Thinking about picking your lot, choosing finishes, and watching your new home come to life? If you are exploring new construction in Hillsboro, presale homes can give you early access and more choices than buying a finished spec home. You also take on a few new decisions, like deposits, timelines, and design selections. This guide explains how presales work in Hillsboro and Washington County, what to expect from contract to closing, and how to protect your budget and timeline. Let’s dive in.
What is a presale home?
A presale home is a new home you agree to buy before construction is complete. You typically select a lot or floor plan, sign a purchase agreement, and choose finishes at a design center while the builder completes the home.
Here’s how presales compare to other new-construction options:
- Presale: earlier lot and finish choices, price and incentives often set at contract, move-in after construction finishes.
- Spec home: already built or near completion, limited choices, faster move-in.
- Custom build: you design the home from scratch, the most control and the longest timeline.
Presales can balance choice and predictability. You get a defined plan with options to personalize, without managing a full custom build.
Hillsboro presale timeline
Actual timing varies by builder, permit status, and materials. In the Portland metro, timelines can stretch when permits or materials are delayed. Always confirm your builder’s current schedule.
Step-by-step milestones
- Reservation or lot hold
- You place a reservation fee to hold a lot while final terms are prepared. Confirm the amount and refund rules in writing.
- Purchase agreement
- You sign the Purchase & Sale Agreement and addenda that spell out the price, selections, HOA details, deposits, and timelines.
- Earnest money to escrow
- Your earnest money goes to a title or escrow company per the contract schedule. Verify when it may become nonrefundable.
- Design selections
- You visit the design center to choose finishes and upgrades by set deadlines. Some upgrades may require deposits.
- Permitting and site work
- The builder secures permits from the City of Hillsboro or Washington County, then begins grading and utilities.
- Construction and inspections
- Foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, drywall, finishes, and municipal inspections happen in sequence.
- Final walkthrough and punch list
- You tour the home, document items to be corrected, and confirm the plan for completion.
- Certificate of Occupancy and closing
- The city or county issues final approvals. Your lender funds, you sign closing documents, and you get keys.
Typical timing ranges
- Production presale: about 4 to 12 months from contract to closing, depending on build stage.
- Spec home: 0 to 3 months if near completion.
- Custom build: 12 to 24+ months.
These are common ranges. Hillsboro lot releases and permit backlogs can affect your move-in date. Build buffers into your plan.
Contracts and deposits: what to review
Presale contracts are detailed. Read everything and get terms in writing.
Key items to confirm
- Reservation fee terms: amount, what it applies to, refund rules, and hold period.
- Earnest money schedule: when deposits are due, if and when they become nonrefundable.
- Price and upgrades: how selections are priced, allowances, and whether the contract includes any escalation language.
- Change orders: how to request changes, deadlines, costs, and impact on closing.
- Closing date and delays: grace periods and remedies if construction runs late.
- Inspections and acceptance: whether you can hire third-party inspectors at pre-drywall and final stages.
- Default provisions: what happens if either party fails to perform.
- HOA and CCRs: timing, estimated dues, and community rules.
Deposits and fees
- Reservation fee: often a modest amount, sometimes applied to your purchase price. Refundability varies.
- Earnest money: may be paid in stages and can increase after contract execution.
- Upgrade deposits: some selections require nonrefundable deposits at design appointments.
Financing and rate risk
- Preapproval: get full lender preapproval before you sign to strengthen your position and understand loan options.
- Mortgage type: most presale buyers use a standard mortgage that funds at closing. Construction loans are more common with true custom builds.
- Appraisal timing: appraisals often occur near completion; build this into your schedule.
- Rate locks: long timelines can make rate locks tricky. Ask about extended locks and costs.
- Financing contingency: verify if and how the contract allows this, and the deadlines to satisfy it.
Contingencies that protect you
Before you sign, confirm which protections are included and how they work.
- Financing contingency: protects you if you cannot obtain the loan in time.
- Appraisal contingency: addresses value shortfalls before closing.
- Inspection rights: allows third-party inspections at agreed stages, if the builder permits them.
- Permit or lot-release contingency: useful when construction depends on future approvals.
