One of the most common questions buyers in Edmonton face is whether to purchase a new construction home or an existing resale property. Both have genuine advantages depending on your situation. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you think through the decision.

What Is a New Construction Home?

A new construction home is a property purchased from a builder, either as a pre-sale (before or during construction) or as a completed spec home. Buyers typically work with a builder's show home team to select a floor plan, lot, and finishes.

In the Edmonton area, new construction communities are active across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain — with a wide range of builders, price points, and community styles available.

What Is a Resale Home?

A resale home is an existing property being sold by a current owner through the MLS® system. Resale homes are typically available for possession within 30 to 90 days of an accepted offer and can be found in established neighbourhoods across the Edmonton area.

Key Differences to Consider

Possession Timeline

New construction — possession timelines vary depending on whether you are purchasing a pre-sale or a completed spec home. Pre-sale purchases can involve wait times of several months to over a year depending on the stage of construction. Spec homes that are near completion may have shorter timelines.

Resale — possession is typically negotiated as part of the offer and can often be completed within 30 to 90 days of an accepted offer.

Condition and Customization

New construction — new builds are delivered in new condition and, depending on the stage of purchase, may allow buyers to select finishes, upgrades, and features. New homes in Alberta are also covered under the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, which provides warranty protection on materials, labour, and major structural components.

Resale — resale homes come in a wide range of conditions. An independent home inspection is an important part of any resale purchase. Resale homes may require updates or repairs, but established neighbourhoods often offer mature landscaping, trees, and proximity to established schools and amenities.

Pricing

New construction — builder pricing is generally fixed at list price, though there may be flexibility on upgrades or incentives depending on the builder and community. Pricing in new construction communities can change as phases are released.

Resale — resale pricing is negotiated between buyer and seller through the offer process. Market conditions at the time of purchase will influence pricing and negotiation outcomes.

Neighbourhood and Amenities

New construction — newer communities are often still developing, which means nearby schools, shopping, and other amenities may not yet be fully established. Infrastructure such as roads and green spaces may also be under development.

Resale — established neighbourhoods typically have existing schools, transit, parks, and amenities in place. For buyers where proximity to specific schools or services is a priority, resale in an established area may be the better fit.

Warranty Coverage

New construction — Alberta's New Home Warranty Program provides mandatory warranty coverage on new builds, including one year on labour and materials, two years on mechanical delivery and distribution systems, and ten years on major structural components.

Resale — resale homes do not come with a builder's warranty. Buyers are responsible for understanding the condition of the home through the inspection process and their own due diligence.

Which Is Right for You?

There is no single right answer — the better option depends on your timeline, budget, priorities, and lifestyle.

New construction may be a good fit if you value a new home warranty, want to select your own finishes, and have flexibility on your possession timeline.

Resale may be a better fit if you need to move within a specific timeframe, want to be in an established neighbourhood, or are looking for a property with mature landscaping and existing improvements.

Jay Lewis — Working With Buyers on Both New Construction and Resale

Jay Lewis is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence (Lewis & Co. Realty) who works with buyers purchasing both new construction and resale homes across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.

Jay spent over 20 years in construction through his company Konstruct, specializing in framing new homes, renovations, and full contract builds. That background informs how he evaluates both new builds and resale properties — from assessing construction quality on a new build site visit to identifying areas of concern during a resale home inspection.

If you are weighing new construction against resale and would like to talk through your specific situation, Jay is available to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same REALTOR® for both new construction and resale? Yes. Jay Lewis works with buyers on both new construction and resale purchases across the Edmonton area.

Is new construction more expensive than resale in Edmonton? Not necessarily — it depends on the community, builder, and product type. Jay can help you compare options across both new construction and resale within your budget.

Do I need a home inspection on a new construction home? Independent inspections are generally recommended on new builds, even though they come with a builder's warranty. Having an inspector assess the home at key stages of construction and again at possession provides useful information before you take possession.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you are considering new construction, resale, or want to compare both, Jay Lewis is available to help you think through the decision.

