Nicole McGowanREALTOR®, MRP, SRS
Buying New Construction

Why Buy New Construction?

The Perks Buyers Love in Crestview, Navarre & Freeport

By Nicole McGowan, REALTOR® · Published October 26, 2026

Crestview
  • Navarre
  • Freeport
  • Fort Walton Beach
  • Niceville
  • Shalimar
  • Mary Esther
  • Destin

Nobody has burned popcorn in that kitchen yet. Beyond the new-home smell, there are real money reasons buyers around Fort Walton Beach are choosing new construction, from closing costs that are often covered to a lower first-year tax bill. Here are the benefits of buying new construction I walk my buyers through, with real local communities so you can picture it.

The Money Side

Perks That Stay in Your Pocket

Tap "Why it matters" under any perk to open it. Tap a community name to see that builder's homes.

New single-story home with a two-car garage and fresh green lawn in the Independence community in Crestview
Perk 01

Closing Costs, Often Covered

Independence by D.R. Horton · Crestview →
Why it matters

Do builders pay closing costs in Florida? Many do. Builders often cover some or all of your closing costs when you use their preferred lender and title company and close by their target date. That can mean thousands of dollars you get to keep.

  • The incentive is usually tied to the builder's lender, title company and closing date
  • You can still compare a lender of your choice, but the incentive may change
  • Ask for the incentive in writing before you sign the purchase agreement
Nicole's Tip

Every builder's offer is a little different, and they change often. I compare them side by side for my buyers so you can see what you'd really bring to closing. Builder closing cost help works a lot like seller concessions on a resale home.

New gray and white single-story home with a two-car garage in Captain's Cove in Navarre
Perk 02

Rate Incentives When Rates Are High

Captain's Cove by D.R. Horton · Navarre →
Why it matters

Why is new construction a smart move when rates are high? Builders want to keep homes selling, so they often offer to buy down your interest rate through their lender. A lower rate can lower your monthly payment for years, and that's worth the most when rates are up.

  • Some buydowns are temporary (lower for the first year or two); others last the life of the loan
  • Ask whether the incentive goes toward the rate or your closing costs, and compare both
  • Incentives change month to month, so the best deal today may not be there next month
Nicole's Tip

Resale sellers rarely have the budget to buy down your rate. A builder often does. That's one of the biggest reasons I tell buyers to at least look at new construction.

Oxford Place community entrance sign with landscaping and new homes behind it in Crestview
Perk 03

A Lower First-Year Tax Bill

Oxford Place by D.R. Horton · Crestview →
Why it matters

Are property taxes lower on new construction in Florida? Often for the first year. Florida law says a home that isn't substantially finished on January 1 gets no value for that year's tax bill. So if your home wraps up after January 1, your first bill may be mostly the land.

  • The next January 1, the home is assessed at full value, so plan for the bill to go up in year two
  • If it's your primary home, file for your homestead exemption by March 1
  • Your lender may set up escrow on the lower first-year bill, then adjust it later
Nicole's Tip

I walk my buyers through the year-two tax jump before they buy, so it's never a surprise. Your county property appraiser can give you an estimate too.

Source: Florida Statute 192.042.

Brick and gray model home with a covered front porch and green lawn in Navarre
Perk 04

Often a Lower Insurance Premium

Holiday Builders model home · Navarre →
Why it matters

Is homeowners insurance cheaper on a new home in Florida? Often, yes. New homes are built to today's Florida Building Code, with a brand-new roof and wind-resistant features that insurers like to see. One Florida insurer has said its new-construction policies can run about 20 to 30% less than a standard policy.

  • A 4-point inspection usually isn't needed on a brand-new home
  • A wind mitigation report can show the features that earn discounts
  • Rates vary by insurer, location and flood zone, so get a real quote early
Nicole's Tip

I have local insurance agents I trust, so you can talk to a real person nearby and get a quote before you commit to a lot. Comparing a resale home too? Here's how roof age affects Florida insurance.

Source: WFLX, January 2025.

Move-In Ready

Everything Is Brand New

The everyday perks you notice the day you get the keys.

Bright new model kitchen with gray cabinets, a large island and stainless appliances at Natureview in Freeport
Perk 05

Everything Is Brand New, With Warranties

Natureview by Holiday Builders · Freeport →
Why it matters

What comes with a new construction home? A brand-new roof, HVAC system, water heater and appliances, so there's nothing big to replace for years. Many builders also include a home warranty, often called a 1-2-10: one year on workmanship, two years on major systems and ten years on the structure.

  • Appliances come with their own manufacturer warranties
  • Ask each builder for their written warranty so you know exactly what's covered
  • New systems usually mean lower repair bills and lower utility bills
Nicole's Tip

A Realtor.com study this year found the average new-home buyer saves about $25,335 over ten years compared with a 20-year-old home, from lower energy and repair costs. Savings are a bit smaller in the South, but it adds up.

Source: Realtor.com New Construction Total Cost of Ownership 2026, via FOX 5.

New brick home with a two-car garage and covered entry in the Highlands community in Crestview
Perk 06

Wish-List Features, Often Included

Highlands by D.R. Horton · Crestview →
Why it matters

What features come standard in new homes? Things buyers usually have to add themselves often come with a new home, depending on the builder and the community.

  • An attached garage
  • A sprinkler system and freshly sodded yard
  • Smart home features like a keyless lock and a video doorbell
  • Open floor plans with modern kitchens and walk-in closets
  • Some builders or upgrade packages add epoxy garage floors
Nicole's Tip

Make a list of your must-haves before we tour. I'll point out which features are standard and which are upgrades, so you're comparing apples to apples.

