Build Your Dream New Construction Home in the St. Louis Area
Thinking about building a new home in the St. Louis region? Our new-construction buyer’s agents help you compare builders, communities, and floor plans across St. Louis County and St. Charles County so you end up in the perfect home.
See Our ResultsRated 5 stars by dozens of families every year.
Talk with a New Construction Expert
Tell us a bit about your new home construction plans in the St. Louis metro area, and one of our new construction buyer’s agents will follow up with a custom game plan.
We’re Excited to Work With You!
Someone from our team will reach out within one business day.
Why Use a New-Construction Buyer’s Agent?
When building a new home in the St. Louis region, the on-site agent represents the builder, not you. New construction buyer’s agents protect your budget, your timeline, and your long-term resale value. From construction costs and closing costs to structural choices and walkthroughs, we guide both first-time home buyers and seasoned homeowners through the entire home building process.
Gateway Realty Group
We Manage the Builder
Buyer's Agent Commission
We Protect Your Budget
Contract & Cost Protection
We Prevent Surprises
Timeline & Process Oversight
We Safeguard Resale Value
Lot, Plan & Resale Strategy
Builder’s Agent vs. Buyer’s Agent
When you walk into a model home, the on-site agent represents the builder. As your buyer’s agent, we represent you: your budget, your timeline, and your long-term resale value.
Builder’s Rep (On-Site Sales)
Works for the builder
- Not required to hold a real estate license
- Employed by the builder; primary goal is to sell homes and protect the builder's interests.
- Shares info on floor plans, lots, and incentives, but can't advise against the builder's position.
- You are their customer, not their client.
- Often directs buyers to preferred lender/title and may downplay independent inspections.
Your Buyer’s Agent
Works for you
- Fiduciary to you: pricing, terms, and protections in your best interest.
- Compares builders, communities, and lots for value, lifestyle fit, and resale.
- Handles contract negotiation, builder incentives, and closing costs so you don't overpay.
- Plans smart upgrades and inspections (pre-drywall & final) so you don't miss key details.
- Typically no extra cost to you. Most builders offer buyer-agent compensation.*
*Compensation and policies vary by builder and community. Ask us how it works for the neighborhood you’re considering.
Touring a model soon?
Talk to us before you sign anything. We’ll help you compare offers and avoid costly mistakes.
★★★★★Gateway has given us sage advice on options to include while building as well as options which are less expensive if done after closing. Our agent Kellie helped us find errors that needed correction on the walk throughs and followed up on their resolution. She has been an advocate for us and an effective liaison with the building team.
Janice L.
The New Build Home Process
Choose Builder & Community
We help you evaluate builders and find the right neighborhood fit.
Pick Your Homesite
Lot strategy matters: cul-de-sacs, walk-outs, and backing to trees.
Floor Plan & Structural Upgrades
Smart investments in windows, insulation, and structural elements.
Design Studio & Cosmetic Choices
Finishes, fixtures, and colors, guided to avoid overspending.
Walkthroughs & Inspections
Pre-drywall and final inspections to catch issues early.
Final Walkthrough & Closing
Final checks, punch list completion, and key handoff.
Stages of a New Build
See the typical milestones we’ll guide you through, from lot selection and upgrades to keys in hand.
1. Foundation & Slab
Tip: Confirm rough-ins and sump/ejector locations now.
2. Framing
Tip: Walk the plan; check window placements and door swings.
3. MEP Rough-Ins
Tip: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Add outlets and low-voltage now.
4. Insulation & Drywall
Tip: Pre-drywall inspection catches what you'll cover up.
5. Finishes
Tip: Save cosmetic splurges for the design studio phase.
6. Final Walk & Close
Tip: Blue-tape punch list; verify fixes before signing.
Real Client Homes We’ve Helped Plan
New homes, happy clients! These are some examples of homes we’ve represented buyers during the 6-12 month build process.
Upgrade Strategy: Do Now vs. Later
Spend where it counts during construction; save cosmetics for post-close when it’s smarter.
Best ROI Upgrades
Do Now (Structural & Electrical)
Framing & Layout
Extra windows and egress, larger sliders, taller doors and ceilings.
Plumbing & Gas Rough-Ins
Bath and laundry sinks, wet bar rough-ins, gas lines for range, fireplace, or grill.
Electrical & Low Voltage
Dedicated EV/garage power, fan and pendant pre-wires, under-cabinet lighting, and extra outlets inside and out.
Energy & Comfort
Insulation upgrades, low-E windows, HVAC zoning, and better placement of supplies/returns in key rooms.
