What to Expect When Building a Newmark Home

Building a new home is an exciting milestone, but buyers naturally have questions about what happens after the contract is signed.

The Newmark Homes building process guides buyers through 10 primary stages:

1. Signing the sales contract
2. Completing financing
3. Selecting exterior finishes
4. Visiting the Newmark Homes Design Studio
5. Finalizing the sales price
6. Attending the Pre-Start Orientation
7. Attending the Pre-Drywall Orientation
8. Completing the Pre-Closing Orientation
9. Confirming Pre-Closing Acceptance
10. Closing and receiving the keys

Throughout the journey, your Newmark Community Sales Manager, Design Consultant and Builder help you understand what is happening, what decisions are required and what comes next.

What Are the 10 Stages of the Newmark Homes Building Process?

Here is the process at a glance:

Stage	What Happens
Sales Contract	Select your homesite, floor plan, elevation and structural options.
Loan Application	Complete financing or provide verification of available funds.
Exterior Selections	Choose approved exterior colors and materials.
Newmark Homes Design Studio	Personalize the interior finishes and features of your home.
Final Sales Price	Review selections and finalize the total purchase price.
Pre-Start Orientation	Meet your Builder and review the home before construction.
Pre-Drywall Orientation	Review construction progress before drywall is installed.
Pre-Closing Orientation	Learn how your home operates and document final items.
Pre-Closing Acceptance	Confirm that documented items have been completed.
Closing and Keys	Complete closing, funding and the New Home Key Presentation.

 

The exact sequence and timing may vary based on the home, community, construction stage, financing and other circumstances. Your sales contract and information provided by your Newmark team will govern your specific purchase.

Who Guides Buyers Through the New Home Building Process?

Several Newmark team members support buyers from contract to keys:

• Community Sales Manager: Coordinates communication, appointments and important milestones.
• Design Consultant: Guides your interior selections and documents approved options.
• Builder: Oversees construction, conducts milestone orientations and explains the home’s progress.
• Lender: Assists with loan qualification, documentation, approval and funding.
• Title company: Coordinates the closing documents and transfer of ownership.

Knowing who handles each part of the process makes it easier to ask questions and stay informed.

What Happens Before Construction Begins with Newmark Homes?

The first five stages focus on finalizing your home design, financing, exterior materials and interior selections before construction begins.

Stage 1: Signing the Sales Contract

The journey begins when you choose your Newmark community, homesite, floor plan, and design options for the outside of your home, also known as external elevations.

If you are building a home from the ground up, this is also when you will finalize your structural options.

What Floor Plan Changes Does Newmark Homes Allow?

Available structural options may include:

• An alternate exterior elevation
• Garage configurations
• Additional bedrooms or bathrooms
• Optional flex rooms
• Exterior doors
• Fireplaces
• Extended or covered patios
• Balconies
• Other approved changes to the home’s structure

Structural decisions are made early because Newmark must incorporate them into the architectural drawings used for engineering, permitting and construction. Once the plans have been submitted, structural options are considered final.

Your Community Sales Manager will also introduce the selection schedule to choose interior and exteriors for your home, explain important deadlines and help schedule your upcoming appointments.

What should home buyers do once they have reviewed structural options from Newmark Homes?

Review the floor plan carefully and think about how you will use each space. Consider:

• Bedroom and bathroom needs
• Working from home
• Entertaining
• Storage
• Outdoor living
• Multigenerational living

Stage 2: Completing Financing

Buyers who are financing their home will need to complete a loan application within the period specified in the sales contract. Your Community Sales Manager can provide contact information for Newmark’s approved lender.

After applying, continue responding promptly whenever the lender requests financial records, employment information or other documentation. Additional information may be required throughout construction, not just at the beginning of the process.

Financial changes to discuss with your lender include when buying a home:

• Changing employment
• Financing a vehicle
• Opening a new credit account
• Making a substantial purchase
• Taking on additional debt

These changes may affect your credit profile or loan qualification.

Cash buyers will be asked to provide verification of available funds according to the requirements and timeline in the sales contract.

What is the most important financing tip while building a new home?

Maintain consistent communication with your mortgage lender and consult your loan representative before making significant employment, credit or financial changes. Loan approval is an ongoing process that continues until closing and funding.

Stage 3: Selecting Exterior Finishes

Exterior materials are ordered early and may require approval from the community developer or architectural review committee. Your Community Sales Manager will guide you through the available exterior combinations for your home, homesite and neighborhood.

Exterior home selections may include:

• Brick
• Stone
• Stucco
• Exterior paint
• Trim colors
• Mortar color
• Roofing accents
• Metal roof color, when applicable
• Other community-approved materials

Available combinations can depend on your home’s architectural style, neighboring homes, developer guidelines and material availability.

Why are home exterior selections made so early?

Exterior materials often have longer ordering and approval timelines. Finalizing them early helps keep engineering, permitting, purchasing and construction moving forward.