Inspections, permits, and warranties
Municipal permits and inspections
Builders must obtain required permits and pass inspections. In Hillsboro, this is handled by the City of Hillsboro for properties inside city limits or Washington County for unincorporated areas. Typical checkpoints include foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final inspections.
Independent inspections
Many builders allow third-party inspections at pre-drywall and at completion. Confirm access rules, notice periods, and who pays for re-inspections after repairs.
Warranty basics
New homes often include a layered warranty structure. While each builder is different, a common pattern is:
- 1-year workmanship and materials coverage.
- 2-year systems coverage for major mechanicals.
- 10-year structural coverage, sometimes through a third-party provider.
Ask for the written warranty and claims process. Note any registration steps and timelines so you can submit requests on time.
Post-close service and dispute steps
Builders usually require punch-list items within a set time after closing. Many contracts include dispute-resolution steps, such as mediation or arbitration. Review these clauses so you know the process if issues come up.
Verify licensing
Check the builder’s licensing with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board and confirm business registrations. Licensing status affects your consumer protections.
Local context for Washington County buyers
Hillsboro is a major employment center in the Portland metro and part of the Silicon Forest. Employer-driven demand can increase interest in new communities and presale phases. Here is what that means for you:
- Popular lots can go quickly: act early on preferred locations and floor plans.
- Incentives vary by phase: builders may offer closing-cost credits, upgrade allowances, or interest-rate buydowns depending on sales pace.
- Community build-out takes time: roads, parks, and HOA amenities may phase in. Review the community plan and estimated timelines.
- Remote-friendly process: many buyers handle selections virtually. Ask about digital signatures, video design appointments, and remote walkthrough options.
- Start-date vs move-in: if you have a fixed job start date, compare presale timelines with spec or quick-move options.
- Rate strategy: longer build windows increase rate risk. Discuss lock periods and extension costs with your lender early.
Budget and timeline checklist
Use this quick list to stay organized from reservation to keys.
- Confirm reservation fee amount, refund rules, and expiration date in writing.
- Get full lender preapproval and a current estimate of closing costs.
- Review the earnest money schedule and when funds become nonrefundable.
- Map your selections timeline and upgrade budget; note any deposits.
- Verify permit status and expected start date for your specific lot.
- Ask for inspection access at pre-drywall and final stages, if allowed.
- Clarify closing date targets, grace periods, and remedies for delays.
- Read HOA documents and estimated dues before finalizing.
- Request written warranty coverage details and service request steps.
- Build a buffer for rate locks, appraisal timing, and moving logistics.
How TK Real Estate Group helps
Presales come with many moving parts. You deserve a guide who knows the local builders, timelines, and contract details. TK Real Estate Group pairs hands-on Washington County expertise with strong builder relationships and tech-enabled tools to make your path to a new home clearer and more predictable.
Here is how we support you:
- Identify presale and quick-move opportunities that fit your timing and budget.
- Explain each builder’s contract, deposit schedule, and selection process.
- Coordinate design-center timelines and help you prioritize upgrades.
- Recommend inspection strategies and walk you through punch lists.
- Liaise with title and escrow on fees and local closing practices.
- Track permits, milestones, and closing readiness so you are not surprised.
Ready to explore presale options in Hillsboro with a trusted local partner? Reach out to Tamiko Warren to map your path, compare builders, and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What does “presale home” mean in Hillsboro?
- A presale is a new home you agree to buy before construction is finished, with earlier access to lot selection and design choices compared to a finished spec home.
How long does a Hillsboro presale build usually take?
- Many production presales close in about 4 to 12 months, but timing depends on permits, materials, and build stage at contract.
What deposits do I pay on a presale home?
- Expect a reservation fee and staged earnest money; some upgrades may also require deposits. Refundability and schedules vary by builder and contract.
Can I hire my own inspector for a presale home?
- Often yes, at pre-drywall and final stages if the builder allows third-party inspections; confirm access rules and any re-inspection fees.
What warranties come with a new-construction home?
- Many builders provide 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and 10-year structural coverage. Ask for the written warranty and claims process.
What if the builder misses the closing date?
- Check your contract for grace periods and remedies, including whether it specifies liquidated damages or extensions without penalty.
Who issues building permits for Hillsboro homes?
- City of Hillsboro manages permits inside city limits; Washington County oversees unincorporated areas. Your builder should provide permit details for your lot.