Lower ROI = Lower Priority
Do Later (Cosmetic & Swap-ables)
Kitchen & Bath Finishes
Backsplash and feature tile, mirrors, shower glass, and cabinet hardware.
Lighting & Fixtures
Pendants, chandeliers, sconces, and specialty fixtures you can swap out over time.
Storage & Trim
Closet systems, garage shelving, mudroom built-ins, accent walls, and decorative trim.
Where We Help Buyers Build
These are the communities and builders we work with most: real relationships that help you land the right lot, negotiate smarter upgrades, and avoid the surprises first-time new-construction buyers run into.
Cottleville Trails
Premier community with top-rated schools
Strawberry Farms
O'Fallon | Modern floor plans
Harvest at Hopewell
O'Fallon | Spacious lots & easy commutes
Cedarstone
Dardenne Prairie | Upscale living
Wildhorse Village
Chesterfield | Prime location
Streets of Caledonia
O'Fallon | Master-planned neighborhood
Builder Partners
Watch Our New Construction Videos
Learn about new construction through our YouTube videos. Display tours, new community explainers, and new construction hacks you didn’t know about.
Living St. Louis
Gateway Realty Group
6 minutes, 29 secondsBuilding in Strawberry Farms: New Home Community in O'Fallon Explained
Living St. Louis · 1K views · 1 year ago
21 minutes, 21 secondsWhat to Know About the HOTTEST New Build Community in O'Fallon, MO (Harvest)
Living St. Louis · 2.9K views · 1 year ago
10 minutes, 3 secondsInside Cottleville Trails: Two of the Last Move-In Ready Homes Available
Living St. Louis · 1.6K views · 4 months ago
31 minutes, 38 seconds5 Things to Know Before Building New Construction in the St. Louis Suburbs
Living St. Louis · 1.2K views · 1 year ago
18 minutes, 21 secondsInside a $550k NEW BUILD Home in Wentzville, MO Built by Fischer & Frichtel
Living St. Louis · 2K views · 1 year ago
17 minutes, 18 seconds$850K DREAM Home Tour in O'Fallon, MO | Living in Shady Creek
Living St. Louis · 2.3K views · 1 year ago
Your New Construction Experts
These are the agents who walk lots, attend builder meetings, guide upgrade decisions, and help you navigate every phase of the build.
Madison Hayes
Licensed Agent
Kellie Lasater
Licensed Agent
Tracy Sanders
Licensed Agent
Mindy Bushman
Licensed Agent
Lana Prinster
Licensed Agent
Candy Smothers
Licensed Agent
Use the 100+ Point New Construction Playbook
Built on years of guiding buyers through the St. Louis new home construction process. This playbook shows every key step, upgrade, inspection, walkthrough, and decision to plan for when building a new home.
- Know which structural upgrades are worth it
- Avoid hidden construction costs most buyers miss
- Compare builders, communities, lots, and plans confidently
- Prepare for walkthroughs, inspections, deadlines
- See what to do now vs. after closing
- Stay organized from first meeting to closing
A must-have for anyone building a new construction home in the St. Louis area.
New Construction Resources
What to Know Before Buying New Construction
Essential insights and preparation tips for your new construction journey.
Read More →
62 Questions to Ask When Building New Construction
Complete checklist to ensure you ask all the right questions.
Read More →
Do You Need a Realtor for New Construction?
Understand the value and role of representation in new builds.
Read More →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a realtor for new construction?
Yes! A buyer’s agent advocating for you can save thousands and catch issues the builder rep won’t mention. We handle negotiations, inspections, and ensure your interests come first.
Will I pay more if I use an agent?
No. The builder typically pays the buyer agent’s commission. It’s already built into the price. You get expert representation at no additional cost.
Can I negotiate upgrades or closing costs?
Absolutely. We negotiate structural upgrades, design credits, closing cost assistance, and more. Builders have flexibility, and we know how to ask.
Should I get inspections with a new home?
Yes, always. We schedule pre-drywall inspections and final walkthroughs to catch issues before they’re covered up. New doesn’t mean perfect.
How long does build time take in the St. Louis area?
Typically 6-9 months from contract to closing, depending on the builder, lot prep, and weather. We keep you updated every step of the way.
Structural vs cosmetic: what's smart for resale?
Invest in structural upgrades (windows, insulation, HVAC zones) that you can’t add later. Save on cosmetics you can change yourself (paint, fixtures, flooring).
Can I use my own lender?
Yes. We help you compare builder incentives vs. your own lender’s rates and costs to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Building a House is Stressful. That’s Where We Come In.
We advocate for you, not the builder
We guide every decision from lot to closing
We catch problems before they cost you
We’re Excited to Work With You!
Someone from our team will reach out within one business day.