New Construction Homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX: Sonoma Verde Tour

When we start talking about new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX, the same wish list comes up again and again. We want lower property taxes. We want a strong school district. And we want a home that actually feels worth the money with a builder we can trust. Usually, getting all three at once is the hard part.

That is why this pocket of Rockwall County keeps standing out. In Sonoma Verde, Highland Homes is building on 60 foot lots in a new phase, and the value conversation gets real pretty quickly. This particular model, the Botero plan, checks a lot of boxes for buyers who want space, flexibility, and a neighborhood that still feels like it has room to grow.

If we are searching for new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX, this is exactly the kind of community worth a serious look.

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McLendon-Chisholm TX New Construction Demand

There is a reason new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX keep getting more interest. The city gives us access to Rockwall ISD, and that matters to a lot of families. On top of that, Sonoma Verde offers a tax rate that is attractive for the area, which is not something we can say about every new home community around DFW.

Then we add the builder into the mix. Highland Homes has a strong reputation, and for many buyers that is a big part of the equation. A pretty floor plan is nice. A builder that consistently delivers a solid product is better.

So if we step back and look at the bigger picture, the appeal is straightforward:

  • Rockwall ISD
  • Lower property taxes for the area
  • Well regarded builder options
  • New phase opportunities with available lots
  • Inventory homes for buyers who do not want to wait through a full build

Front exterior of white brick model home with balloon garland over porch and landscaped entry

That combination is a big reason this area deserves a spot on the map for anyone comparing new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX with other suburban options east of Dallas.

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Highland Homes Botero Plan at Sonoma Verde

The Botero is one of Highland’s newer plans, and this model is the first time the plan has been shown in full model home form. It is a two story layout designed for buyers who want a practical main floor but still need extra space upstairs.

The basic setup here is strong. We get four bedrooms, three full baths, a study, and an upstairs game room or media space. Downstairs, the primary suite is on the main level, and there is also a secondary bedroom with its own bath. That is one of those details that matters more in real life than it does on paper.

Why? Because it gives us flexibility.

  • Guests can stay downstairs and have some privacy.
  • Older kids or multigenerational family members have a better setup.
  • The study gives us a real work from home option.
  • The upstairs bedrooms are tucked away from the main living areas.

The minute we walk in, though, the feature that grabs attention is the main living area. The open layout ties together the family room, dining space, and kitchen in a way that feels wide and bright without feeling cold.

Open living area with dining table, kitchen island, seating area and tall ceilings

And then there is the ceiling treatment. The pitch is high, the room feels dramatic, and the dark beams give the space contrast. That kind of architectural detail changes the whole experience of the room.

Vaulted white ceiling with dark decorative beams and recessed lights above living room

Even if those beams are an added cost, they are the kind of design choice that can make sense if the budget allows. Some upgrades are easy to skip. This one adds enough visual impact that it feels worth considering.

Kitchen Upgrades in McLendon-Chisholm TX

The kitchen is one of the biggest reasons this home lands well. It has the oversized island buyers want, good storage, a clean layout, and a two tone cabinet look that has become increasingly popular.

Large kitchen with white island, two tone cabinetry, pendant lights and decorative tray centerpiece

One of the most helpful details here is the pricing context around the cabinetry. A lot of model homes look amazing because they are loaded with upgrades, and sometimes that creates unrealistic expectations. In this case, the upgrade to carry the cabinets to the ceiling, create the two tone effect, and include the oven stack setup was noted at about $2,100.

That is actually useful information. It gives us a more honest sense of what it may cost to recreate a similar look if we build from the ground up.

When we compare kitchen upgrades across builders, that price point stands out as fairly approachable for the visual result. Ceiling height cabinets especially tend to make the entire room feel more custom.

Kitchen wall with stacked upper cabinets, cooktop, vent hood and light countertops

There is also a built in hutch or serving area near the dining space that adds function without interrupting the openness of the room. It creates a nice transition between kitchen and dining and gives us more usable storage.

Dining area with built in glass upper cabinets, counter space and table set for four

Upstairs Layout Flexibility

One of the best things about the Botero is that it does not waste the second floor. Too many two story homes give us bedrooms upstairs and not much else. Here, the upper level feels intentionally designed.

We get:

  • Two additional bedrooms upstairs
  • A game room or flex retreat
  • A media room
  • Separation between quiet and active spaces

Upstairs game room with four chairs, checkerboard coffee table and wall art

That media room is especially helpful for households that need a second hangout space. It can become a movie room, gaming room, teen lounge, or even overflow guest space depending on how we live.

Media room with sectional seating, wall art, lamp and television on cabinet

And because the upstairs game room overlooks the dramatic main living area, the whole home feels connected instead of boxed off.

This is where new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX can feel different from older resale homes. The layouts are often built around the way people live now, not the way people lived twenty years ago.

Pricing for McLendon-Chisholm TX New Homes

At the time of this tour, Highland had about 70 total 60 foot lots tied to this phase, with several speculation homes already underway. Some of those homes were expected to be ready as early as October, with others closing later in the year or into the beginning of the next one.

That matters because buyers in new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX usually fall into one of two camps. Either we want to pick a lot and build from scratch, or we want something quicker with builder selections already made.

