Real estate agent discussing new construction options with home sellers in a bright office, with a laptop, contract, and small model house on the table.

How to Work With Builders While Selling in DeSoto, TX

July 07, 20253 min read

How to Work With Builders While Selling in DeSoto, TX

by Steve

Real estate agent discussing new construction options with home sellers in a bright office, with a laptop, contract, and small model house on the table.

Introduction

Selling a home while working with builders can feel like juggling two big projects. You want top dollar for your current place—and you also want a smooth path into your new build. In DeSoto, TX, where new communities like Frost Farms and Elerson Ranch are popping up, it’s common to sell an existing home and build the next. But timing, incentives, and negotiation matter. Here’s how to work with builders smartly while selling your current home in DeSoto.

Neighborhood Spotlights

Frost Farms & Elerson Ranch

These communities focus on modern living. Builders offer flexible floor plans—some with formal office areas, others with open layouts that appeal to remote workers. If you're selling your home, list it early so you can align your sale closing with your builder's timeline.

Silver Creek Meadows & Mantlebrook

Builders here sometimes include sales incentives—credits toward upgrades or closing costs—if you’re selling and buying within the same network. Listing your current home quickly can unlock those perks.

Local Market Trends (2024–2025)

  • DeSoto listings moved in ~45 days in May 2025 (down from 53 days a year ago) — Redfin.

  • Median list price climbed to $360K, up 2.9% from June 2024 — Rocket Homes.

  • Zillow values averaged $330,728, slightly down 3% from last year.

Why it matters:

  • Buyers are active. That means more leverage when negotiating with builders.

  • Sellers can list quickly and confidently.

  • Builder incentives gain power when buyers must time sale closing with new home delivery.

Cost Breakdown: Selling and Building

Selling your current home

  • Commission (typically 5–6%)

  • Staging and photography

  • Minor repairs
    These costs are investments—research shows listings with pro staging/photos sell 20–30% faster.

Building new

  • Base price plus custom upgrades

  • HVAC, flooring, appliances

  • Lot premiums
    Builders often offer credit toward upgrades if you work with their affiliated agents. That can reduce your out-of-pocket costs while ensuring timely move-in.

Builder & Community Insights

Frost Farms offers finish credits up to $10,000 if you use their preferred agent and list before a certain date.
Elerson Ranch includes smart-home packages on lots sold with a builder-affiliated resale—something you can use once your home sells.
Silver Creek Meadows and Mantlebrook sometimes extend extended rate lock-ins for mortgage financing if you close on your sale and new build within 60 days.

These perks are usually exclusive—but only if timing and coordination are right.

Next sections to come:

  • Financing & Incentives: coordinating mortgages and builder perks

  • FAQs: 6 questions about selling & building in DeSoto

  • Conclusion: clear next steps with CTA and internal links

  • SEO metadata, JSON-LD schema, and social captions will follow once the draft is complete.

FAQs: Selling While Working With Builders in DeSoto

1. Should I sell before or after I sign with a builder?
Sell after you’ve signed a contract, but before the build is done. That way, you’ll know your move-in timeline and can time your sale.

2. Can builders help sell my current home?
Some do. Many partner with agents or offer incentives if you list with someone in their network.

3. What if my new home isn’t ready when my old one sells?
You have options—like leasebacks or short-term rentals. Plan ahead and talk to your agent early.

4. Are there seller perks for buying new?
Yes. Some DeSoto builders offer upgrade credits or closing help if you’re selling and building at the same time.

5. How do I manage financing both deals?
Start with a pre-approval. You may use your home equity or a bridge loan to cover the gap.

6. Can one agent handle both deals?
Yes—and it’s smart. One agent keeps everything in sync and knows builder timelines and incentives.

7. What should I ask the builder upfront?
Ask about build time, incentives, and what happens if delays pop up. Know your options before signing.

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