TAMPA BAY HOME BUILDERS
New Construction Homes
Browse communities from the area's top builders — and get a Broker with 23+ years of experience representing you at no cost.
Buyer Representation
Why You Need Your Own REALTOR for New Construction
Every new construction sales office has a friendly agent ready to help you. What most buyers do not realize is that agent works for the builder. Their job is to sell the builder's inventory at the builder's price on the builder's terms. They are not negotiating on your behalf — they are negotiating against you.
Having your own REALTOR levels the playing field. Barrett Henry reviews builder contracts, negotiates pricing and incentives, coordinates independent inspections, and advises on design center selections — all at no cost to you. The builder pays the buyer agent's commission regardless, so the only question is whether that commission goes to someone working for you or gets kept by the builder's brokerage.
With 23+ years of real estate experience and hundreds of new construction transactions, Barrett knows which builders deliver on their promises, which upgrades hold resale value, and which contract clauses need pushback. That knowledge costs you nothing and can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Cost to You
Builder pays the commission
Years Experience
Hundreds of new builds closed
Your Advocate
Not the builder's agent
Builder Directory
Major Home Builders in Tampa Bay
These national and regional builders are actively developing communities across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, and Hernando counties. Barrett Henry can represent you with any of them.
Lennar
Everything's IncludedOne of the largest builders in the country, Lennar is known for its Everything's Included program — smart home tech, premium appliances, and designer finishes come standard. Active across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties with communities ranging from first-time buyer townhomes to estate-sized single-family homes.
DR Horton
America's BuilderThe nation's largest homebuilder by volume, DR Horton delivers affordable new construction without cutting corners. Their Express and Freedom series target first-time buyers and active adults, while the Emerald line offers upgraded finishes and larger floor plans.
Pulte Homes
Life TestedPulte's Life Tested floor plans are designed around how people actually live — dedicated home offices, open kitchens, and flexible bonus rooms. Their Del Webb brand is one of the most recognized names in 55+ active adult communities.
Taylor Morrison
Inspired LivingA top-five national builder headquartered right here in Arizona with deep Florida roots. Taylor Morrison is known for premium standard features, energy efficiency, and communities in desirable school zones across Tampa Bay.
Toll Brothers
Luxury LivingThe name in luxury new construction. Toll Brothers builds in Tampa Bay's most sought-after locations with high-end finishes, expansive design center options, and resort-style community amenities. Expect larger lots and higher price points.
MI Homes
Quality CraftsmanshipMI Homes delivers flexible floor plans with a strong reputation for build quality and customer satisfaction. Their Tampa Bay communities offer a range of price points with generous included features and responsive warranty service.
Ryan Homes
Build Your HappyPart of NVR Inc., Ryan Homes focuses on affordable new construction with a streamlined building process. Strong in the first-time buyer market with competitive pricing and quick move-in inventory homes.
Meritage Homes
Energy-Efficient LivingMeritage builds every home to ENERGY STAR standards with advanced insulation, HVAC, and solar-ready design. Their focus on energy efficiency translates to lower utility bills from day one — a real selling point in Florida's heat.
Where to Build
Active New Construction Communities by Area
South Hillsborough
Riverview / Brandon / Valrico / Lithia / Wimauma / Balm
The highest concentration of new construction in Tampa Bay. Dozens of active communities from every major builder.
Pasco County
Wesley Chapel / Land O'Lakes / Zephyrhills / San Antonio / Dade City
Rapid growth corridor with large master-planned communities. Strong school ratings and lower price points than Hillsborough.
East Hillsborough
Plant City / Dover / Thonotosassa / Seffner
Rural feel with larger lots and acreage options. Fewer HOA-governed communities and more custom build opportunities.
Polk County
Lakeland / Winter Haven / Davenport / Haines City / Auburndale
The most affordable new construction near Tampa Bay. Popular with first-time buyers and investors. Easy I-4 commute.
Manatee & Sarasota
Bradenton / Parrish / Sarasota / Lakewood Ranch / North Port
Premium communities with resort-style amenities. Lakewood Ranch is one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation.
North Tampa & Pinellas
Tampa / Lutz / Odessa / St. Petersburg / Clearwater
Limited new construction due to established development. Infill and boutique communities command premium pricing.