In this section, Highland was offering seven floor plans with base pricing roughly from the mid $400s to just above $500,000. The Botero itself was shown at:

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3 full bathrooms
  • 2 car garage
  • 2,590 square feet
  • Starting around $495,990

There were also several available homes listed with projected completions in October and November, ranging from the upper $400s into the upper $500s depending on plan, timing, and included selections.

As always, builder pricing and incentives can move around quickly. That is especially true with rate buydowns, closing cost help, and spec home discounts. So the takeaway here is not to cling to one exact number forever. The takeaway is that this community had multiple ways to enter depending on budget and timing.

Bernini Plan in McLendon-Chisholm TX Quick Move-In Home

For anyone who likes the neighborhood but does not want to wait through the full build timeline, the Bernini spec home is worth mentioning. This was one of the quick move in homes under construction in the community.

The Bernini plan came in at:

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • 2,558 square feet
  • Listed around $599,290

Rendering of two story white brick home with dark roof and two car garage

Now, the important note here is that list price is not always final price. With builder inventory homes, there is often room for incentives, especially if a home has been on the market a bit or the builder is trying to move closing timelines. That can come through closing cost assistance, interest rate buydowns, or straightforward price adjustments.

The framed version also gave a good sense of what the backyard and rear window package could feel like once complete. Even in framing stage, the home showed a strong amount of natural light and a good overall layout.

That is a useful reminder when shopping new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX. Sometimes the better deal is not the model plan. Sometimes it is the home already on the ground.

Why Sonoma Verde Stands Out

Plenty of communities have pretty homes. Sonoma Verde has the extra layer of neighborhood appeal that helps it compete.

The community was highlighted as having strong amenities, lower tax rates for Rockwall County, and long term planning that includes an eventual on site elementary school. That school was not open yet, but the future plan adds another reason buyers keep an eye on the area.

Community lot map on touchscreen with colored homesites and greenbelt areas

Another important detail is that Highland is not the only builder in this section. Bloomfield also has a presence, which gives buyers another comparison point. Highland was handling both 60 foot opportunities in this phase and also some 70 foot lots in another section of Sonoma Verde.

That means we can shop by lot width and plan style rather than forcing one builder to fit every need.

For buyers focused on new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX, that kind of flexibility is valuable. We can start with neighborhood first, then narrow builder and floor plan second.

What to Know Before Buying New Construction in DFW

If we are seriously evaluating new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX, there are a few smart questions to ask before moving forward.

1. Are we comparing base price or total out the door cost?

A base price can look great, but lot premiums, elevation charges, structural options, and design center upgrades change the real number. We always want the fuller picture.

2. Is a spec home giving us a better deal?

If the builder already started the home, there may be more incentive money attached. That can matter more than picking every finish ourselves.

3. Which upgrades actually move the needle?

Some upgrades are easy to skip. Others, like cabinets to the ceiling or a standout ceiling treatment, can meaningfully change how the home feels.

4. How does the lot itself affect the value?

Corner lots, greenbelt lots, and lots with more yard depth can all affect both current price and long term resale appeal.

5. What incentives are available right now?

Builder incentives can be aggressive, especially when rates are high. It is not unusual to see meaningful help with closing costs or rate buydowns.

That last point is huge. Builders were still offering significant support in many cases, sometimes in the range of tens of thousands of dollars toward closing costs and rate reduction strategies. So if the monthly payment works and the location fits, there can be real opportunity.

The broader market is always up for debate. People love to guess where things are headed. But practically speaking, the better question is simpler: Does the home make sense for us right now?

If the answer is yes, communities like Sonoma Verde deserve a close look.

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FAQs About McLendon-Chisholm TX New Construction

What makes new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX appealing?

The biggest draw is the combination of Rockwall ISD, comparatively low tax rates for the area, and access to new homes from respected builders. That mix is hard to find in one place.

What is the Botero plan in Sonoma Verde?

The Botero is a Highland Homes two story floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a study, an upstairs game room or retreat, and a media room. It was shown at 2,590 square feet with a starting price around $495,990 at the time of the tour.

Are there quick move in homes available in Sonoma Verde?

Yes. There were multiple spec homes underway, including a Bernini plan with projected completion in the fall. Quick move in homes can be a good option for buyers who want a newer home without waiting through the entire construction process.

How many lots were available in this Highland Homes section?

There were about 70 total 60 foot lots associated with this phase at the time discussed, along with several homes already under construction.

Does Sonoma Verde offer larger lot options too?

Yes. In addition to the 60 foot lots highlighted here, Highland also had some 70 foot lot opportunities in another section of Sonoma Verde.

Can builder incentives lower the real cost of a new home?

Absolutely. Builders often use incentives like closing cost help and mortgage rate buydowns to make monthly payments more attractive. That is why we always want current pricing and incentive updates before making a decision.

If you’re considering new construction homes in McLendon-Chisholm TX, let’s make sure you’re seeing the current pricing, incentives, and the best lot/floor plan options before you decide. Call me at 469-707-9077  and I’ll help you map out the smartest next step for Sonoma Verde and any other communities you’re comparing.

A man wearing sunglasses and a black shirt is standing in front of a building.

Zak  Schmidt

From in-depth property tours and builder reviews to practical how-to guides and community insights, I make navigating the real estate process easy and enjoyable.

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