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Best Upgrades to Choose in a New Construction Home
Best Upgrades to Choose in a New Construction Home
By Steven J. Thomas
What DFW Buyers Should Prioritize in 2025
Introduction
Buying a new construction home means choice—and sometimes overload. But not all upgrades offer lasting value. Focus your budget on smart, resale-driven improvements—like energy efficiency, functional layouts, and flexible spaces. These upgrades enhance daily living now and support future appreciation.
Neighborhood Spotlights: Where New Builds Are Trending in DFW
Builders across Dallas‑Fort Worth are hinging designs on Monday must‑have upgrades:
Frisco: Buyers choose smart kitchens, covered patios, and high‑efficiency HVAC systems.
Prosper & Celina: Demand for covered outdoor living and solar‑ready infrastructure.
McKinney & Little Elm: Flexible room layout and advanced lighting are strong sell points.
Curious what’s available now?
Explore Dallas‑Fort Worth New Construction Homes
Local Market Trends (2024–2025)
Move‑in ready homes earn higher demand and often above‑list offers.([turn0news27])
Buyer interest in energy‑efficient features and functional layouts increases every quarter.([turn0news25])
Spending on renovations is cooling, making pre‑built features more attractive.([turn0news28])
In a high‑cost renovation climate, new construction with desired upgrades is a safer and often cheaper option than remodeling later.
Top Upgrades That Deliver the Best Value
1. Curb Appeal & Entry Features
Replacing garage or front doors, adding stone veneer siding, and thoughtful landscaping yield up to 190% ROI.([turn0search16])
A striking entrance sets the tone and elevates resale value instantly.
2. Dedicated Home Office or Flex Room
Home offices remain essential in 2025. An isolated room with smart lighting, storage, and soundproofing sells.([turn0search0])
Flexible rooms adapt as needs change—ideal for remote work or guest use.
3. Spacious, Functional Kitchens
Kitchens with central islands, walk‑in pantries, touchless faucets, and tech-integrated appliances are high on buyer wish lists.([turn0news25])
Upgrades that balance aesthetics and function pay off.
4. Outdoor Living — Covered & Connected
Covered patios, wide sliders, and optional outdoor fireplaces expand usable square footage affordably.([turn0search5])
Outdoor living ranks among 2025’s top buyer demands.([turn0search14])
5. Energy‑Efficient Systems & Smart Tech
Programmable thermostats, energy-efficient HVAC, solar readiness, and conduit for future EV charging help reduce bills and attract buyers.([turn0search38])
Sustainable choices distinguish your home in a crowded market.([turn0search14])
6. Spa‑Style Bathrooms & Finishes
Upgrades with oversize showers, heated tile floors, premium tile and soaking tubs add daily comfort and resale value.([turn0search14])
7. Durable Flooring & Fresh Paint
High‑quality hardwood or tile floors make a strong impression. Fresh neutral paint finishes the look.([turn0search12])
Skip carpet—buyers expect flooring that lasts many years with minimal upkeep.
Cost Breakdown: Upgrade vs. Return
Upgrade Why It Pays Off Estimated ROI Curb appeal doors, siding First impressions matter Up to 190% Home office / flex room Remote work trend stays strong High buyer appeal Kitchen add-ons Core living space demand Elevated list price Covered patio/outdoor space Functional living area, photographer favorite 100–150% Smart/efficient systems Long‑term savings + green badge Growing value driver Spa baths & finishes Perceived luxury 5–7% price lift Flooring & paint Move‑in-ready feel Stable, visible value
Builder & Community Insights
Dallas‑area builders like Highland Homes, Perry, and Toll Brothers offer packaged upgrade selections:
Energy suites (solar, insulation, HVAC)
Material galleries (high-end fixtures, counters)
Outdoor expansion options like sunrooms or patio enclosures
“Buyers break when flexible living and smart systems come standard. These features bring focus and show confidence in build quality.”
— Local DFW builder executive.
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Financing & Incentives
Builders often bundle incentives like rate buydowns, appliance packages, or closing-cost support.
