New Construction Homes in Lakeville

I live in Lakeville and have worked for a builder. I'll help you compare the lots, floor plans and numbers before you decide what to build or buy.

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The model home effect

Nothing beats walking into a model home.

Fresh paint. Perfect lighting. Every upgrade turned on.

Then you sit down at the sales desk and see the base price, the upgrade sheet, and a builder contract that runs dozens of pages.

That's where the real decisions happen. And that's where most buyers wish they'd had someone on their side.

I'm Demyan Trofimovich. I live in Lakeville, and I help buyers here, and anywhere in Dakota County and the Twin Cities metro, buy new construction with their eyes open.

New construction in Lakeville

Lakeville has been one of the busiest areas for new homes in the south metro, and new neighborhoods keep going in. Here's what to know.

Where new homes are going in Lakeville

Listed home prices as of November 2026. Builders' advertised starting prices can be lower than what's listed.

The Lakeville listings I reviewed ranged from the low $500s to the mid-$1 millions. That's a wide spread, so when I'm helping someone narrow it down, I start with two questions. Do you need a home that's ready soon, and what do you want included at your price?

• Brookshire, Cedar Hills and Voyageur Farms. I'd start here if you're comparing D.R. Horton and Lennar. Ask each builder to price an actual home on an available lot, with the finishes you want. That gives you a number you can compare.
• Ritter Meadows. If you're looking at Robert Thomas Homes, compare a quick-move-in home with the cost of building the same floor plan. Ask what's included in each price and what you can still change.
• Cedar Creek Villas. If you want main-level living, check which floor plans put the primary bedroom and laundry on the same floor. Then ask what the association handles, including snow removal and lawn care.
• Knob Hill. With multiple builders to compare, I'd pay close attention to the lot. Two homes at similar prices can have very different backyard grades, usable yard space and views.
• Reserve at Cedar Creek and Preserve of Lakeville. If you're looking at Brandl Anderson or Country Joe Homes, ask for a written price that includes the lot, basement finish and any upgrades you'd want. Those details can change which home fits your budget.
• The Enclave. The Superior Contracting listings I reviewed were around $1.35 million to $1.45 million. At that price, I'd ask which design choices are still open and what the quoted price includes outside the house, especially landscaping, patios and retaining walls.

If you're open to a few nearby areas, I'd also compare new homes in Farmington, Rosemount and Empire. I like to put actual homes side by side so you can see what changes in price, lot and commute.

Builders active in Lakeville

Lennar and D.R. Horton are two builders I see often when buyers want to compare floor plans and quick-move-in homes. In the listings I reviewed, their homes were roughly $510,000 to $700,000. Robert Thomas Homes and Key Land Homes showed up across a wider price range, so I'd compare the specific plan and what comes standard. You'll also see local builders such as Brandl Anderson, Country Joe Homes, One Ten Ten Homes and Superior Contracting.

When we tour, I'll ask each builder for three things in writing: the price for the specific home and lot, what's included, and when you can realistically close. That's how we figure out which option works for your budget and your timeline.

Comparing two Lakeville builders? Send me the floor plans or listings you're looking at. I'll help you compare what's included, what costs extra and what I'd ask before you sign.

How I help you buy or build a new home in Lakeville

If you send me two new builds you like, I'll start by finding out what you'd actually pay for each one, when you could move in, and what you'd still have to pay for after closing. I've helped buyers negotiate price reductions on spec homes, secure money toward an interest-rate buydown, and build from scratch, from picking the lot and floor plan to making design decisions and doing the final walkthrough.

I figure out where we have room to negotiate. How long has the home been sitting? Does the builder want it closed by a certain date? Are there similar homes still available in the neighborhood? Depending on what I find, I might ask for a lower price, a closing-cost credit, or money toward your rate. If an incentive comes with using the builder's lender, we'll compare the Loan Estimates to see which deal actually saves you more.

I help you think past the model home. Before you pay a lot premium, I want to see the grading plan and find out what's planned behind the house. That big backyard on paper can feel a lot smaller once you see the slope. At the design center, I'll help you decide what's worth doing while the walls are open, like adding windows or roughing in a basement bathroom, and what you can tackle after you move in.

I help you line up the build with the home you need to sell. I've coordinated sales around both quick move-ins and homes that were still under construction. Before you put earnest money down, we'll talk through when to list your current home, what happens if the build runs late, and whether the builder will accept a home-sale contingency. If they do, we'll review the deadlines and exactly what needs to happen for you to get your earnest money back if your home doesn't sell.

I stay involved when something goes sideways. I've helped clients work through problems during construction. If an inspection flags an issue, a finish comes in wrong, or the completion date moves, I'll help you get a clear answer from the builder and document what they've agreed to fix and when. A shifted closing date can affect your rate lock, your movers, and the sale of your current home. I want to know about it early enough that we still have options.

Know how your agent gets paid. Many builders pay buyer's agents through a compensation program, but policies vary and compensation is negotiable. I'll check the builder's policy and explain what you could owe under our agreement before we tour.