Call or text Jay at 780-220-8449, or visit jaysells.ca.

Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence | Lewis & Co. Realty

If you're buying a new build in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, or the surrounding area, you may have heard that you should have your own REALTOR® — but what does a buyer's agent actually do in a new construction transaction? Here's a straightforward breakdown.

A Buyer's Agent Represents You — Not the Builder

The starting point is understanding who represents who. When you visit a show home, the sales representative on site works for the builder. Their role is to assist the builder in completing a sale under the builder's terms.

A new construction buyer's agent like Jay Lewis of Lewis & Co. Realty | RE/MAX Excellence is engaged by you and works on your behalf throughout the transaction. His role is to help you navigate the process with your interests in mind at each step.

What a New Construction Buyer's Agent Does

Helps You Choose the Right Community and Builder

Before you walk into a show home, a buyer's agent can help you think through which communities and builders align with your budget, lifestyle, and timeline. Edmonton and the surrounding area have a wide range of new construction options — from entry-level townhomes to move-up single family homes — and the right fit depends on factors that go beyond the show home experience.

Jay works with buyers across communities including Genesis on the Lakes, Easton, CopperHaven, Sienna, Summerwood, Cambrian, Hillshire, Windermere, and others across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.

Reviews the Builder Contract With You

New construction purchase agreements are prepared by the builder and reflect the builder's standard terms and conditions. Before you sign, a buyer's agent reviews the contract with you — walking through key clauses including possession date provisions, deposit conditions, upgrade terms, and any other areas worth knowing about before you commit. 

It is also strongly recommended that buyers have a real estate lawyer review the contract independently before signing.

Provides Context on Upgrade Pricing

Upgrades are one of the most significant financial decisions in a new construction purchase. A buyer's agent can help you think through which upgrades tend to hold long-term value, which are more practical to complete after possession, and how to approach the upgrade process with your overall budget in mind.

Coordinates Independent Inspections

New builds benefit from independent inspections at key stages of construction — typically at framing and again at possession. Many buyers are not aware these inspections are available to them on a new build. A buyer's agent can help coordinate these inspections and be present to discuss any findings.

Assists With the Possession Walkthrough

At possession, a buyer's agent helps you conduct a thorough walkthrough of the completed home, documenting any deficiencies with the builder to review and address before or after you take possession.

Jay Lewis — A Construction Background That Informs Every Step

Jay Lewis spent over 20 years in construction through his company Konstruct, specializing in framing new homes, renovations, and full contract builds across the Edmonton area. That hands-on background informs how he approaches every stage of a new construction purchase — from evaluating build quality during site visits to reviewing finish standards at possession.

He is familiar with structural framing, build sequencing, and construction materials — which allows him to speak to those elements in a practical, informed way throughout the process.

Jay is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence (Lewis & Co. Realty). He works with buyers purchasing new construction homes across Edmonton and the surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a new construction buyer's agent cost anything? In most new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the overall transaction. You typically do not pay your REALTOR® directly. Commission arrangements can vary between builders, so confirm the details with your agent before proceeding.

When should I contact a buyer's agent in the new construction process? As early as possible — ideally before you visit any show homes. Registering your REALTOR® before your first show home visit ensures your representation is in place from the start.

Can a buyer's agent help me if I've already chosen a builder? In many cases, yes. Contact Jay to discuss where you are in the process and whether representation is still available to you.

Thinking About Buying a New Build in Edmonton?

Jay Lewis works with buyers at every stage of the new construction process — from community selection through to possession. If you have questions or would like to discuss a specific community or builder, Jay is available to help.

Call or text Jay at 780-220-8449, or visit jaysells.ca.

Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence | Lewis & Co. Realty

Yes — and in most cases it costs you nothing extra. If you're buying a new construction home in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, or anywhere in the surrounding area, having your own REALTOR® is worth understanding before you walk into a show home.

