According to BuilderOnline.com, the median sales price of a new home was only $14,600 more than that of an existing home in Q1. But I beg to differ—because I know that real estate is always “location” specific.
This statement got me thinking: Does it hold true here in Rockwall? So, I pulled our numbers and discovered that Rockwall is anything but average.
Steve Ladurantaye, VP of residential content at Zonda Home, writes, “The price gap between a new or existing home is closing, according to the National Association of Home Builders. During the first quarter, the median sales price of a new home was only $14,600 more than an existing home.”
“There are several reasons why new and existing homes are selling at similar price points,” the association said. “For existing homes, tight inventory continues to push up prices … both new and existing homes saw dramatic increases in prices post-pandemic due to higher construction costs and limited supply.”
The NAHB cites $416,900 as the national median price for a new single-family home in Q1.
But I always remind folks that real estate is local. And by local, I don’t just mean southeast versus northwest Rockwall—I’m talking neighborhood to neighborhood. Even within the same city, prices can shift dramatically. For instance, in Rockwall, the median home price in The Highlands is around $550,000, while just down the road in Winding Creek, it’s over $1 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the median sale prices for new-build and pre-owned homes in Rockwall County and its five largest cities during the first quarter of 2025:
| Location | Building Type | Quantity | Median $ | Median $ per Ft. |
| Rockwall County | New Build | 154 | $415,490 | $174.46 |
| Pre-Owned | 203 | $425,000 | $177.46 | |
| Rockwall | New Build | 25 | $729,000 | $232.64 |
| Pre-Owned | 90 | $449,000 | $188.71 | |
| Heath | New Build | 7 | $1,465,730 | $343.92 |
| Pre-Owned | 25 | $975,000 | $228.38 | |
| Fate | New Build | 52 | $416,000 | $172.26 |
| Pre-Owned | 33 | $375,000 | $165.33 | |
| McLendon Chisholm | New Build | 10 | $583,460 | $194.11 |
| Pre-Owned | 5 | $769,000 | $209.28 | |
| Royse City | New Build | 72 | $346,673 | $162.86 |
| Pre-Owned | 59 | $330,000 | $158.08 |
You’ll notice that most new construction is happening in Fate and Royse City, providing more affordable entry points into homeownership. But price is just one part of the picture.
Why Builders Offer Incentives (Instead of Lower Prices)
What the numbers don’t show is the value of builder incentives, such as:
- Temporary interest rate buydowns
- Paid closing costs
- Design upgrades and appliances
- Permanent rate buydowns using points
Why do builders prefer incentives over cutting prices? Because it helps preserve neighborhood values. Offering $30,000 in incentives allows the buyer to get more for their money without lowering the recorded sale price—giving the builder pricing flexibility on future inventory.
The Bottom Line
There will always be highs and lows in the market. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a well-kept older home or the sparkle of new construction, it’s vital to look beyond just the price tag. Every buyer and every community is different.
Next week, I’ll dive into non-restricted communities across Rockwall County, comparing new builds and pre-owned homes—from budget-friendly to luxury.
Have questions about what’s right for you? I’m always happy to help.
Jerry Welch, Realtor
Jerry Welch is a full-time, professional REALTOR® with over 17 years in real estate and specializes in helping seniors’ transition. He holds an SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) designation, which reflects his extensive education on topics such as tax laws, probate, estate planning, and equity conversion strategies. He offers relevant information on current market trends as well as being a valuable resource regarding real estate transactions. He was one of the founding members and is a past chair of the Rockwall Chamber SSA (Senior Services Alliance) Program. (972) 800 3915 https://jerrywelch.ebby.com/