Buyer-ready perks can include:
Reduced interest rate options
Smart-home starter packages
Deferred upgrade credit or design-center allowances
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Conclusion
When building a new home in Dallas‑Fort Worth, choose upgrades that matter—and can’t easily be added later. Focus on structural choices, efficiency, work-from-home spaces, and outdoor living. These upgrades deliver real comfort today—and stronger value tomorrow.
Ready to navigate builders, incentives, and upgrade options with confidence?
Download the Lone Star Living App now to track new listings and top upgrades in your future home.
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FAQs: Smart Upgrades Answered (AlsoAsked + AnswerSocrates)
1. Which upgrades are hardest to add later?
Structural upgrades—extra rooms, electrical panels, floor layouts—are costly post-build. ([turn0search9])
2. Are smart home systems worth it in 2025?
Yes. Buyers expect programmable HVAC, built-in EV conduit, and smart lights as table stakes. ([turn0news25])
3. Should I skip an outdoor kitchen in a new home?
Often yes—outdoor kitchens underused and pricey. Covered patios are smarter for year-round use.([turn0news21])
4. Is a home office still important?
Absolutely. Nearly all buyers consider flexible workspaces a necessity.([turn0search14])
5. How much value do upgraded bathrooms provide?
Spa-style updates contribute around 5–7% premium to the sale price.([turn0search14])
6. What upgrades are overrated or avoidable?
Avoid skylights, themed rooms, and over‑specialized setups that limit appeal and return.([turn0news21])
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Avoiding Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Home's Sale
Ultimate Guide To Buying a Home
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Owned and Operated by Thomas & Thomas Financial Group, LLC
Steven J. Thomas
Steven J. Thomas has been in the financial services industry for the past 19 years and started my career as a Financial Planner for American Express Financial Advisors. I entered into banking with JP Morgan Chase as personal banker in 2003 and was promoted several times up to Small Business Specialist. I earned multiple Million Dollar Club awards and was ranked in the top 5 Small Business Specialist before I branched out in 2005 to start my own Financial Management Company. I ran a successful company before family circumstances lead me to Wachovia Bank in 2008 where I worked as a Senior Financial Specialist. As a Sr. Financial Specialist; I was responsible for the P & L and revenue growth of my banking center. The elimination of my role thru a bank merger lead me to BBVA Compass. I have held various leadership roles at BBVA Compass including Personal Relationship Manager, Branch Retail Executive, Workplace Solutions VP, and his current role as a Retail Manager. As the Regional Workplace Solutions VP, I was responsible for the strategic, tactical, and execution of Partnership Banking relationships, promotion and activity with corporate and non-profit companies in my footprint. I was responsible for the acquisition production for three districts, which includes 51 banking centers and over 300 employees. In May of 2014, I joined the team at Refind Realty and became one of the managing partners in mid-2015.
50+ 5 Star Reviews
Over $60,000,000 in Total Real Estate Sales
167 Properties Sold
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I used this realtor and it was a great experience. He was patient and very helpful with our journey. He also helped us find a great lender with little hassle on the process, also got us approved for well above the market of our original home so we were able to get more house with a lower mortgage rate. So to anyone who is interested in buying a home take my advice give Steven a call. It’s worth it 😁
Bryant Loring
Steve was absolutely amazing! Everything was easy! Very professional in all aspects. Punctual, responsive, and diligent. He goes above and beyond to ensure you get to see as many homes as you’d like no matter the location. Not only was he knowledgeable about home buying, he also has a resourceful network for new home owner needs. I recommend Refind Realty to everyone!
Nicholas Bishop
I definitely recommend Steven to assist with your home buying needs. As a first time home buyer the process can be overwhelming, but as my realtor he was knowledgeable & patient while addressing my concerns and assisting me with my new home purchase. Thanks again Steven!! :-)
Gayle Mason
Ask Us Anything
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a Realtor?
When buying or selling a home, there are so many options…which can also present a lot of obstacles. Laws change, forms change, and practices change all the time in the real estate industry. Because it’s our job to stay on top of those things, hiring a realtor reduces risk, and can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
When you work with me as your Realtor, you’re getting an expert who knows the area; knows how to skillfully guide your experience as a seller or buyer; can easily spot the difference between a good deal and a great deal. My job is to translate your dream into a real estate reality, and I work hard to earn and keep my business. This also means earning your trust: When you work with me, you’ll be working with a realtor who looks out for your best interests and is invested in your goals.
