Builders Program at a Glance
- Who it's for
- Home builders and developers, both custom and spec, and buyers of new-construction homes
- For builders
- Pre-construction strategy, pricing guidance, marketing, buyer management, upgrade, deposit and contract coordination, and support from construction to closing
- For buyers
- Lot selection to final walkthrough, builder contract review and help comparing custom and spec homes
- Industry membership
- Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)
- Construction background
- Natasha Sutherland, co-founder, whose specialties include new construction
- Where
- St. John's and across Newfoundland and Labrador, depending on the project and market conditions
- Brokerage
- A real estate team with Keller Williams Platinum Realty, St. John's
- Enquiries
- Call (709) 771-4448 · Text (709) 749-7729 · info@lsre.ca
What Is the L|S Builder Program?
The Builder Program supports home builders and developers with the real estate side of a new construction project, so builders can focus on construction. Builders contact the team to discuss their project, goals and timeline. We then outline how the program can support their needs and create a plan to bring the homes to market.
We work with both custom home builders and spec builders, with support tailored to the project's size, timelines and sales goals.
Strategic Support for Home Builders in Newfoundland
Building homes in St. John's requires more than quality construction. It requires the right market insight, buyer connection and sales strategy. Our Builder Program is designed to support builders at every stage, from early planning to successful sales and long-term growth.
From infill projects in St. John's to new developments in suburban communities and surrounding areas, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to see strong demand for well-built, thoughtfully designed homes. We work closely with builders to position new construction properties effectively, connect them with qualified buyers and navigate market conditions with confidence.
For builders in St. John's, the program isn't just about selling homes. It's about building lasting partnerships, supporting sustainable growth and contributing to strong communities across Newfoundland. Our goal is to help builders focus on what they do best, while we provide the guidance, exposure and support needed to bring their projects to market successfully.
What Does the Builder Program Include?
- Pre-Construction Strategy & Market Positioning — building successfully starts long before construction begins. We provide early market insight, pricing strategy and neighbourhood positioning before the first shovel hits the ground, and help guide floor plans, features, finishes and launch timing based on real buyer demand, not assumptions. The aim is informed decisions early that support faster sales and stronger pricing. We recommend involving the team during the planning phase.
- Pricing Strategy & Buyer Demand Analysis — correct pricing is critical to protecting margins and reducing carrying costs. We provide clear, data-driven pricing guidance based on current market conditions, comparable sales and buyer psychology in St. John's. By aligning pricing with demand from the outset, we help builders position their homes competitively while avoiding unnecessary price adjustments later in the process.
- Buyer Management & Sales Process — managing buyers can be time-consuming and disruptive to the build process. We act as your dedicated sales arm, handling buyer communication, qualification, showings and negotiations so you can stay focused on construction. From initial enquiries to accepted offers, we manage the sales process clearly and professionally, so buyers are informed, serious and prepared.
- Professional Marketing & Exposure — your builds receive full-service marketing, not “MLS and hope.” We create professional marketing campaigns for new construction homes in St. John's and surrounding areas, including photography, video, social media promotion, email outreach and custom listing materials, aimed at buyers actively searching in the area. The goal is consistent buyer interest, strong visibility and efficient inventory movement throughout the sales cycle.
- Upgrade Coordination & Contract Management — new construction sales require careful coordination. We assist with upgrade selections, deposit tracking, milestone management and contract coordination to ensure smooth communication between buyers, builders and legal teams, and we help keep buyers informed about upgrades, timelines and expectations. This structured approach helps reduce friction, avoid miscommunication and keep projects moving forward efficiently.
- Construction-to-Closing Support — we stay involved right through to possession. From progress updates and appraisal coordination to occupancy scheduling and deficiency walk-throughs, we support builders through the final stages of the build and sale. The goal is a seamless transition from construction to closing, with buyers informed and builders facing fewer delays and fewer headaches.
Listings and transactions are handled through Keller Williams Platinum Realty. L|S Real Estate Group coordinates contracts from a real estate perspective and does not provide legal advice. Builders and buyers should have their lawyers review any agreement before signing.
Proud Members of CHBA
L|S Real Estate is proud to be a member of the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA). Membership reflects our commitment to supporting quality construction, ethical standards, and the continued growth of the home building industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
By working alongside builders, developers and industry professionals through CHBA, we stay informed on best practices, market trends and regulatory changes that impact new construction. This connection allows us to better support builders and provide informed guidance throughout the sales and marketing process. Visit the CHBA website.
