Winter Park, Florida · Buying new
Do you need your own agent to buy new construction in Winter Park?
You do not have to have one, but you should. The builder's sales team works for the builder. Your own agent reads the builder's contract for you, watches the deposit and the allowances, and walks the house before the drywall goes up.
Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Do I need a realtor to buy a new construction home? It is not required, and it is usually worth it. The builder's on site agent represents the builder. Your agent represents you on price, deposit, contract terms, upgrades and inspections.
Who pays my agent? Since August 17, 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent that sets the agent's compensation before touring. Many builders still offer to pay a buyer's agent. Ask for it in writing before you sign the purchase contract.
Who does Matthew Burks represent? At The Enclave in Winter Park, Matthew is a listing agent and works on the builder's side. On other new homes, he represents buyers. We say which, every time.
What your agent does
Eight things to get right on a new home.
1. The builder's contract
New construction is sold on the builder's own contract, not the standard Florida form. It is written for the builder. Read the completion date language, what happens if the home is late, and what you can cancel and when.
2. The deposit
Know how much, when it is due, whether it is held in escrow or used for construction, and when it stops being refundable.
3. Standard versus upgrade
Renderings show intent. The specification sheet and the allowances are what you own. Get the allowance amounts for flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinets and appliances in writing.
4. Change orders
Every change after signing should be priced and signed before the work is done, with its effect on the completion date stated.
5. Inspections in stages
Hire your own inspector for a pre drywall walk and a final walk. A new home still has punch list items, and the walls only open once.
6. The warranty
Ask what the builder warranty covers, for how long, and who you call. Get it as a document, not a sentence in a brochure.
7. Taxes and insurance
A new home is assessed after it is finished, so the first full tax bill is usually far higher than the bill on the lot alone. Get a real insurance quote on the address before your inspection period ends.
8. The resale
Pay for what the market pays for. In Winter Park, new homes sold at a median of $642 per square foot over the twelve months to July 2026. A price well above that needs a reason you can point to. See Winter Park new construction price per square foot.
Where to start
New homes in and around Winter Park.
Questions
Buying new construction, answered.
Do I need a realtor to buy new construction in Winter Park?
It is not required, but it is usually worth it. The builder's sales agent represents the builder. Your own agent represents you on the builder's contract, deposit, upgrades and inspections.
Who pays the buyer's agent on a new construction home?
Since August 17, 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent that sets compensation before touring. Many builders still offer to pay a buyer's agent. Get the builder's offer in writing before you sign the purchase contract.
Should I register with the builder before bringing my agent?
Bring your agent on the first visit or register them first. Many builders require the buyer's agent to be present or registered at the first visit to pay a commission. Rules vary by builder.
Can I get a home inspection on a new construction home?
Yes. Hire your own inspector for a pre drywall inspection and a final walk through. A new home still has punch list items.
Who does Matthew Burks represent at The Enclave?
At The Enclave in Winter Park, Matthew Burks is a listing agent and works on the builder's side. On other new construction he represents buyers.
Touring a new home this week?
Call or text Matthew before you register with the builder's sales office. Registration rules vary by builder.