The steps
1. Join the interest list. You see floor plans and prices before they’re public, and you get first pick.
2. Get pre-approved. A lender confirms how much you can borrow. Look at assistance programs now, since some have application windows.
3. Reserve a home. Pick which home you want. A deposit holds it. Ask whether it’s refundable and until when.
4. Sign the purchase agreement. Your agent reviews it with you: price, deposit terms, timeline, what’s included, and what happens if construction is delayed.
5. Choose your plan and finishes. Floor plan first, then kitchen, floors, bathrooms, lighting and paint, each with its price shown. How to choose without overspending.
6. Follow construction. You get a schedule and updates as each stage finishes. The city inspects at every stage.
7. Final walkthrough. Walk the finished home with us and list anything that needs fixing before you close.
8. Close and move in. Funds and documents go through escrow; you get the keys.
Money to plan for
- Deposit at reservation and at contract
- Down payment and closing costs
- Finish choices above the base price
- Supplemental property tax bill a few months after closing
- Home insurance, which in California is worth pricing early
Protections you have
- Deposit limits: for a home you’ll live in, California treats liquidated damages of up to 3% of the price as valid if you back out without cause; more than that is invalid unless the seller proves it’s reasonable.
- Builder warranty: California’s Right to Repair Act sets standards for new homes, with claim periods of up to 10 years for many defects, and requires at least a one-year warranty on fit and finish.
- Your own agent: a buyer’s agent represents you. Vivienda agents can represent buyers, and you’re free to use any agent.
What’s different when you buy before it’s built
You choose your layout and finishes instead of inheriting someone else’s. The trade-off is waiting for construction, so ask for the schedule and how delays are handled. See how we do it or join the interest list.
Questions people ask
Is my deposit refundable?
It depends on the stage. Reservation deposits are often refundable; deposits under a signed purchase agreement may not be. For a home you'll live in, California treats a liquidated damages amount of up to 3% of the price as valid, and more than that is invalid unless the seller shows it's reasonable. Read the terms before you pay.
Do I need my own agent?
You can and often should have one. A buyer's agent represents you, not the seller.
What warranty comes with a new home?
California's Right to Repair Act sets building standards for new homes, with claim periods of up to 10 years for many defects, and requires builders to offer at least a one-year warranty on fit and finish.
What's the supplemental tax bill?
After you buy, the county reassesses the home at its new value and sends a one-time supplemental bill for the difference. Budget for it.