VJ
VJ MuthuramanEverkin Realty Group · Brokered by eXp Realty
Free resource · DFW new construction
The All-In Cost Worksheet
What a new build in DFW actually costs — before you fall for the model.
That "from the $400s" sign is the floor, not the number. It's the base price of the smallest plan, on a standard lot, with standard finishes. The home you actually want — the lot, the finishes, the fees that come with a newer community — lands higher. Use this to build your real number first. Then walk the model.
What goes into the real number
Base price
The advertised floor — that plan before anything's added. Every line below stacks on top.
Lot premium
A charge for the specific lot. Greenbelt, cul-de-sac, corner, or oversized can add a few thousand to tens of thousands. Often not in the sign price.
Design-center upgrades
The model you tour is usually the maxed-out version. Flooring, cabinets, counters, and fixtures shown are frequently upgrades. Ask for the standard-finish list and price the gap.
Landscaping, fencing, window coverings
Sometimes included, sometimes on you. Back-yard sod, a fence, and blinds can be move-in costs the builder doesn't quote up front.
Property taxes (MUD / PID / special districts)
Newer DFW communities often sit in a special district that can push the effective rate above the headline county rate. Ask for the full rate for that exact address.
HOA dues
The monthly or annual amount, plus any one-time transfer or capitalization fee at closing. Get both.
Closing costs
Title, escrow, prepaids, related fees. Often the line where the right incentive offsets the most — worth asking what's currently on the table for that community.
Independent inspections
Your own inspector, separate from the builder. Budget three visits: pre-drywall, final, and the 11-month warranty walkthrough.
Rate buydown — ask about it
A question for your lender and the builder, not a promise. Ask what buydown structures are available and how they'd change your monthly number.
Your worksheet
| Line item |
Your number |
| Base price |
$ |
| Lot premium |
$ |
| Design-center upgrades |
$ |
| Landscaping / fencing / window coverings |
$ |
| Property taxes (annual — verify the district rate) |
$ |
| HOA dues (annual + any transfer fee) |
$ |
| Closing costs |
$ |
| Independent inspections (pre-drywall + final + 11-month) |
$ |
| Rate buydown — note what you learn |
$ |
| Your all-in number |
$ |
Let's build your real number together
Send me the community and floor plan you're looking at, and I'll help you fill in every line for that exact address — before you're standing in the model.
Book a 15-minute call →
or visit bookacall.everkinrealtygroup.com
I've lived in 7 states across 20+ homes — as a renter, an owner, and an investor — so I model the all-in cost before falling in love, every time.
VJ Muthuraman · Everkin Realty Group · Brokered by eXp Realty · 214-727-6680 · vj@everkinrealtygroup.com · TX Lic 835180