Site is under construction
Katie Weinert, Buyer's AgentBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate (402) 630‑3531Client sign in
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate

Buyer guide

Buying new construction in Omaha

From first tour to the 1-year warranty walk.

Katie's clients get the full project planAll 31 critical steps, a week-by-week build timeline, and a personal plan Katie keeps up to date for you.
Get the full plan

Also on this page: the model home checklist and answers to common questions.

The project plan, phase by phase

7 phases with 31 critical steps, what Katie does for you in each one, and the mistakes to avoid.

  1. 1
    Before you tour

    Get ready

    4 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  2. 2
    Before you sign

    Choose the home and lot

    4 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  3. 3
    Signing (week 0)

    Negotiate and sign

    5 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  4. 4
    Weeks 1–4 after signing

    Loan and design center

    5 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  5. 5
    Weeks 4–28

    Construction

    4 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  6. 6
    Weeks 28–32

    Final walk and closing

    5 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

  7. 7
    Year one

    Warranty and taxes

    4 critical steps · 4 ways Katie helps

🔒 For Katie's clients

Get the full project plan

Approved clients get:

  • Your own project plan with your builder and real dates, reviewed and updated by Katie at each milestone
  • All 31 critical steps, with a checklist you can tick off as you go
  • Where Katie helps in every phase, from the first model visit to the warranty walk
  • The common mistakes to watch for at each stage
  • 8 costs to plan for beyond the price
  • A week-by-week build timeline, from contract to keys

Send the form and Katie will email you a sign-in link once she's approved your access, usually within one business day.

Already approved? Sign in with your email

Request access

Important: register with me before your first visit to a model home or sales office. Many builders won't honor buyer representation after you've signed in alone.

Sending this also requests access to the full builder details, community map and move-in homes. See the privacy policy.

Model home checklist

Financing a new build: builder lenders, rate locks, buydowns and NIFA →

FAQ

Does it cost me anything to use a buyer's agent on new construction?

Usually not. Most builders in Omaha budget a cooperating-agent fee into their pricing and pay it at closing. If a builder doesn't, we'll discuss it up front — before you're committed to anything.

I already visited a model home. Can you still represent me?

Maybe. Builders have different registration rules. Some require the agent at the first visit; others accept registration before you sign anything. Call me before your next step and I'll check that builder's policy.

Will the builder give me a better price without an agent?

Almost never. Builders keep pricing consistent across buyers to protect comparables, and the agent fee is already budgeted. Going without an agent typically just means nobody is negotiating for you.

Should I get an inspection on a brand-new home?

Yes. City inspections check code minimums, not workmanship. I recommend a pre-drywall inspection, a final inspection before closing, and an 11-month warranty inspection.

Spec home or build-to-order?

Spec (quick move-in) homes close in 30–60 days and often carry the biggest incentives. Build-to-order takes 6–10 months but lets you pick the lot, plan and finishes.

Can I use my own lender?

Yes. Builder-affiliated lenders often attach the best incentives to their financing, so we compare the total package — rate, credits and fees — against an outside lender.

How do Nebraska property taxes work on new builds?

In the first year you may only be taxed on the lot value. Once the completed home is assessed, taxes rise — often significantly. We budget for the fully assessed number from the start.