Walking the model home? Bring someone in your corner.
With more than 1,000 new builds to choose from across the Lowcountry, let Chuck help you narrow in on the right home for you. Buying new construction runs by different rules than buying a resale. The agent at the model represents the builder, not you — and the negotiation is rarely just about price.
Six things buyers usually don't hear at the model home.
There's a lot of confusion around how new-construction representation works. The short version: you can have your own agent, the builder pays them, and you're better off for it.
The model-home agent works for the builder
The person greeting you at the model is paid by the builder to close the sale on the builder's terms. They are friendly and informative — and they are not your advocate. What you tell them is information that flows back to the seller.
Your own representation costs you nothing
The builder pays both sides at the closing table. Bringing me along doesn't add a dollar to your purchase price — but skipping it removes the only person at the table working the builder's contract on your behalf.
The real negotiation is rarely on base price
Most builders hold the line on base price; moving it sets a precedent for every other buyer. Where the wins live: upgrades, lot premiums, closing costs, rate buydowns, appliance packages, fences, blinds. I know which builders give on which line items — and which won't.
The contract is the builder's contract
Builders use their own purchase agreement, drafted by their attorneys for their interests. The standard contingencies you'd have on a resale — appraisal, inspection, financing — may not survive the builder's draft. Knowing which clauses to push back on is most of the value of having me there.
Timeline risk is real
Permits, weather, supply chains, labor. A six-month build is often nine. Your deposit is your leverage; how the contract treats delays decides who pays for the extended rate lock or the second move-out.
Day-one choices drive resale years later
Corner lot or interior. Kitchen upgrade or primary suite. Third bay or no third bay. The decisions you make at the design center are what your home is worth in five years when you sell. I can tell you which options the local resale market actually pays for.
Walking a model this weekend?
Bring me with you — or have me there before you sign. No cost to you, and you'll know what to ask, what to push on, and what the builder's going to say next.
A useful starting point — not an overwhelming list.
These 18 featured homes are a curated cross-section of more than 1,000 new-build opportunities across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. I can compare the full field by location, budget, timeline, incentives, and the tradeoffs that matter to you. Other agents' contact information is intentionally left off; if a home catches your eye, call me first.
Dawson Pointe
Townhome living · Loft plans · Patio living · HOA $385/mo.
Open-concept main level, patio, upstairs loft and private primary suite
Summers Corner
Pools and clubhouse · Pickleball and tennis · Walking trails.
Single-story active-adult plan, covered porch and zero-entry tiled shower
Single-story active-adult plan, gourmet kitchen, fireplace and screened porch
Guest suite on main, two-story living room, study, den and upstairs loft
Watson Hill
Pool · Dog park · Walking trails · HOA $860/yr.
Single-level layout, open kitchen and living area, covered front porch
Two-story plan, bonus loft, full appliance package and private patio
Lakeview Commons
Pool · Park · Near Joint Base Charleston · HOA $225/mo.
Townhome with flex room, granite kitchen, patio and rear storage
Cypress Preserve
Pool · Park · Walking trails · HOA $800/yr.
Four-bedroom Juniper Collection plan with loft and upstairs primary
Double porches, flex room, covered rear porch and upstairs loft
Five-bedroom Arbor Collection plan with dedicated study
Tanner Plantation — Heron Preserve
Near Hawks Nest Park · Walking trails · Boutique 87-home neighborhood · HOA $1,000/yr.
Drive-under design with flexible finish choices and an estimated 6–7 month build
Primary suite and study downstairs, guest ensuite, loft and privacy fence
Ashley Walk Townes
Low-maintenance townhomes · Walking trails · Energy-efficient features · HOA $205/mo.
Open-concept townhome, upstairs loft and EV-charger-ready garage
End-unit townhome with upgraded finishes, hardwood floors and screened porch
Kings River Preserve
Boat ramp · Scenic green space · Waterside viewing deck · HOA $1,100/yr.
Single-story living with bonus space, study, quartz kitchen and Craftsman trim
Five-bedroom plan with downstairs primary, office and quartz kitchen
Copahee View
Lowcountry architecture · Drive-under garages · Near the coast.
Double front porches, downstairs primary, flex space, loft and elevator shaft
Raised coastal plan with flex space, covered porch, loft and walk-in closets
Prices, options, and availability change frequently. Featured homes reflect an active MLS export received July 23, 2026 — call me for the latest before walking the model home.
Listing photos provided through the Charleston-area MLS. Some proposed or under-construction home photos may show a model or representative rendering; finishes can vary.
Walking a model this weekend?
Bring me with you — or have me there before you sign. No cost to you, and you'll know what to ask, what to push on, and what the builder's going to say next.