New kitchen with white cabinets, an island with bar stools and stainless appliances at Enclave at Midtown in Navarre
Perk 07

Make It Yours, Before You Move In

Enclave at Midtown by D.R. Horton · Navarre →
Why it matters

Can you customize a new construction home? If you buy early in the build, often yes. Many builders let you choose from their standard selections, like cabinet color, countertops or flooring, at no extra charge. Upgrades cost more, but you pick them before anything is installed.

  • The earlier you buy, the more choices you usually get
  • Homes already under way may have finishes chosen, but they close sooner
  • Nobody has lived in your kitchen yet. Every finish is your choice
Nicole's Tip

I go to design appointments with my buyers when they want a second set of eyes on upgrades that add value and ones that don't.

New blue pickleball courts with a shade pavilion at the Natureview community in Freeport
Perk 08

Quiet Streets and Community Perks

Natureview by Holiday Builders · Freeport →
Why it matters

What are new construction neighborhoods like? Fresh green lawns, new sidewalks and quiet streets with neighbors who are just settling in too. Many communities add amenities, like a pool, pickleball courts, playgrounds or walking trails.

  • You're usually not competing in a bidding war; the builder sets the price
  • Many new communities have an HOA that keeps common areas looking sharp
  • Buying while it's being built can give you time to save or sell your current home
Nicole's Tip

Most new construction near Fort Walton Beach is being built in Crestview, Navarre and Freeport. See where new homes are being built near you.

For Military Buyers

VA Loan New Construction

Why new construction and a VA loan are such a good match.

Resort-style community pool with lounge chairs and a covered cabana at Garden Villa in CrestviewGarden Villa by D.R. Horton · Crestview →

VA Loan + New Construction

Can you use a VA loan for new construction? Yes. VA loans work on new homes from builders, and they pair especially well with builder incentives.

  • VA loans generally come with slightly lower interest rates than conventional loans
  • No down payment for eligible buyers with full entitlement
  • Builders can pay your normal closing costs, and VA allows extra seller concessions up to 4% of the home's value
  • Builders usually pay your agent, so having your own representation typically doesn't add to your cost

For my VA buyers, new construction is one of the most reliable ways to get to the closing table with little or no closing costs. Here's my full VA buying guide and how bringing your own agent works with builder incentives. Stationed at Eglin or Hurlburt? See where to live near Eglin AFB.

Sources: Experian (VA vs. conventional rates), VA.gov (closing costs and concessions).

Good to Know Before You Buy New
  • Some new neighborhoods have a CDD fee on the tax bill. Here's what CDD fees are.
  • Most new communities have an HOA with rules and monthly or yearly dues.
  • Lots can be smaller and trees younger than in older neighborhoods.
  • A home that hasn't started yet can take months to build, so plan your move around it.
  • Builders usually ask for a deposit when you sign. Here's how earnest money works.
  • New homes still deserve an independent inspection. I explain why in my new construction post, and here's what to check at your final walkthrough.
Get Matched

Find Your New Home Before It's Built

Tell me where and what you're looking for, and I'll send you new communities and builder incentives that fit. It takes about 30 seconds.

New Construction MatchStep 1 of 4

Where would you love to live?

Pick as many areas as you like.

What feels right for you?

A rough idea is perfect.

Price range
How you're buying

When and what matters most?

Tap your timeline, then any must-haves.

Hoping to move
Must-haves (optional)

Where should I send your matches?

I'll send new communities and builder incentives that fit what you picked.

First name
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Best way to reach you
Phone
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Email (optional)
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No pressure and no spam. I'll only reach out about new homes that fit what you picked.

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You're on my list, !

I'll keep an eye on new communities and builder incentives in and reach out when something fits.

Your Questions

New Construction, Answered

Quick answers to what buyers ask me about building new.

New Construction BasicsBenefits, timing and where to look
What are the benefits of buying new construction?
Often covered closing costs, rate incentives, a brand-new roof and systems with warranties, modern features and, in many cases, lower insurance and a lower first-year tax bill.
Is new construction a good idea when interest rates are high?
It can be. Builders often offer to buy down your rate through their lender, which can lower your payment in a way most resale sellers can't.
Where is new construction near Fort Walton Beach?
Most new homes are being built in Crestview, Navarre and Freeport, with a few communities in Niceville and Baker. My new construction guide lists them.
Do I need my own agent to buy new construction?
You're not required to have one, but it's smart. Builders usually pay your agent, and your agent is there for you, not the builder. Here's what a buyer's agent does.
Money, Taxes & VAClosing costs, insurance and VA loans
Do builders pay closing costs in Florida?
Many do, usually when you use their preferred lender and title company and close by their date. Each builder's offer is different.
Are property taxes lower on new construction in Florida?
Often for the first year. A home not substantially finished on January 1 gets no value for that year's bill, so the first bill may be mostly land.
Is homeowners insurance cheaper on a new home in Florida?
Often, yes. New homes meet today's building code and have a brand-new roof, which insurers reward. Get a quote early to see your number.
Can I use a VA loan for new construction?
Yes. VA loans work on new homes from builders, and builder incentives can help cover closing costs.
The Takeaway

New Can Be the Smart Move

New construction gives you a brand-new home, real money-saving incentives and features you'd usually pay extra for. The key is comparing builders, incentives and communities side by side, and having someone in your corner while you do. That's the part I love. See where new homes are being built near you.

Thinking about building new? Call or text me before your first model home visit.Many builders ask that your agent be with you on your first visit.Call 850-855-6899Text Me
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Nicole McGowan REALTOR®, MRP, SRS
CENTURY 21 Wimco Realty, Inc. 130 Mary Esther Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569 Serving the greater Fort Walton Beach area
850-855-6899
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