Co-founder Natasha Sutherland also brings a background in construction, event planning and technology project management to new construction projects.
Great communities are built when strong builders and local market expertise work together. Ready to build? Connect with us.
Buying a New-Construction Home With L|S
Not a builder? If you are buying a new home rather than building one, L|S Real Estate Group can help you through the purchase, from lot selection to the final walkthrough, whether you want a custom build, a home from a builder's plans or a spec home.
Disclosure: Where we also represent or receive compensation from a builder, we disclose it in writing before you sign.
Who Is New-Construction Buying Support For?
Building new is an opportunity to get a home designed around the way you live. We help buyers who want:
- A custom build — a home built to your plans and finish selections, on your own lot or one in a new subdivision.
- A modern family home in a newer neighbourhood, chosen from a builder's plans and options.
- A spec or move-in-ready new home — a newly built or nearly complete home you can see before you buy.
- Clear advice as a first-time buyer comparing a new home with a resale home.
Custom, Builder's Plan or Spec Home: What's the Difference?
| Option | What it means | A good fit if… |
|---|---|---|
| Custom build | A builder constructs a home to your plans and finish selections. | You want to choose the layout and finishes and can plan around a longer timeline. |
| Builder's plan in a new development | You choose a plan and options from a builder's existing designs, on a lot in their development. | You want a new home with some choices, and a simpler process than a fully custom build. |
| Spec home | A home a builder builds ahead of a sale. It may be under construction or already finished and ready, or nearly ready, for possession. | You need to move sooner or want to see the finished home before you buy. |
How Does Buying a New Construction Home Work?
L|S Real Estate Group can help you through each step of the new construction process:
- Consultation and budget. We talk through your budget, timing, preferred location and must-haves. Speak with your lender early, since financing a build can work differently from buying a resale home.
- Builders and plans. We help you compare local builders and developers, and the plans, lots and homes that fit your budget, style and location.
- Lot selection. We help you evaluate available lots, considering orientation, grading, how the neighbourhood is developing and whether the lot is on municipal water and sewer or a private well and septic system.
- Contract review. We review the builder's contract with you from a real estate perspective, so the price, inclusions, deposits, timelines and warranty are clearly documented. Your lawyer reviews it from a legal perspective.
- Build timeline. We explain the build timeline and what can affect it, and aim to keep you informed at key milestones.
- Final walkthrough. Before you take possession, we walk through the home with you to identify deficiencies or items requiring attention, so they're documented for the builder.
- Closing and possession. We work with your lawyer and lender, with the aim of a smooth closing day.
What Should I Check in a Builder's Contract?
Builder contracts differ, and the details matter. Before you sign, make sure you understand:
- The total price and what it includes, such as the lot, HST, allowances and upgrades
- How much deposit is required and when each payment is due
- The inclusions and finish specifications, in writing
- The completion or possession date, and what happens if it changes
- Warranty coverage: whether the home is enrolled in a third-party new home warranty program, what it covers and for how long
- How changes and extras are priced, and how deficiencies are handled after possession
L|S Real Estate Group reviews contracts from a real estate perspective and does not provide legal advice. Have your lawyer review any agreement before you sign.
Where Are New Homes Being Built Around St. John's?
New construction is spread across the St. John's metro area. Paradise has been one of the province's fastest-growing communities in recent decades, and new subdivisions continue to open there. Conception Bay South offers newer subdivisions and a wide range of lot sizes along Conception Bay, and Torbay combines newer subdivisions with a small-town coastal feel. Within St. John's, newer family homes are found in subdivisions on the west end and in neighbourhoods such as Southlands and Airport Heights. Compare all seven communities in the St. John's area guide.
Why Work With L|S Real Estate Group on New Construction?
- Member of the Canadian Home Builders' Association — L|S Real Estate Group is proud to be a CHBA member.
- Construction experience on the team — Natasha Sutherland's background in construction and technology project management brings organization and problem-solving to your project or purchase.
- Local builder and developer experience — the team works with local builders and developers, and helps buyers compare their homes, plans and lots.
- One team from start to finish — from lot selection to final walkthrough, as a real estate team with Keller Williams Platinum Realty and 70+ five-star Google reviews.
Selling your current home to buy new? See how we can help you sell your St. John's home or request a no-obligation home valuation to plan your budget.