What Taylor Morrison Does
Taylor Morrison is a publicly traded home builder that designs and sells new single-family homes across the United States. The company operates through regional divisions, each building homes in specific markets. When you buy a Taylor Morrison home, you are purchasing a newly constructed house directly from the builder rather than from a previous owner.
Taylor Morrison homes range from entry-level to luxury price points depending on the region and community. The builder typically owns the land, designs the floor plans, constructs the home, and then sells it to you. This is different from buying an existing home on the resale market — you are working with the builder's sales team, financing options, and construction timeline from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Morrison sells newly built homes through regional divisions, and the homes available depend on which markets the builder operates in near you.
- You can customize certain features during the build process, but the timeline and options depend on how far along construction is when you purchase.
- Taylor Morrison offers its own financing programs through partnerships, but you can also bring your own mortgage lender if you prefer.
- New construction homes come with builder warranties that cover defects for a set period, typically one to ten years depending on the component.
- The purchase process includes a construction phase where the home is built, inspections at key milestones, and a final walkthrough before closing.
How to Find Taylor Morrison Homes in Your Area
Taylor Morrison operates in multiple states, but not all regions. Start by visiting the Taylor Morrison website and using their community locator tool, which shows active developments by state and city. You can filter by price range, number of bedrooms, and square footage to narrow down options.
Once you find a community near you, contact the on-site sales office directly. The sales team can show you model homes, explain available floor plans, and discuss current inventory. Some homes may be under construction, some ready to close, and some still in the planning phase — the availability changes by location and season.
You can also work with a real estate agent who represents buyers. Many agents have relationships with Taylor Morrison sales offices and can help you navigate the process, though keep in mind that the builder's sales team works for Taylor Morrison, not for you.
Customization Options and the Build Timeline
When you purchase a Taylor Morrison home, you may be able to customize certain features — but what you can change depends on when you buy. If you purchase early in the construction process, you typically have more options to select finishes, flooring, countertops, and appliances. If you buy a home that is already framed or nearly complete, your choices are limited to what the builder has already installed.
The builder provides a construction timeline that shows key milestones: foundation, framing, roof, electrical and plumbing rough-in, drywall, and final inspections. This timeline is an estimate and can shift due to weather, supply delays, or other factors. You will receive updates as the home progresses, and you can typically schedule site visits to see the work in progress.
Any customizations beyond the builder's standard options usually come at an additional cost. The sales team will provide an upgrade price list showing what each change costs. Make sure you understand which upgrades are included in your base price and which are add-ons.
Financing a Taylor Morrison Home
Taylor Morrison partners with mortgage lenders to offer financing programs to buyers. These programs may include incentives such as closing cost information or rate buydowns, depending on current promotions. The builder's financing team can explain what programs are available at the time you purchase.
You are not required to use the builder's financing. You can bring your own mortgage lender — a bank, credit union, or mortgage broker you choose. If you do, the builder's sales team will coordinate with your lender to may support the loan process stays on track with the construction timeline.
Most new construction mortgages work differently than resale mortgages. During construction, you typically do not make monthly payments. Once the home is complete and you close, your regular mortgage payments begin. Your lender will conduct inspections at key stages to verify the work is progressing as expected.
Builder Warranties and What They Cover
Taylor Morrison homes come with a builder warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. The coverage period and what is included vary, but typically the builder warrants structural components for ten years, major systems (roof, foundation, framing) for varying periods, and finish work (paint, drywall, flooring) for one to two years.
You will receive a warranty document at closing that lists exactly what is covered and for how long. If you find a defect during the warranty period, you report it to the builder's warranty department. The builder then has a set time to inspect and repair the issue. Some repairs happen before you move in; others may require a service call after closing.
Builder warranties do not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or maintenance items like HVAC filter changes. They also do not cover issues caused by third-party contractors you hire after purchase. Read your warranty carefully so you understand what is and is not covered.
The Closing Process for New Construction
Closing on a new construction home follows the same basic steps as a resale home, but the timing is tied to construction completion. Once the home is finished and passes all inspections, your lender will schedule a final walkthrough and appraisal. You will do a final inspection — sometimes called a "punch list" — where you and the builder's representative walk through and note any items that need attention before closing.
At closing, you sign the mortgage documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys. The builder transfers the title to you, and you become the owner. This typically happens at a title company or attorney's office, and the process takes a few hours.
Before closing, make sure your homeowners insurance is in place. Your lender will require proof of insurance before they will fund the loan. You will also receive all warranties, manuals, and documentation for appliances and systems in your new home.
Common Issues and What to Watch For
Construction delays are common in new home building. Weather, supply chain disruptions, and labor availability can all push back the completion date. Your purchase agreement should specify what happens if the builder misses the estimated completion date — some agreements include compensation or allow you to back out if the delay exceeds a certain number of days.
Quality issues can occur in new construction. During your final walkthrough, inspect the home thoroughly and document any defects in writing. Take photos and keep records of everything you report. If issues arise after closing, contact the warranty department promptly — waiting too long can complicate repairs.
Make sure you understand all costs before you sign. Ask the sales team for a detailed breakdown of the base price, any upgrades you selected, closing costs, and any builder incentives. Hidden costs or surprise fees at closing create frustration and can derail the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I back out of a Taylor Morrison purchase before construction starts?
Yes, but the terms depend on your purchase agreement. Most builders allow cancellation before construction begins with a refund of your deposit, though some agreements include a cancellation fee. Once construction starts, backing out typically means forfeiting your deposit. Read your agreement carefully and ask the sales team about cancellation terms before you sign.
What happens if the builder goes out of business before my home is finished?
Taylor Morrison is a large, publicly traded company, so this is unlikely. However, if any builder fails, your mortgage lender typically has protections in place. Your lender may require a completion bond or other may provide. Ask your lender about their protections before you close on the loan.
Do I need a home inspection on a new Taylor Morrison home?
A home inspection is not required, but many buyers choose to hire an inspector anyway. A professional inspector can catch defects you might miss and provide documentation for warranty claims. The cost is usually a few hundred dollars and can be worth the peace of mind.
Can I negotiate the price of a Taylor Morrison home?
Prices are typically set by the builder, but incentives and promotions change frequently. During slower sales periods, builders may offer closing cost information, rate buydowns, or free upgrades. Ask the sales team what incentives are currently available. You can also ask whether the builder will negotiate on price, though they may decline.
What is the difference between a Taylor Morrison home and a resale home?
A new Taylor Morrison home is built to current building codes and comes with a builder warranty. A resale home is older, may have unknown maintenance history, and comes with no builder warranty. New construction typically costs more but requires less when ready repair work. Resale homes are often cheaper and move faster, but you inherit any existing issues.