Understanding the Developer Timeline: What Brokers Should Expect and When

From breaking ground to handing over the keys, the real estate development process unfolds in carefully planned stages. Turning raw land into vibrant communities requires vision, patience, and meticulous planning. For brokers, understanding each phase in the real estate development timeline ensures a seamless experience that guides buyers confidently through every step of the homebuying journey. 

To learn more about how we support brokers throughout this process, visit New Home Co. Brokers.

Understanding the Real Estate Development Process

At New Home Co., real estate development is a meticulous and thoughtful process that ensures quality, compliance, and market appeal. For brokers, understanding our process isn’t just useful industry knowledge—it’s a competitive advantage. Knowing what to expect and setting clear, accurate expectations for clients builds credibility and positions you as a trusted expert.

Phase-by-Phase Real Estate Development Timeline

Start by getting to know the breakdown of each phase in the real estate development timeline:

Initial Steps

Planning and entitlements is a foundational stage involving site analysis, permits, zoning approvals, and community engagement to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Construction

At New Home Co., our construction process balances efficiency and exceptional craftsmanship, all while adhering closely to a predictable build schedule. Construction typically begins with preparation and foundation work, followed by framing, roofing, and installation of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Next comes finishing details including drywall, painting, flooring, and cabinetry. Lastly, thorough inspections and quality checks ensure each home meets our high standards.

Marketing & Presales: Overlap with Construction

Alongside construction, the marketing and presale phase is in full swing. From generating buyer interest with targeted campaigns to touring model homes and hosting sales events, our award-winning sales teams collaborate closely with brokers to handle inquiries and secure contracts. This overlap keeps momentum strong and ensures a smooth journey, guiding buyers from building through closing to their ideal home.

Final Inspections & Occupancy: 

The climax—and possibly the most exciting part of the process for brokers and their clients—is the final inspection and occupancy, which can take up to 90 days. Inspections ensure each home meets strict quality and safety standards before occupancy permits are issued. The final, (and most exciting) step after loan and permit for occupancy approval , buyers receive keys and can move into their brand-new homes.  

Move-In Ready Homes: Faster Options for Your Clients

While new home development typically follows the timeline above, New Home Co. also offers move-in ready homes available in under 60 days. For brokers, these homes are a powerful advantage, as many clients prefer quicker move-ins.

Here’s how to make the most of this opportunity:

• Explore our Home Finder to find  available move-in ready options for your clients.
• Schedule private tours and invite clients to exclusive broker events or open houses in our neighborhoods.
• Connect your buyers with Universal Lending NMLS 2996, our affiliated lender, to explore financing tailored to their timeline.
• Highlight that move-in ready homes are turnkey—outfitted with EVO Smart Home Technology and curated Insignia design packages.
• Highlight the “have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too” appeal of a move-in ready home: offering all the excitement of being the very first owners of a brand new home without the timeline of construction.

By introducing move-in ready options alongside longer development timelines, you can capture demand from buyers who need a faster path to homeownership without sacrificing quality or design.

What Brokers Should Expect at Each Stage

There are specific milestones brokers should anticipate to help prepare and guide buyers throughout the process.

Communications Cadence

Our sales teams prioritize regular and consistent communication with brokers and their clients. Sharing updates, whether weekly or biweekly, keeps everyone well-informed of progress, possible changes, and next steps.

Sales and Construction Timeline

Sales and construction timelines help brokers plan their own activities—from outreach and model home tours to contract signing—keeping everything aligned with our construction and marketing timeline for a smooth experience.

Timeline Variations and Contingencies

While our build process is carefully planned, timeline shifts can occur due to weather, permitting, or supply issues. Our sales team keeps brokers informed to maintain flexibility in client expectations.

How Brokers Can Align with the Developer Timeline

Syncing marketing efforts, client engagement, and contract processes ensures smooth collaboration and a satisfying homebuying experience.

Ask the Right Questions Early

Questions are our bread and butter of collaboration, so ask them often and early. The sooner questions are asked and answered, the better we can put contingency plans in place and avoid surprises.

Be a Strategic Partner

From helping shape marketing strategies to providing buyer feedback, your partnership ensures we deliver the very best homebuying experience.

Throughout every stage of the real estate development timeline, we’re here to give you a professional edge, guiding buyers smoothly through their journey. With a deep understanding of each pivotal phase and consistent, transparent communication, everyone benefits. Ready to partner with one of our sales teams near you? Visit our New Home Finder and let’s make your buyers’ dreams of homeownership a reality.