While shopping for a buyer for the last couple of days, I thought new constuction was the way to go but sorry to say the information isn't

really clear.  The MLS can only have what the builder supplies their agents.  All too often I've see the lots NOT have the address which is where the realtor gets the style to be built, square footage, size, availability... Only after physically visiting sites is where I found out what I needed to know.  So if you're shopping, you really need a real estate broker to go to bat for you as there are usually half a dozen other buyers in-line on the wish list of the lot to be built upon and you need to be signed-up with the builder's website or their agent.  It doesn't mean you need to work with their agent but do have your agent sign you up and keep in the loop.  There may be incentives that are told agent to agent that may not be addressed readily to you the Buyer.  I found a $2,500 discount for my buyer as one of "OUR HOMETOWN Heroes."