Which loan should you choose?
There are two different types of loans conventional loans and government-backed loans. The main difference is who insures these loans:
1 - Government-backed loans (FHA, VA and USDA):
(a) - Are, unsurprisingly, backed by the government.
(b) - Include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.
(c) - Make up less than 40 percent of the home loans generated in the U.S. each year.
2 - Conventional loans
(a) - Are not backed by the government.
(b) - Include conforming and non-conforming loans (such as jumbo loans).
(c) - Make up more than 60 percent of the loans generated in the U.S. each year.
What is the difference between FHA, VA and USDA loans?
1 - FHA LOANS:
FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, are typically designed to meet the needs of first-time homebuyers with low or moderate incomes. FHA loans can be approved with a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent and a credit score as low as 580.
FHA loans are often called “helper loans,” because they give a leg up to potential borrowers who may not be able to secure one otherwise. For this reason, FHA loans have maximum lending limits, which are determined based on housing values for the county where the for-sale home is located.
Because the agency is taking on more risk by insuring FHA loans, the borrower is expected to pay mortgage insurance both at the time of closing and on a monthly basis, and the property must be owner-occupied.
2 - VA LOANS:
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and they are guaranteed to qualified veterans and active-duty personnel and their spouses. VA loans can be approved with 100 percent financing, meaning VA borrowers are not required to make a down payment.
Unlike FHA loans, borrowers do not have to pay mortgage insurance on VA loans.
3 - USDA LOANS:
You may also hear about USDA loans, which are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture mortgage program. USDA loans are intended to support homeowners who purchase homes in rural and some suburban areas. USDA loans do not require a down payment and may offer lower interest rates; borrowers may have to pay a small mortgage insurance premium in order to offset the lender’s risk.
What’s a conventional loan? Understanding what it means to be conforming and non-conforming
Buyers who have a more established credit history and a larger down payment may prefer to apply for a conventional loan. These loans may offer a lower interest rate and only require the home buyer to purchase monthly mortgage insurance while the loan-to-value ratio is above a certain percentage, so a conventional loan borrower can typically save money in the long run.
Conventional loans are divided into two types: Conforming loans and non-conforming loans.
1 - CONFORMING LOANS:
Conforming loans are those that meet (or conform to) predetermined standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — two government-sponsored institutions that buy and sell mortgages on the secondary market. By selling the loans to "Fannie and Freddie," lenders can free up their capital and return to issue more mortgages than if they had to personally back every loan that they approve.
The main standard for conforming loans is that the amount borrowed must be under a certain amount; in Alaska, a single-family home loan must be under $647,200 in order to be considered conforming.
Properties with more than one unit have higher limits.
2 - NON-CONFORMING (JUMBO) LOANS:
But what happens if a borrower wants to borrow more than the Freddie- and Fannie-approved loan amount? In this case, they would have to apply for a “jumbo loan,” which is the most common type of non-conforming loan.
Because the lender cannot resell the jumbo loan (or any non-conforming loan) to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, jumbo loans are considered to be riskier than a conforming loan. To protect against this risk, the bank will typically require a higher down payment; the interest rate on a jumbo loan may also be higher than if the same borrower applied for a conforming loan.
What kind of rate should you choose?
Rate types: Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages.
In addition to the loan type you choose, you’ll also have to determine if you want a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that does not change for the life of the loan, so it provides predictable monthly payments of principal and interest.
An adjustable-rate mortgage typically offers an initial introductory period with a low-interest rate. Once this period is over, the interest rate adjusts periodically, based on the market index. The initial interest rate on an ARM can sometimes be locked in for different periods, such as one, three, five, seven, or 10 years. Once the introductory period is over, the interest rate typically readjusts annually.
Office 1229 E. Pleasant Run Ste 224, DeSoto TX 75115
Call :(713) 505-2280
Email: [email protected]
Site: www.stevenjthomas.com
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