Buying new construction in St. Johns County

St. Johns County has a large and constantly changing new-home market. Model homes are designed to make the process feel simple, but the contract, homesite, fee structure, incentives, selections and build timeline are where buyers need to slow down.

New-construction communities to explore

Future neighborhood pages are already linked into the site structure, including Nocatee, SilverLeaf, RiverTown, Shearwater, Beacon Lake, TrailMark, Bannon Lakes, Stillwater, Seabrook Village, Crosswinds at Nocatee, Reflections at Seabrook.

Builders active in the St. Johns County market

Builder participation changes by neighborhood and phase. Current and recent builders in major St. Johns County communities include:

• David Weekley Homes
• Providence Homes
• Riverside Homes
• Dostie Homes
• ICI Homes
• Toll Brothers
• Dream Finders Homes
• Lennar
• MasterCraft Builder Group
• Richmond American Homes
• Mattamy Homes

What to ask the builder before you sign

• What is included in the base price? Ask which model-home features are structural options, design-center upgrades or decorator items.
• What is the homesite premium? Preserve, water, cul-de-sac and oversized lots can materially change the total price.
• Which incentives require the builder’s lender or title company? Compare the incentive with the actual rate, fees and closing costs.
• What are the HOA and CDD obligations? Ask for current assessments, future phases and capital contributions.
• What is the completion window? Ask what the contract says about delays.
• Can you use your own inspector? Consider pre-drywall and final inspections.
• What warranty is included? Ask what is covered and how claims are submitted.
• Which selections are still available? Structural choices often lock earlier than finishes.
• What is planned behind or beside the homesite? Review plats, roads and future land use.
• How long will the community remain under construction? New phases can mean construction traffic and changing amenities.

Do you need a Realtor when buying from a builder?

A builder’s sales representative works for the builder. Buyer representation can help compare contracts, incentives, lots, inspections, resale implications and the total cost of ownership. In many communities, the buyer’s agent must be registered on the first visit.

Quick move-in vs. to-be-built

A quick move-in home usually offers more certainty about completion timing and final selections. A to-be-built home can provide more customization but introduces more decisions and timing risk.