In today’s competitive real estate market on Long Island, new construction presents unique opportunities for buyers seeking custom homes in desirable locations like Huntington, NY. However, navigating the new construction process comes with its own set of challenges and considerations that differ significantly from purchasing existing homes.
As a father-son team with over 40 years of combined experience in the Huntington and Northport real estate markets, we’ve helped numerous clients successfully purchase new construction properties. In this article, we’ll share our insights on how to navigate the new construction market in Huntington, from finding the right opportunity to closing on your dream home.
New Construction Availability in Huntington NY
Finding new construction in Huntington and surrounding areas presents both opportunities and challenges. As we’ve experienced firsthand, the limited amount of available land on Long Island makes new developments particularly valuable.
“One of the difficult markets to cut into, especially on Long Island because of the limited open land opportunities, is new construction,” notes Jim McKenna Jr. “It takes a certain amount of knowledge and networking to access these opportunities.”
In recent years, we’ve seen new construction price points in the Huntington area starting around $1 million for standard models, with larger or more customized homes ranging from $1.35 million to over $2 million. These price points reflect both the premium location and the quality of construction being offered.
What many buyers don’t realize is that new construction opportunities in Huntington don’t always come from large developers building entire neighborhoods. Sometimes, they’re individual lots or small subdivisions of just a few houses. This is why having connections with local builders and knowing the market is essential to finding these hidden gems before they’re widely advertised.
Selling Homes Before Roads Are Built in Huntington
One of the most unique aspects of new construction is the ability to purchase a home before it’s even built — sometimes before the roads are even cut in. This requires a different approach and mindset compared to traditional real estate transactions.
“Before the road was cut in, before any models were up, I was walking through the woods with a tree map,” recalls Jim Jr. about a recent 21-unit subdivision in Northport. “We ended up selling 14 in total of the 21… I think six or seven before the road was even in.”
When working with new construction, buyers need to understand:
- Visualization is key: You must be able to envision your future home based on plans, maps, and sometimes just walking through undeveloped land
- Timeline flexibility: New construction typically takes longer than anticipated, especially with permit approvals and unexpected delays
- Communication is critical: Regular updates throughout the building process help manage expectations
In our experience with new construction in Huntington, timelines can extend significantly beyond initial estimates. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown of the Town of Huntington offices added about a year and a half to the timeline for road approvals on one of our recent projects.
Despite these challenges, we’ve found that setting clear expectations from the beginning and maintaining constant communication helps buyers stay committed even through extended build timelines. In fact, we didn’t lose a single contract when interest rates jumped from below 3% to around 7% during one development project because we kept everyone informed and prepared.
Client-First Approach to Real Estate in Huntington
When it comes to both new construction and resale properties in Huntington, putting the client’s interests first is essential. This philosophy has been the foundation of our success over the years.
“We are very strong customer first, client first,” explains Jim Sr. “We don’t chase dollars.”
This approach was highlighted in a recent transaction where we initially listed a property as an exclusive at the seller’s request, limiting its exposure to the broader market. We received an offer of $660,000 where we would have represented both sides of the transaction.
Instead of accepting this convenient double-ended deal, we convinced the seller to let us bring the property to the full market. The result? Twelve additional offers, ultimately selling for $750,000 all cash — $90,000 more than the initial offer. Though we made half the commission we could have made on the transaction, we prioritized our client’s best interests.
“We sleep very well at night knowing that we were able to do that for our client,” Jim Jr. reflects.
This client-first philosophy is even more important in new construction, where buyers are making significant financial commitments based largely on trust and plans rather than an existing structure they can see and touch.
Why Buy in Northport and Huntington NY
The Huntington and Northport areas offer unique attractions that make them particularly desirable for new construction buyers. Having lived and worked in these communities for decades, we’ve developed a deep appreciation for what makes them special.
“Northport is a Norman Rockwell town,” Jim Sr. describes. “We know the mayor, the police chief… Northport has its own police department, highway department. It’s very self-sufficient.”
Some key features that attract buyers to these areas include:
- Waterfront access and parks
- Walkable downtowns with shops and restaurants
- Strong sense of community
- Excellent school districts
- Distinctive village character
Buyers interested in new construction should understand the different regulations that may apply in different parts of the area. “The rules in Huntington are not the same rules in Northport,” explains Jim Sr. “The rules in Northport override the rules in Huntington. Like accessory apartment permits are not allowed in the village. They’re allowed in the Town of Huntington, but they’re not allowed in Northport Village.”
These distinctions are critical for buyers to understand, especially when considering new construction and potential future additions or modifications to their property.
Steps to Buying a New Construction Home
If you’re considering purchasing new construction in Huntington, here are some essential tips based on our decades of experience:
- Work with agents who know new construction. Not all real estate agents have experience with new construction. Working with agents who understand the nuances of the building process, local regulations, and have relationships with developers can make all the difference. If you’re considering a career in real estate and want to specialize in areas like new construction, starting with quality education at a real estate school is essential for building the foundational knowledge you’ll need.
- Understand the timeline realistically. New construction always takes longer than initially projected. In Huntington, we’ve seen projects take 2-3 years from initial contract to completion. Be prepared for delays and build this flexibility into your planning.
- Get everything in writing. Make sure all promised features, finishes, and timelines are documented in your contract. This helps avoid misunderstandings and provides recourse if issues arise.
- Visit regularly during construction. If possible, schedule regular visits to the construction site to monitor progress and address any concerns early.
- Consider the total cost, not just the base price. Upgrades, landscaping, and other add-ons can significantly increase the final price of a new construction home. Budget accordingly and decide which upgrades are worth the investment.
- Research the builder thoroughly. Not all builders are created equal. Research their reputation, view their previous work, and speak with past clients, if possible.
- Understand the warranty. New homes typically come with warranties, but coverage varies. Understand what’s covered, for how long, and what process you’ll need to follow if issues arise.
Finding New Construction Opportunities in Huntington
New construction opportunities in Huntington don’t always make it to public listings, particularly for prime locations or custom builds. Building relationships with well-connected local agents can give you access to opportunities before they hit the market.
Our team is constantly searching for new development opportunities in the area. “I have a search set up specifically for land,” notes Jim Jr., highlighting the proactive approach needed to identify new construction possibilities in this competitive market.
For buyers interested in new construction in Huntington, we recommend starting your search early and being prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise. The combination of limited land, high demand, and complex approval processes means that good opportunities don’t last long.
Working with The Jims Team gives you access to our decades of experience, strong builder relationships, and deep knowledge of the Huntington and Northport communities. Whether you’re looking for an existing new construction property or want to build your dream home from the ground up, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you’re interested in learning more about new construction opportunities in Huntington, NY, or have questions about the buying process, contact The Jims Team today. Our client-first approach ensures that your best interests are always our top priority.
About The Jims Team: Jim McKenna Sr. and Jim McKenna Jr. have been working together in real estate for over 25 years, serving the Huntington and Northport communities. With extensive experience in both resale and new construction properties, they bring a unique generational perspective to help clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market. Their client-first approach and commitment to community service have made them one of the top real estate teams in the area.
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