Buying New Construction in Columbus: 5 Things to Know Before You Visit a Model Home

Central Ohio has more than 150 active new-construction communities within about 40 miles of Plain City, built by 17 different builders. Before you walk into a model home — and the model homes are designed to be very persuasive — here are five things worth knowing.

First, the price on the sign is a starting point. Lot premiums, structural options and design selections routinely add 10–20% to a base price. Ask for the price of the actual home you'd build, not the base plan.

Second, 'quick move-in' homes are real inventory — homes the builder started before having a buyer. They can close in 30–60 days and sometimes carry the strongest incentives because the builder wants them sold. If your timeline is flexible, asking 'what do you have that you need to move?' can be worth real money.

Third, builder incentives change monthly, sometimes weekly. Rate promotions, flex cash and closing-cost help come and go. Anything you see advertised — including on this site — is a snapshot from the date it was recorded. Confirm the current offer with the builder before you count on it.

Fourth, the friendly person in the model home works for the builder. Their job is to sell you that builder's homes. You have the right to your own representation, and in most cases the builder has already budgeted for it — but many builders require your agent to register with you on your first visit, so bring your agent before you sign anything, including a guest registration card.

Fifth, compare across builders, not just within one community. The same budget buys very different things in Hilliard, Grove City, Delaware or Plain City. This site's New Construction tracker lists all 159 communities I follow with recorded prices, statuses and links to each builder's website — it's a good place to start comparing. And if you'd like someone in your corner for the process, call or text me at 917-280-8213.