A Northern Virginia buyer's advantage
The Builder Is Not Your Friend
A candid guide to new-construction home buying by Khalil El-Ghoul, founder and principal broker of Glass House Real Estate.
Understand the incentives. Look beyond the model home. Make your next move with an experienced team on your side.
Buying in Northern Virginia? Start here before your first builder visit.
20+ yearsKhalil's Real Estate Experience
$1 Billion+Khalil's Career Real Estate Sales
300+ New HomesSold by Glass House Since 2010
Beyond the sales presentation
The decisions that matter often come before you choose the finishes: which builder, which lot, what is included, and what happens when plans change.
This book helps you ask better questions throughout the process. Glass House helps you apply that thinking to the home you are actually considering.
Written for buyers of production-built homes, with lessons that also help you ask sharper questions about other new-construction purchases.
Read before you commit
Three short selections from the first edition. No email required to read them.
“Remember, the sales agents at new home developments are skilled professionals—some of the best trained in any industry. They are taught to represent the builder’s interests, not yours. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of a brand-new home. But this is when you need to be most alert.”
Put it to work: Before a model-home visit, know who represents you and what to ask.
“For example, one month the builder might advertise a “free finished basement” while at the same time raising the base price or removing what might have otherwise been a standard option.”
Put it to work: Compare the complete price, options and financing terms, not just the advertised incentive.
“First, document all issues thoroughly. Take detailed notes of all conversations and enlist the help of independent third-party specialists for specific problems—for example, if there is an HVAC issue, get an independent HVAC contractor to evaluate it.”
Put it to work: Keep a written record and bring the right specialist into the conversation.
Want to keep reading? Explore the full book at your own pace.
Built around Northern Virginia
Comparing new communities in Loudoun, a townhome in Fairfax County, or a new home in Vienna or McLean? Start with the details of that property, not a generic promise about new construction.
Our team helps buyers across Northern Virginia evaluate the tradeoffs before making a commitment.
Explore our new-construction representationCompare the site plan, grading, neighboring uses, future development and the value of a lot premium.
Put the base price, structural options, design choices, lender incentives and closing costs in one picture.
Understand deposits, deadlines, inspections, change orders and how a move or home sale fits the timeline.
Expertise, with smarter economics
Glass House offers full-service buyer representation with a rebate model. Depending on the home, the compensation received and your written agreement, part of the brokerage's compensation may be returned to you.
A rebate is often an approved closing-cost credit or, when permitted and approved, a check after closing. We will explain the service, fee and potential savings together.
Read the Realtor rebate FAQ