03/17/26

As we approach the spring market, we wanted to share a message for all the buyers out there. Don’t forget to consider new construction options during your home search. Often, this avenue isn’t considered by potential homebuyers, especially those going through the process for the first time.

But we’re here to change that. Why? Because buying a new construction home may be easier – and more affordable – than most think, especially in markets where existing home listings are still suppressed. After all, homebuilders today are offering extra incentives, such as home upgrades, reduced mortgage rates and reduced closing costs, to make the purchase more palatable for buyers. Here are three reasons why a brand-new home may be the right move for you – along with reasons why you still need a trusted title and escrow professional on your side during your transaction.

Benefit: All new everything. We’ll start with the obvious. New construction offers you a fresh slate, with pristine paint, materials, fixtures, finishes and appliances. Even when the home is brand new, it’s important to remember that the land is not. Your property could have a past you know nothing about. If the land itself has had past owners, liens, mortgages or disputes, you face the risk of potential financial and legal issues.

How title insurance protects you: At the closing of your new-construction home, the owner’s title insurance you buy alleviates the risk to you of any past fraud, lien, claim or error in the title appearing later on in public records and becoming your burden in the future.

Benefit: New developments are meticulously planned and have modern offerings. Perhaps your dream home is located in a beautiful community with sought-after amenities to suit your lifestyle: sidewalks, well-lit streets, bike trails, parks and shops. Common spaces and private property alike can involve recorded easements, which give certain entities (e.g., neighbors, utilities, municipalities, etc.) the legal right to use the land for specified purposes. However, unknown easements or other covenants can still lie in wait to become an issue later, no matter what is on your property now.

How title insurance protects you: Title insurance is your assurance that easements impacting your property will be documented and disclosed to you. It also protects you when an easement becomes known after closing.

Benefit: No previous owner means fewer issues to uncover. The best homebuilders smoothly manage all stages of the construction project for you, providing frequent, clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, expert craftsmanship and quality materials. To complete all tasks on time and within budget, they may hire tradespersons, subcontractors and suppliers. The expectation is that a new home was planned, built and inspected by true professionals, but that doesn’t always mean everything is perfect. Plus, since so many people are involved in building a new home, disagreements can arise, and you want to make sure nothing is lingering that’s now your responsibility.

What do we mean by that? Situations do arise where subcontractors, laborers or suppliers are not properly paid for their contributions to your new home. In this case, they could file a mechanic’s lien, which makes the new owner responsible for the unpaid amounts. Liens can prevent you from selling or refinancing until the debt is settled, and lien holders can even force a property sale to recover unpaid amounts.

How title insurance protects you: Liens, even ones that haven’t been discovered yet, are one of the issues most commonly covered by an owner’s title insurance policy. This coverage can protect you from claims, legal fees and administrative costs associated with mechanic’s liens and other issues, so you stay in control of your property.

We’re making two things clear from this blog. If you’re searching for your next home, you – and your agent – should at least consider new construction properties, and title insurance is essential no matter how new your home is. Have more questions about title work for any of your upcoming transactions? Contact your nearest branch anytime. We’re always here to help!