, a 0.5% MUD rate difference = $3,000/year — or $60,000 over 20 years. Ask before you fall in love.

Which is right for your family?

Choose NEW CONSTRUCTION if…

  • You have 6–12 months of flexibility
  • You want to customize your finishes
  • Builder incentives pencil out for you
  • You're comfortable betting on a vision

Choose RESALE if…

  • Your kids start school this fall
  • You need to close in 30–60 days
  • You want proven schools & community
  • You want full negotiating leverage

Not sure which is right for you?

I’ll run the real numbers for your specific situation — new construction and resale — side by side.

“Someday is the most expensive word in real estate.”

Ready to stop waiting?

The first conversation is free. The clarity it brings is the thing you’ve been missing.

Text Me — (281) 512–2551
(281) 512–2551RobertaMeggs@kw.comText SELL to (281) 512–2551