u/Remarkable_Base_1230

\*\*1.\*\* Is requiring pre-approval with the builder’s own lender, before lots even release, normal for new construction? \*\*2.\*\* Any room to negotiate price/lot premium with builders, or is flexibility usually limited to closing costs/upgrade credits? \*\*3.\*\* First home ever, no contract seen yet, nothing negotiated — are we moving too fast, or is this a reasonable pace?

Two months of house hunting, saw 5-6 homes, found “the one” — Toll Brothers single house plan near ATL suburbs, checks every box (price, layout, location). Problem: the specific lots we want haven’t released yet, no timeline given. Sales agent says we can only offer once released, and only if pre-approved through Toll Brothers Mortgage specifically — so she wants us to pre-approve now to be ready.

Questions:

**1.** Is requiring pre-approval with the builder’s own lender, before lots even release, normal for new construction?
**2.** Any room to negotiate price/lot premium with builders, or is flexibility usually limited to closing costs/upgrade credits?
**3.** First home ever, no contract seen yet, nothing negotiated — are we moving too fast, or is this a reasonable pace?

The plan we are interested in has an unfinished basement and Toll brothers won’t finish it even if paid extra, can anybody help in understanding as unfinished basement?

Anyone dealt with Toll Brothers or similar pre-release situations? Trying to avoid a rookie mistake.

Edit: We plan to do a pre drywall inspection and one before closing. Will that help us out to avoid or prevent alteast some of the general toll brother complaints?

First-time buyers — Toll Brothers wants us pre-approved with their lender before our target lots even release. Normal?

First-time buyers — Toll Brothers wants us pre-approved with their lender before our target lots even release. Normal?