Step by Step
How Does Buying New Construction Work?
Choose Your Community and Lot
Location drives value. We tour communities together, compare HOA fees, CDD assessments, school zones, and future development plans. Lot selection matters — premiums for water views, conservation backing, or corner lots can add $10K to $80K or more.
Select Your Floor Plan
Builders offer multiple floor plans in each community. I help you compare square footage, bedroom configurations, garage size, and structural options like bonus rooms or extended lanais that affect both livability and resale value.
Design Center Selections
This is where budgets can spiral. Cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, and exterior finishes all get chosen here. I advise on which upgrades add real resale value and which are overpriced at the builder's design center.
Contract and Negotiation
Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorneys to protect the builder. I review every clause, negotiate pricing, request closing cost credits, and push for upgrades or incentives that the sales agent won't volunteer.
Construction and Inspections
New construction typically takes 5 to 9 months depending on the builder and community. I recommend independent inspections at pre-drywall and final stages — the builder's inspector works for them, not you.
Final Walkthrough and Closing
We do a detailed walkthrough to document any punch list items before you sign. Paint touch-ups, cabinet alignment, grout issues, appliance function — everything gets checked and documented before closing day.
Avoid These Pitfalls
What Are the Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make With Builders?
Going to the Model Home Without Your Own Agent
The moment you register at the sales office without your REALTOR present, the builder's agent becomes your only representative. Most builders require your agent to accompany you on the first visit to honor buyer representation.
Trusting the Builder's Preferred Lender Blindly
Builders offer incentives — closing cost credits, rate buydowns — for using their preferred lender. Sometimes the deal is real. Other times an outside lender beats them outright. Always get a competing quote before committing.
Overspending at the Design Center
Builders mark up design center options significantly. That $15,000 kitchen upgrade might cost $6,000 through a contractor after closing. I help you decide which upgrades are worth the builder's price and which can wait.
Skipping Independent Inspections
New does not mean flawless. Framing errors, plumbing issues, HVAC problems, and code violations happen in new construction. A pre-drywall inspection catches structural issues before the walls go up. A final inspection catches everything else.
Ignoring CDD and HOA Costs
Community Development District assessments add hundreds to your monthly payment and can last 15 to 30 years. Combined with HOA fees, your true monthly cost can be significantly higher than the mortgage alone. I break down every cost before you sign.
New Construction
Ready to Tour Builder Communities?
Barrett Henry tours new construction communities across Tampa Bay every week. Call (813) 733-7907 to schedule a builder tour or browse active new construction listings right now.
Common Questions
New Construction FAQ
Do I need a REALTOR to buy new construction in Tampa Bay?
You are not legally required to have a REALTOR, but going without one means the only agent in the transaction works for the builder. The builder pays the buyer agent's commission, so having Barrett Henry represent you costs nothing extra. You get contract review, negotiation leverage, and an advocate who works for you — not the builder.
How much does it cost to have Barrett Henry represent me with a builder?
Nothing. The builder pays the buyer agent's commission as part of their marketing budget. You receive full representation — contract negotiation, inspection coordination, design center guidance, and closing support — at no cost to you.
What is a CDD and how does it affect my monthly payment?
A Community Development District (CDD) is a special taxing district that finances infrastructure like roads, utilities, and amenities in new communities. CDD assessments are added to your property tax bill and typically range from $100 to $400 per month. They can last 15 to 30 years. Barrett reviews all CDD and HOA costs with you before you make an offer so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to build a new construction home in Tampa Bay?
Most production builders in Tampa Bay complete a home in 5 to 9 months from contract to closing. Factors that affect timeline include permit approvals, weather delays, material availability, and how many structural options you select. Quick move-in inventory homes (specs) can close in 30 to 60 days if they are already under construction or completed.
Should I get a home inspection on new construction?
Absolutely. New construction homes go through municipal code inspections, but code inspectors check for minimum compliance — not quality. An independent pre-drywall inspection catches framing, plumbing, and electrical issues before walls are sealed. A final inspection before closing documents cosmetic defects, appliance function, and punch list items. Barrett coordinates both inspections for every new construction client.