Stage 4: Visiting the Newmark Homes Design Studio

For many buyers, the Newmark Homes Design Studio is one of the most anticipated parts of building a new construction home.

During your appointment, a professional Design Consultant will explain the standard features and available options for your home series. Your consultant will help you coordinate colors, materials and finishes while keeping your personal style, lifestyle and budget in mind.

Depending on your home and community, interior selections may include:

• Cabinetry
• Countertops
• Flooring
• Tile
• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting
• Interior doors
• Cabinet and door hardware
• Stair details
• Fireplace finishes
• Appliances
• Interior trim
• Electrical options
• HVAC-related options
• Concrete additions
• Sprinkler systems, gates and backyard features

Technology and low-voltage selections

Technology and low-voltage selections* may be completed during a separate appointment with Newmark’s home technology partner. These selections can include Wi-Fi, speakers, cameras, alarm wiring and other connected-home features.

*Low voltage options include interior home lighting, landscape lighting, staircase lighting, and anything set on a timer to reduce usage.

How would you prepare for a Design Studio appointment?

Before your appointment:

• Tour Newmark model homes and homes under construction.
• Photograph finishes and features you like.
• Record the addresses of homes containing those features.
• Save inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, Houzz or magazines.Discuss your preferred style and budget beforehand.
• Bring inspiration photos on a phone or tablet.
• Be prepared to make final decisions within the required timeline.

Buyers who have selected a Curated Collections package will follow the applicable selection process with guidance from their Newmark team.

Stage 5: Finalizing the Sales Price

At the conclusion of the Design Studio process with Newmark Homes, your Design Consultant will review your selections and prepare the documentation needed to amend the original sales price.

This amendment reflects:

• The cost of approved Design Studio options
• Any applicable incentive funds
• Required deposits credited according to the contract

Carefully review every selection before signing. Make sure all agreed-upon colors, materials, products and options are documented in writing. Your signature confirms which selections have been accepted and which options have been declined.

After the applicable review period, selections are released for ordering and become final.

When do design selections become final?

Selections become final after the required documents are signed and the applicable review period has passed. At that point, Newmark begins ordering products and materials for the home, so additional changes generally cannot be accommodated.

What Happens During New Home Construction with Newmark Homes?

Once the plans and selections are finalized, buyers meet with the Newmark Homes builder assigned to their community and attend milestone orientations during construction.

Stage 6: Attending the Pre-Start Orientation

Before construction begins, your Community Sales Manager will schedule a Pre-Start Orientation, commonly called the PSO.

During this meeting, you will:

• Meet with your Newmark Builder assigned to your new home community.
• Review the home on paper.
• Confirm the plans and structural options.
• Review exterior choices and Design Studio selections.
• Receive an overview of the construction process.
• Discuss a general timeline for your home.

The purpose of the PSO is to confirm that everyone is working from the same information before construction begins.

Once construction is underway, your Newmark team will provide regular progress updates. At this stage, opportunities to add options or change selections have passed.

Stage 7: Attending the Pre-Drywall Orientation

What can buyers expect to see before drywall?

Depending on the construction stage, buyers may be able to see:

• Framing
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• HVAC components
• Low-voltage systems

These systems will later be enclosed by drywall.

The Pre-Drywall Orientation, or PDO, takes place after the home has progressed through framing and important components have been installed but before drywall covers the interior walls.

During the pre-drywall appointment, your Builder will:

• Explain the construction completed to that point.
• Review relevant selections.
• Point out visible systems and components, including outlets, connections, and other items not behind the drywall.
• Describe what to expect during the next stages.

Because key systems may still be visible, this meeting can help buyers better understand what is behind the walls of their new home.

The PDO is a review of the home’s progress, not an opportunity to modify the plans, wiring, plumbing or previous selections.

What happens when preparing to close on your new home with Newmark Homes?

The final stages focus on reviewing the completed home, addressing documented items, completing closing and receiving the keys.

Stage 8: Completing the Pre-Closing Orientation

As construction nears completion, your Community Sales Manager will schedule a Pre-Closing Orientation, or PCO.

During this appointment, your Builder will:

• Introduce you to the home’s features and operating systems.
• Review the completed home.
• Confirm that the home meets Newmark’s standards.
• Document items requiring additional attention.
• Explain home care and routine maintenance.
• Review warranty procedures and important service contacts.

Buyers who choose to hire an independent home inspector must follow the inspection requirements stated in their sales contract, including applicable scheduling, notice, insurance and documentation requirements.

What is the difference between a home inspection and the Pre-Closing Orientation?

An independent inspection is performed by a qualified third-party home inspector hired by the buyer.

The Pre-Closing Orientation is conducted by the Newmark Builder in your community to demonstrate the home, review its features and identify items that may require attention before closing.

Stage 9: Confirming Pre-Closing Acceptance

Following the Pre-Closing Orientation, Newmark will schedule the Pre-Closing Acceptance, or PCA.

At this appointment, your Builder will:

• Review the items documented during the PCO.
• Verify that the items have been completed according to Newmark Homes’ standards.
• Ask you to acknowledge completion before closing.

