09/09/2026
🏠 BUYING A NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME? Here’s something you NEED to know about your property taxes.
One of the biggest surprises I see new construction buyers run into happens after they’ve already moved in.
When you purchase a brand-new home, the property taxes used to calculate your initial payment may be based on the vacant land or a partially completed home — not the value of your finished house.
So that first year’s tax bill can look pretty good. 👀
Then the county reassesses the property with the completed home on it…
📈 And your property taxes can increase significantly.
If your mortgage company collects taxes through escrow, that can also mean a higher monthly mortgage payment the following year to cover the higher taxes — and potentially an escrow shortage.
⚠️ Example:
You buy a new construction home for $450,000.
But the current tax bill may still reflect when the property was just a vacant lot or before the home was fully assessed.
Once the completed home is assessed at its new taxable value, that tax bill can look VERY different.
That’s why I tell my new construction buyers:
Don’t just ask, “What’s my payment today?”
Ask, “What could my payment look like once the home is fully assessed?”
And one more thing…
🏗️ The builder’s sales rep works for the builder.
Having your own Realtor gives you someone in the process who is looking out for your interests and helping you ask the questions you may not even know to ask.
Thinking about buying new construction in the Tampa Bay area? Before you walk into that model home alone, reach out to us.
The Real Estate Duo
Vick White & Candace Gallegos, Realtors®
27 North Realty