Buying new construction, step by step

1. Text me before you contact the builder

Text me the community before you contact the builder or visit. Some builders require agent registration at first contact for their buyer-agent compensation program. I'll check the policy and explain what you could owe before we tour. Already visited? Tell me where you went and we'll check your options.

2. Compare builders and communities

Not all builders are equal. We'll compare build quality, standard features, lot sizes, HOA dues, and resale history in their past communities. The cheapest base price isn't always the best value.

3. Spec home or to-be-built?

Spec homes are already under construction or finished. You move in sooner, and builders are often more flexible on price and incentives. To-be-built homes let you pick the lot, the plan, and the finishes, but expect a longer timeline and less room to negotiate.

4. Review the builder contract before you sign

Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorneys. They cover deposits, timelines, change orders, and what happens if construction runs late. I'll walk through the key terms with you, and it's worth having a real estate attorney review it too. One question I always ask: if the completion date slips, who pays to extend your rate lock, and how much notice will you get before closing? That matters if you're selling a current home, ending a lease or moving from out of state.

5. The design center: spend smart

Prioritize what's hard or expensive to change later: structural options, extra outlets, plumbing for a future basement bath, and window upgrades. Skip what's easy to upgrade later: light fixtures, paint colors, and some flooring.

6. Independent inspections

Yes, even on a brand-new home. A pre-drywall inspection catches framing, plumbing, and electrical issues while the walls are still open. A final inspection before closing catches what's left. City inspections check code minimums, not workmanship. Before you sign, confirm the contract allows independent pre-drywall and final inspections, how much notice your inspector gets, and how the builder handles findings before closing.

7. Closing and the warranty walkthrough

At closing you'll do a final walkthrough with the builder and a punch list of fixes. Then mark your calendar for a walkthrough before your first-year warranty ends, so nothing slips through. If you spot a problem before then, report it to the builder in writing when you find it.

Before you sign in any new community

Questions to ask in any new community

• HOA dues: what's covered now, and could dues go up once the community is built out?
• Special assessments: are any planned for streets, utilities, or amenities?
• What's being built next door: more homes, a commercial area, a road extension?
• Property taxes: the current tax bill may reflect vacant land or a partially built home. Ask for an estimate based on the completed home.

Minnesota build details worth checking

• Basement: finished or unfinished, egress windows for future bedrooms, and plumbing rough-ins for a future bathroom
• Radon mitigation: Minnesota requires radon control systems in new homes. Ask whether the fan is installed or just the passive pipe.
• Insulation and windows: these matter more here than in most states
• Garage: depth and width for real trucks and SUVs, plus storage for winter gear
• Drainage and grading: how water moves away from the foundation in spring thaw

Your new home warranty

Minnesota law gives new homes a statutory warranty: generally one year for workmanship and materials, two years for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and ten years for major construction defects. Many builders add their own warranty on top. Ask for the details in writing and calendar every deadline.

New construction FAQ

Do I need a Realtor to buy new construction?

You don't have to have one, but it's smart. The builder's sales rep represents the builder. Your own agent helps you compare builders, negotiate incentives, review the contract, and catch problems before closing.

Does it cost more to use my own agent with a builder?

It depends on the builder and your agreement. Many builders pay buyer's agents through a compensation program, and some require agent registration at first contact to qualify. Compensation is negotiable, so I'll check the builder's policy and explain what you could owe before you visit.

Should I get an inspection on a brand-new home?

Yes. City inspections check minimum code, not workmanship. An independent pre-drywall inspection and a final inspection before closing can catch issues that are much harder to fix after you move in.

Which upgrades are worth it for resale?

Focus on what's hard to change later: structural options, extra square footage, window upgrades, basement rough-ins, and electrical. Cosmetic items like light fixtures and paint are easier and cheaper to update after closing.

What incentives do builders in Lakeville offer?

It changes with the market and the builder. Common incentives include closing cost credits, mortgage rate buydowns, and upgrade packages. Spec homes and end-of-quarter timing often bring the best offers. Some incentives only apply if you use the builder's preferred lender, so compare the full picture.

What does the builder's incentive actually save me?

Ask for two written Loan Estimates on the same home, with the same loan type and down payment. Compare the builder's preferred lender with another lender. Look at the rate, lender fees, cash due at closing and what your payment becomes after any temporary buydown ends.

How long does it take to build a home in Minnesota?

A to-be-built home often takes several months to a year depending on the builder, the plan, and the season. Winter can slow some phases. Spec homes can be ready in weeks. Get the builder's timeline in writing and ask what happens if they miss it.

About Demyan

I'm Demyan Trofimovich, owner of Trofimovich Group at eXp Realty. I've been helping Minnesota families buy and sell homes for over 10 years. I'm a 5x eXp ICON Agent, I sell about 50 to 60 homes a year, and I rank in the top 5% of agents in Minnesota.

I live in Lakeville with my wife and our two kids. This isn't just where I work. It's home.

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