This step helps ensure that the home is ready for its new owner and that the items identified during the orientation have been addressed.

Stage 10: Closing and Receiving the Keys

Closing is the legal process that completes the purchase of your new home. Newmark coordinates the scheduled closing with the title company and the other parties involved in the transaction.

Before closing, home buyers should:

• Stay in close contact with their lender.
• Review the Closing Disclosure when provided.
• Confirm the amount and approved method for closing funds.
• Arrange homeowner’s insurance.
• Verify who must attend the appointment.
• Bring the required forms of identification.
• Follow wire-fraud prevention instructions carefully.
• Confirm that all lender conditions have been satisfied.

The closing documents establish ownership of the property and finalize the home  financing, when applicable.

Possession of the home can be released only after all required documents have been completed and Newmark has confirmed receipt of funds.

Buyers using a home lender outside Newmark’s approved lending process should confirm funding procedures in advance, as receiving funds after closing could delay possession and move-in.

When does a buyer receive the keys?

Keys are presented after closing has been completed and the transaction has been funded. Signing the closing documents alone does not necessarily mean funding has occurred.

Receive Your Keys at the New Home Key Presentation

Once closing and funding are complete, your Newmark Homes Community Sales Manager will coordinate your New Home Key Presentation.

This is the moment when the planning, selections, appointments and construction come together. You will receive the keys to your completed Newmark home and begin the next chapter as a homeowner.

For the Newmark team, handing over the keys represents more than the completion of a home. It is the culmination of a shared effort to create a place designed for the way you want to live.

Newmark Homes New Home Construction Timeline and Support

How Long Does the New Home Building Process Take with Newmark Homes?

The time required to build a new home varies. Factors that can affect the construction timeline include:

• The floor plan
• Structural options
• Permitting
• Developer approvals
• Material availability
• Weather
• Trade schedules
• Community conditions

Your Builder will provide a general timeline during the Pre-Start Orientation, and your Newmark team will continue to communicate with you as construction progresses.

Because construction schedules can change, buyers should avoid making firm moving arrangements until Newmark has confirmed the closing date.

Build a New Home With Newmark Homes

Among Houston home builders, Newmark Homes is known for award-winning design, quality construction and attentive service throughout the homebuying experience.

From selecting the right homesite and floor plan to personalizing your finishes and receiving your keys, the Newmark team is there to help guide you through each milestone.

Explore Newmark Homes communities, browse available homes and floor plans, or visit a model home to begin your own journey from contract to keys.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Home Building Process with Newmark Homes

What Happens After Signing a Contract With Newmark Homes?

After signing the contract, buyers complete their financing requirements, finalize exterior selections, attend Design Studio appointments and approve the final sales price. Newmark then conducts pre-start, pre-drywall and pre-closing orientations before closing and the key presentation.

Can I change my floor plan with Newmark Homes after signing the contract?

Structural options are finalized with the sales contract so architectural plans can proceed through engineering and permitting. Once those plans are submitted, structural changes generally cannot be made.

Can I Change My Design Selections After the Design Studio Appointment with Newmark Homes?

Selections become final after the required documents are signed and the review period has passed. Products and materials are then ordered, so later changes generally cannot be accommodated.

How Often Will I Receive Construction Updates from Newmark Homes?

After construction begins, your Newmark team will provide regular updates regarding the progress of your home. The method and timing of communication can be confirmed with your Community Sales Manager.

What Is a Pre-Start Orientation?

A Pre-Start Orientation is a meeting held before construction begins. The buyer meets the Builder, reviews the plans and documented selections, and receives an overview of the construction process.

What Is a Pre-Drywall Orientation?

A Pre-Drywall Orientation is a construction milestone meeting held before the interior walls are enclosed. The Builder reviews work completed to that point and explains the next stages of construction.

Can I Hire an Independent Inspector?

Buyers may hire an independent home inspector at their own expense, subject to the notice, scheduling, insurance, access and reporting requirements contained in the sales contract.

What Happens During the Pre-Closing Orientation?

The Builder demonstrates the home’s features and operation, reviews the completed construction and documents any items requiring additional attention before closing.

What Should I Avoid Doing Before Closing?

Avoid opening new credit accounts, financing large purchases, changing employment or making significant financial changes without consulting your lender. Continue responding promptly to all lender requests until the home has closed and funded.

When Can I Move Into My New Home?

You may take possession after closing is complete and Newmark has confirmed that all required funds have been received. Your Community Sales Manager will coordinate the New Home Key Presentation once funding is confirmed.

Ready to start planning your new home with Newmark Homes?

Explore communities from an award-winning Houston new home builder, browse available homes and floor plans, or visit a model home today.

This article provides a general overview of Newmark Homes’ build-to-order process. Procedures, deadlines, selections, deposits, inspection requirements and timelines may vary by contract, home, community, division and construction stage. Buyers should rely on their executed sales contract and instructions provided by their Newmark Homes representatives.