Today’s episode features a 20-year real estate veteran whose career spans commercial real estate, custom new construction, and leading one of the top real estate teams in Ankeny. Ankeny Real Estate Group’s own Colin Panzi breaks down how the new construction process really works — from selecting the right lot, to budgeting properly, to the biggest surprises buyers don’t realize until it’s too late.

Whether you’re comparing new construction to resale or thinking about building a custom home someday, this episode will help you feel informed, educated, and comfortable as you plan your next step.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
00:34 — Colin’s Story and Start in Real Estate
02:40 — Fargo New Construction + Extreme Home Makeover
05:30 — How Builders Plan Fast Build Schedules
08:00 — Budgeting, Floor Plans & Lot Selection
11:00 — Common Costs Buyers Forget (blinds, landscaping, appliances)
14:30 — Why Rooms Look Small During Construction
17:00 — How Pricing Changes During the Build
19:00 — The 8-Foot vs 9-Foot Ceiling Mistake
21:00 — Entry-Level New Construction vs Resale
23:40 — Local Builders vs National Builders
26:00 — Understanding What You Get For the Money
29:00 — What to Ask Before Building
30:50 — Wrap Up + Colin’s Contact Info