Ask the builder
What is included in writing? Ask about upgrades, premiums, lender-linked incentives, inspections, warranties, delivery timing, and extra assessments.
Buying a Brevard home
New construction vs. resale homes on Florida's Space Coast.
A newly built home can look simpler and a resale home can look cheaper. Neither is automatically the better choice. Compare the actual property, total costs, construction or maintenance requirements and written transaction terms.
Compare the whole purchase. Look past advertised builder rates and seller tax bills. Include lot premiums, options, incentives, insurance, HOA/CDD charges, post-purchase taxes, inspections and financing conditions.
| What to check | New construction | Existing or resale home |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and move-in | Ask whether the home is completed or under construction. Check completion estimates, extensions and temporary housing needs. | Confirm possession dates, seller occupancy and inspection or repair periods. |
| Purchase price and incentives | Price the actual package with lot premiums, options, upgrades, and incentives. Clarify any requirement to use the builder's lender or title provider. | Compare condition-adjusted sales and seller concessions. Check what appliances and fixtures are included. |
| Property taxes and assessments | Request a completed-home tax estimate and identify HOA, CDD or special-district obligations, avoiding double counting. | A seller's tax bill may not reflect what you will pay. Review exemption status and ongoing association expenses. |
| Independent inspections | Ask about stage inspections, final inspection access, and how unfinished work is documented and corrected. | Inspect roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage and renovations. Review permits and any known issues. |
| Insurance and flood exposure | Obtain an address-specific quote based on actual construction and confirmed wind-mitigation features. | Ask how roof age, updates and condition affect insurability or deductibles. Verify FEMA flood mapping. |
| Warranty and maintenance | Review coverage, exclusions, responsibility for claims, service timing and which warranties can transfer. | Plan for replacement cycles, deferred maintenance and any transferable warranties. An inspection is not a warranty. |
| Financing and contract rights | Compare the entire lender estimate and review deposits, appraisal risk, changes, deadlines and any financing-linked incentive. | Review contingencies, loan approval, seller concessions, title matters, and agreed possession dates. |
| Association and local services | Check HOA/CDD rules, utility availability and whether proposed amenities are contractually guaranteed. | Inspect existing services, common areas, budgets and any planned assessments or major repairs. |
Ask about resale
What has been repaired or replaced? Research permits, roof, HVAC, utilities, drainage, insurance costs, and current association finances.
Ask your professionals
What are the true cash-to-close and monthly costs? Compare all lender options, inspection rights, contingency deadlines and contract obligations.
Verify with official sources
Use the agencies below to research a particular address. Information and record coverage vary by jurisdiction.
Brevard County Property Appraiser ↗Parcel facts and post-purchase tax researchBrevard County permit search ↗County-jurisdiction permit search; incorporated cities keep their own recordsFEMA Flood Map Service Center ↗Official flood-hazard maps; insurance still needs professional evaluationFlorida Condominium Act, § 718.503 (2026) ↗Statutory condominium disclosure requirements; seek transaction-specific advice
General education only; not legal, insurance, tax, construction or loan advice. Confirm all property-specific representations, deadlines, fees and documents independently.