The Builder Already Has Representation — Do You?

When you walk into a show home in Edmonton, the person greeting you represents the builder. Their role is to represent the builder's interests in the transaction — which is entirely appropriate, but it does mean they are not prioritizing  yours.

A buyer's agent like Jay Lewis of Lewis & Co. Realty | RE/MAX Excellence represents you in the transaction. His role is to help you understand the builder contract, review the conditions around your deposit, assess whether your possession timeline is reasonable, and provide context on upgrade pricing.

In most new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the purchase agreement. You typically do not pay your REALTOR® directly — though commission arrangements can vary between builders, so confirm the details with your agent before proceeding.

What Should Buyers Be Aware of in New Construction?

New construction contracts in Alberta reflect the builder's standard terms and conditions. There are several areas buyers benefit from reviewing carefully with a REALTOR® and a real estate lawyer before signing:

Possession date provisions. Builder contracts often include clauses that allow for timeline adjustments. Reviewing these with your REALTOR® and a real estate lawyer before signing helps ensure you understand your rights and obligations under the agreement.

Upgrade pricing. Upgrade costs vary between builders. A buyer's agent can help you think through which upgrades may offer long-term value and which may be more practical to complete after possession.

Independent inspections. New builds benefit from independent inspections at key stages — including at framing and at possession. Many buyers are not aware these inspections are available to them.

Deposit conditions. Understanding the conditions under which your deposit is refundable or non-refundable is an important part of reviewing any new construction agreement.

Jay Lewis — Construction Background, Real Estate Experience

Jay Lewis spent over 20 years in construction through his company Konstruct, specializing in framing new homes, renovations, and full contract builds across the Edmonton area. That background informs how he walks through a property and what he pays attention to at each stage of a build.

He is familiar with structural framing, build sequencing, and finish quality — allowing him to speak to those elements during site visits and possession walkthroughs in a way that draws on direct construction experience.

Jay is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Excellence (Lewis & Co. Realty),  and works with buyers in new construction communities across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain — including communities like Genesis on the Lakes, Easton, CopperHaven, Sienna, Summerwood, Cambrian, Hillshire, and Windermere.

How the Process Typically Works With a Buyer's Agent

Working with Jay on a new construction purchase generally involves the following steps:

1. Community and builder review. Jay can help you look at which communities and builders align with your budget, timeline, and priorities before you visit show homes.

2. Show home visits. Jay can accompany you to show homes and share observations based on his construction background.

3. Contract review. Before you sign anything, Jay reviews the builder contract with you — walking through key clauses and what they mean for you as a buyer.

4. Upgrade selections. Jay can share observations on upgrade options and help you think through the decision.

5. Build stage inspections. Jay can help coordinate independent inspections at key stages of construction.

6. Possession walkthrough. Jay assists with a possession inspection and helps document any deficiencies for the builder to review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the builder pay my REALTOR®'s commission on a new construction home? In many new construction transactions in Alberta, the builder compensates the buyer's agent as part of the overall transaction. Arrangements can vary between builders, so it's a good idea to confirm this before your first show home visit.

Can I use a REALTOR® if I've already visited the show home? In many cases, yes — but it's important to register your REALTOR® before signing any documents or agreements. Contact Jay early in the process to confirm your representation is in place. Best practice is to include your  REALTOR® every step of the way

Is a new construction home inspection recommended? Independent inspections are generally recommended on new builds. New homes can have deficiencies, and having an inspector assess the home at key stages of construction — and again at possession — provides useful information before you take possession.

Thinking About Buying a New Build in Edmonton?

Jay Lewis works with buyers purchasing new construction homes across Edmonton and the surrounding communities. If you have questions about the process or would like to discuss a specific community or builder, Jay is available to help.

Call or text Jay at 780-220-8449, or visit jaysells.ca.

Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence | Lewis & Co. Realty