Existing homes: learn what the property has already experienced

An existing home offers a visible setting and operating history, but that history needs investigation. Review condition, prior work, permits when applicable, drainage, foundation, roof, systems, insurance availability, seller disclosures, HOA information, survey matters, and the inspections or specialists appropriate to the property.

  • Condition and remaining life of major components
  • Repairs, improvements, permits, and documentation
  • Lot, drainage, trees, easements, and surrounding uses
  • Insurance, taxes, HOA obligations, and likely maintenance

New construction: the contract and process matter as much as the finishes

Builder contracts, deposits, completion standards, change orders, incentives, inspections, warranties, appraisals, financing terms, closing timing, and walk-through procedures can differ substantially. A new home still deserves independent due diligence; “new” is not the same as “risk-free.”

  • Who writes the contract and what rights or deadlines it creates
  • Whether and when independent inspections are allowed
  • What is included, upgraded, excluded, or subject to substitution
  • How completion, delays, punch items, warranties, and disputes are handled
  • Whether an incentive changes the total financing or ownership tradeoff

Verify public and site-specific information

The City of Plano maintains permit, inspection, development-services, floodplain, and building-information resources. Use those tools for current process information and property-specific research. Flood risk and insurance questions should be checked against official mapping and the insurer, not assumed from a marketing description.

A fair comparison worksheet

  • Total expected cash before and after closing
  • Monthly payment, taxes, insurance, HOA/PID obligations, and utilities
  • Near-term repair or upgrade budget
  • Inspection and contract protections
  • Completion or possession timing and backup plan
  • Warranty scope and owner maintenance
  • Location and lot tradeoffs
  • Resale flexibility and personal time horizon

Where Plan My Move fits

The decision often interacts with a current home, proceeds, payment comfort, temporary housing, rate-lock timing, and the ability to absorb a delay. Plan My Move makes those dependencies visible before a builder appointment or offer becomes the deadline.

Sources and verification links

These links are provided so you can verify current information directly. Time-sensitive details should be checked again when a particular property or decision is under consideration.