San Antonio’s new construction market is booming, offering everything from affordable starter houses near Lackland AFB to upscale custom estates in the Hill Country. Dubbed “Military City USA,” our housing scene is heavily influenced by a strong veteran community and proximity to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA).

If you are searching for the “best veteran Realtor in San Antonio” or a “top San Antonio veteran real estate agent,” it is likely because you need a partner who understands the intersection of VA loans and new construction contracts.

In this guide, we highlight the top-rated home builders, current incentives (like interest rate buy-downs), and expert advice tailored for military families and luxury buyers.

Top-Rated Home Builders in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio features a mix of large production builders and luxury custom firms. When evaluating builders, we look for quality construction, warranty reputation, and veteran-friendly incentives.

1. Lennar Homes

• Best For: First-time buyers and streamlined purchasing.

• The Appeal: Known for their "Everything’s Included®" approach, Lennar homes come with standard upgrades like stainless appliances and smart home tech, avoiding the "sticker shock" of design centers.

• Veteran Perk: Lennar frequently contributes up to 3% of the home price toward VA closing costs or rate buy-downs.

2. Perry Homes

• Best For: Architectural variety and warranty reliability.

• The Appeal: A Texas-based favorite, Perry offers competitive pricing from the $300s to luxury ranges. They are renowned for a robust warranty program and open-concept designs.

• Veteran Perk: Perry often offers "flex cash" (up to $15,000) for VA buyers, which can be applied to upgrades or buying down your interest rate.

3. David Weekley Homes

• Best For: Semi-custom designs and customer service.

• The Appeal: An award-winning builder focusing on "LifeDesign℠", floor plans that prioritize sight lines and traffic flow. They are a top choice for upscale communities.

• Luxury Angle: Their high-end finishes and energy efficiency make them a staple in neighborhoods ranging from $400k to $1M+.

4. Sitterle Homes

• Best For: Luxury garden homes and custom estates.

• The Appeal: A local legend in San Antonio luxury. Sitterle specializes in lock-and-leave garden homes (perfect for retirees or frequent travelers) and grand estate homes in gated communities.

• Price Point: Mid-$400s to well over $1 Million.

Other Notable Builders

• D.R. Horton: The nation’s largest builder offers immense inventory and "Main Street Stars" incentives for military and first responders.

• Pulte Homes: Excellent "Life Tested®" floor plans ideal for growing families.

• Toll Brothers: The go-to for national-level luxury and personalization.

Best Deals: Navigating Builder Incentives

In the current economic climate, builders are competing for buyers. If you are working with a top San Antonio veteran real estate agent, they should be negotiating these three specific incentives for you:

Interest Rate Buy-Downs

This is currently the most valuable incentive. Builders like Taylor Morrison and Empire Communities have offered "2/1 buy-downs" for VA buyers.

• How it works: The builder pays to lower your interest rate by 2% the first year and 1% the second year, potentially saving you hundreds per month.

Closing Cost Assistance

Builders will often pay a significant portion of your closing costs (sometimes $8,000 to $12,000) if you use their preferred lender.

• Note: This is especially helpful for veterans using a 0% down VA loan, allowing you to move in with almost zero out-of-pocket cash.

Free Upgrades & Design Credits

From "Red Tag" sales at D.R. Horton to design center credits at KB Home, builders often throw in refrigerator packages, blinds, or granite upgrades to close a deal before the quarter ends.

5 Expert Tips for Buying New Construction

Buying a new build is different from buying a resale home. Here is how to protect your investment.

1. Hire a Realtor Who Works for YOU

The friendly salesperson in the model home represents the builder, not you. To ensure your interests are protected, you need an independent advocate.

• Does it cost money to use a Realtor for new construction? generally, no. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission. If you walk in unrepresented, the builder simply pockets that money; you do not get a discount.

2. Don't Skip the Third-Party Inspection

Common misconception: "It's new, so it's perfect." False. Builders are on tight timelines, and mistakes happen.

• The Strategy: Hire a licensed inspector for a "Phase 2" (Pre-drywall) and "Phase 3" (Final) inspection. We look for missing insulation, unconnected ducts, and roof issues before you close.

3. Be Strategic About Upgrades

Builders have high markups on design center items.

• Buy from Builder: Structural items (extra garage bay, covered patio, plumbing for a water softener). These are hard to add later.

• Buy Later: Cosmetic items (cabinet hardware, decorative light fixtures, epoxy garage floors). You can do these cheaper after moving in.

4. Verify the "Preferred Lender" Math

Builders will tie incentives to their in-house lender. While often a good deal, always have your veteran real estate agent review the Loan Estimate. Sometimes the builder's lender charges higher fees that eat up the "savings" from the incentive.

5. Understand the Warranty

Texas requires builders to offer a warranty, but they vary. Look for a "1-2-10" warranty:

• 1 Year: Workmanship and materials.

• 2 Years: Systems (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC).

• 10 Years: Major Structural components.

Popular Communities for New Construction

For Families & Value: Alamo Ranch

Located in Far West San Antonio, this master-planned giant offers great schools and amenities. Builders like Lennar and Highland Homes have massive footprints here.

For Luxury & Prestige: The Dominion & Stone Oak

If you are looking for gated security and hill country views, these North Central areas are premier. Look for Sitterle and custom builders here.

For Military Convenience: Cibolo Canyons & Schertz

Located along the 281 corridor and I-35 North, these areas offer easy commutes to Randolph AFB and Fort Sam Houston. Cibolo Canyons also hosts the JW Marriott Resort, offering a resort lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for New Home Buyers

Q: Can I use my VA Loan for a new construction home in San Antonio?
A: Absolutely. Most major builders in San Antonio (Lennar, Perry, D.R. Horton) are VA-registered. However, custom builders must be approved by the VA. As a veteran Realtor in San Antonio, I can verify a builder's VA status before you sign a contract.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy a new home or build one?
A: Buying a "spec home" (inventory home that is already under construction) is usually cheaper and offers better incentives than building from dirt, as the builder wants to move the inventory quickly.

Q: Do I need a Realtor if I go to the builder's office?
A: Yes. If you visit a model home without a Realtor, you may cross a threshold where the builder refuses to let you have representation later. Always call your agent before visiting a model home.

Ready to Find Your New Home?

Navigating builder contracts, managing inspections, and maximizing VA incentives requires local expertise. If you are searching for the best veteran Realtor in San Antonio to help you secure the best deal on a new build, let’s connect.