A new construction closing follows the same basic legal steps as a resale closing, signing documents, clearing title, and transferring ownership, but the path to get there is longer, less predictable, and shaped by the builder's timeline rather than a seller's move out date. If you've only ever closed on an existing home in Spokane, several parts of this process will feel unfamiliar. Here's what actually changes when you're buying new construction in Washington State.
How Is the Timeline Different for New Construction?
A resale closing typically wraps up in 30 to 45 days after an accepted offer, while a new construction closing depends on where the home is in the build process, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. A move in ready or nearly finished home may close on a timeline close to a resale. A home you're purchasing earlier in the build process, sometimes before the foundation is even poured, closes once construction and final inspections are complete, not on a fixed date agreed upon at contract signing. Builders typically provide milestone updates along the way, but weather, material availability, and permit approvals can all shift the actual closing date.
How Is the Purchase Contract Different?
New construction purchases use a builder specific contract instead of a standard resale purchase and sale agreement, and the terms can vary significantly from one builder to the next. These contracts often address upgrade selections, cancellation provisions, deposit and earnest money terms, and how delays are handled, details that don't typically appear in a resale contract at all. Reviewing these terms carefully before signing matters more with new construction, since the contract is written by the builder, not negotiated the way a resale offer usually is.
Do You Still Need a Home Inspection on a New Construction Home?
Yes. A brand new home still benefits from an independent inspection, even though it's never been lived in. It's a common assumption that a new build doesn't need the same scrutiny as a resale, but workmanship issues, incomplete items, and code related concerns can still exist in new construction. Rather than the negotiation heavy repair process common in resale transactions, new construction typically involves a final walkthrough and a punch list, a documented list of items the builder agrees to complete or correct before or shortly after closing.
What's Different About Disclosures on a New Construction Home?
In Washington, certain seller disclosure requirements don't apply to new construction that has never been occupied, which means buyers may have less written information upfront than they would on a resale. This makes independent due diligence, including an inspection and a careful read of the builder's warranty documents, more important, not less, since the standard disclosure form buyers rely on for resale homes isn't filling that same role here.
What Happens If a Problem Shows Up After Closing?
Washington has a specific legal process for construction defect claims on new homes, and it starts with a required written notice to the builder before any legal action can be filed. Under state law, a buyer generally must give the builder written notice of a claim at least 45 days before filing a construction defect action, which gives the builder a chance to inspect, respond, and potentially fix the issue directly. Keeping your contract, inspection reports, warranty materials, and any related communication organized after closing makes this process much easier if it's ever needed.
Are Closing Costs Different for New Construction?
Closing costs on new construction are generally similar in percentage to a resale, typically in the range of 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, though builders frequently offer incentives that offset some of that cost. Many builders provide closing cost credits or incentives if you use their preferred lender or title company, which can meaningfully reduce your out of pocket cost at closing. It's worth comparing that offer against using your own preferred lender to see which option actually saves you more.
What Does This Mean for Buyers Considering New Construction?
New construction offers real advantages, modern systems, energy efficiency, and the ability to personalize finishes from the start, but it comes with a different rhythm than a resale purchase. Emiley and Zech at Rios and Co Real Estate can help you understand what to expect at each stage of a new construction purchase in the Spokane area, from reviewing a builder's contract to preparing for your final walkthrough, so nothing catches you off guard between signing and closing day.
About the Authors
Emiley and Zech, Rios and Co Real Estate
Emiley and Zech are Spokane based real estate agents with Rios and Co Real Estate who guide buyers through both resale and new construction transactions, helping them understand exactly how each process works before they sign anything.
This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Closing timelines, contract terms, and disclosure requirements vary by builder and transaction. For guidance specific to your purchase, consult your real estate agent, lender, or a licensed attorney.
