7 Top Mistakes Buyers Make When Touring New Construction Homes

Touring model homes can feel exciting—sleek kitchens, perfectly staged furniture, upgraded features at every turn. But what many buyers don’t realize is that behind the beauty and polished finishes, lies a set of decisions that can easily lead to costly mistakes. If you're not careful, you could walk away from your dream home with a contract that’s over budget, filled with features you didn’t need, and missing key elements you assumed were included.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common buyer mistakes—and show how Deer Fern Ridge in Bethany takes a transparent, buyer-friendly approach to help you avoid them.

❌  Mistake 1: Falling for the Model Without Understanding What’s Included

Why it happens:
Model homes are designed to wow. Builders use upgraded finishes, high-end fixtures, and designer staging to showcase the best version of their homes. But most of what you see isn't included in the base price.

How to avoid it:
Ask questions like:

• What features come standard with this floorplan?

• Are those cabinets, flooring, and lighting part of the base price?

At Deer Fern Ridge:
Every buyer receives a clear pricing breakdown showing what’s included vs. what’s optional. That transparency helps eliminate confusion and prevent sticker shock later.

❌  Mistake 2: Skipping the Lot Details

Not all lots are equal. View, privacy, corner location, or proximity to green space can come at a premium.

What buyers miss:

• Some lots carry additional charges of $10K–$50K+

• Lot premiums are a function of creating equity gain in a community. 

How to avoid it:
Always ask:

• Is the lot included in the base price?

• Are there premiums for specific lots?

📍 Deer Fern Ridge Lot Advantage:
Many DFR lots offer scenic surroundings without excessive premiums—and any additional lot costs are clearly disclosed upfront.

❌  Mistake 3: Underestimating Upgrade Costs

Buyers think:
“I’ll just add a few extras.”

Reality:
Those “few extras” often balloon the price. Flooring upgrades alone can add $7,000+. Cabinets, countertops, tile, lighting, and appliances add even more.

Avoid this trap by:

• Setting a realistic upgrade budget before your design appointment

• Prioritizing structural changes (like extra rooms or patios)

• Saving cosmetic changes for after move-in, if needed

At DFR:
Buyers get a full breakdown of upgrade packages before they sign, so you can plan confidently and avoid sticker shock.

💰Bonus Offer:
Deer Fern Ridge currently offers a $30,000 incentive on select move-in ready homes—money you can use toward upgrades, rate buydown, or closing costs. That means more flexibility without blowing your budget.

❌  Mistake 4: Touring Without a Buyer Agent

Builders have agents—why shouldn’t you?

Many buyers assume the friendly agent at the model home is working on their behalf. But those reps are there to serve the builder.

Working with a new home expert like Tamiko Warren means:

• You’ll have someone to review the contract with your interests in mind

• You’ll get help spotting hidden costs or unrealistic timelines

• You’ll benefit from insight on builder reputation, past performance, and available incentives

🤝 Representation That Works for You

At Riverside Homes, we focus on collaboration and clarity to make your buying experience smooth and stress-free. Whether you choose to work with me directly, bring your own agent, or represent yourself, the goal is the same—an informed, transparent process from start to finish.

That said, new construction requires a different level of expertise. From contracts to timelines and design selections, it helps to have someone familiar with the details. Not all agents are.

I'm here as a resource to help you avoid common pitfalls, communicate effectively with the builder, and make sure nothing gets missed—so you feel confident every step of the way.

❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring the Fine Print

Builder contracts are not the same as resale. They often have unique terms around deposits, construction delays, and change orders.

Common oversights include:

• Non-refundable deposits

• Locked-in timelines with little flexibility

• Closing Delay Fees 

Avoid this mistake by:

• Reviewing the builder’s purchase agreement carefully

• Asking how changes or delays are handled

Tamiko Tip:
“I always walk my clients through builder contracts, making sure they understand every clause before signing.”

❌ Mistake 6: Assuming the Warranty Covers Everything

It’s a common misconception that all new home warranties are the same—and that they’ll cover every issue that pops up. While most builders technically follow the standard 1-2-10 model (1 year for workmanship and materials, 2 years for systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and 10 years for structural coverage), the reality is more nuanced.

The coverage might be standard, but service, responsiveness, and follow-through can vary wildly builder to builder.

Here’s what you might think is covered, but often isn’t:

• Cosmetic issues that appear after closing (e.g., paint blemishes, trim gaps)

• Landscaping problems (unless it’s a drainage or grading issue tied to structure)

• Wear-and-tear or user error with HVAC or plumbing systems

• Delays or denials in service due to missed warranty windows or unclear documentation

For example:

• Builders like David Weekley assign a dedicated service rep and stick to clear response timelines.

• Others like Richmond American may require strict online submissions with short windows—and follow-up can be a challenge without persistence.

• Pacific Lifestyle Homes offers helpful walkthroughs and email reminders but requires formal written claims.

• Toll Brothers has a digital “Home Care” portal, but structural fixes often involve legal-style releases.

✅ Pro Tip: When touring model homes or signing contracts, ask:

• What is and isn’t covered in the warranty?

• Is there a dedicated person I’ll work with—or a portal?

• What’s the claim process and timeline?

• Do I get walkthroughs or check-ins before warranty expiration?

Bottom line? Don’t just look at the length of the warranty. Understand the experience behind it—and make sure your agent (like Tamiko) has firsthand knowledge of how each builder handles post-closing service.

At DFR:
Buyers get a detailed walkthrough and home orientation, plus warranty documentation to set clear expectations from day one. Riverside Homes offer a 1-2-10 warranty (1 year on appliances through the manufactures, 2 for electrical and plumbing systems, 10 years for structural as required by Oregon Law).

 ❌ Mistake 7: Not Thinking About Lifestyle Fit

A home isn’t just square footage and finishes—it’s about how your family will live in it.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a home office or flex space?

• Is the kitchen layout functional for how we cook?

• Are the bedrooms the right size and placement?

Deer Fern Ridge Floorplans:

Designed with modern families in mind—open layouts, private primary suites, flex rooms, and storage where it counts.

🎯 Final Word: Make Every Tour Count

New construction offers exciting benefits—up to date energy efficiencies as required by municipalities, fewer repairs, move-in ready and ease of living. But only if you tour smart and make informed decisions. (soften the theme not offending someone) 

To recap:

✅ Know what’s included vs. upgraded
✅ Ask about lot premiums
✅ Decide on your Representation. 
✅ Review the fine print
✅ Stick to your budget
✅ Enjoy the journey moving to your new home. 

🏘️ Why Buyers Are Choosing Deer Fern Ridge

Nestled in Bethany, one of Oregon’s most desirable suburbs, Deer Fern Ridge stands out for its:

• 3–5 bed homes with functional floorplans

• Energy-efficient, smart-ready designs

• Transparent pricing and buyer education

• Builder incentives up to $30,000 for Selected homes.

• Proximity to top-rated schools, Intel, and Nike

• Guided support from local expert Tamiko Warren

📩 Ready to tour with your strategic Partner?

Let’s walk through Deer Fern Ridge together—and make sure you’re comfortable and confident at every step of the process. I’ll show you how to:

📋 Compare upgrades wisely
📉 Calculate true monthly costs
🧠 Avoid decision fatigue
📞 Book a private tour with Tamiko today

Invested in your outcome everytime!
Tamiko K. Warren | 503.515.9293
📧 [email protected]
🌐 tkrealestategroup.com
📅 Ready to talk strategy? Book a meeting
📍 Serving Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas & Multnomah Counties
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