Magnolia Homes FAQ
A Thoughtful Start to Your New Home
Every new home begins with a few good questions. Explore clear guidance on our communities, available homes, Build On Your Lot, design choices and homeowner support.
Choosing a home and community
How many communities does Magnolia Homes build in?
Magnolia Homes currently builds in four communities: Cypress Grove, Oak Hill, and Shepherd’s Creek in Collierville, and Villages of Saunders Creek in Rossville, Tennessee.
Magnolia also considers select custom homes on privately owned land near these communities through Build On Your Lot. Each property and project is reviewed individually.
What makes Magnolia Homes different from other builders?
Magnolia Homes has been building in the Memphis and Mid-South area since 1987. Our approach combines detailed craftsmanship, selected materials, a dedicated design team, a guided buying and building process, and warranty support after closing.
Explore the Magnolia difference
What is the difference between a pre-sale home and an available home?
- A New Build home allows the buyer to select the homesite, floor plan, and all design selections from start to finish in our Magnolia Homes building process.
- An Available Home is one where Magnolia Homes has selected the homesite and floor plan, with design selections made by our design team up to the point of contract. If contracted early enough in the construction process, buyers may still have the opportunity to select certain finishes. Learn more about this process here!
Build On Your Lot is a separate opportunity for select custom homes on privately owned land near our Collierville and Rossville communities. The property, home design, scope, pricing and financing arrangements are reviewed for the individual project. Explore Build On Your Lot.
How should I compare a new Magnolia home with an existing home?
Compare the specific homes side by side: purchase price, usable layout, included finishes, age and condition of major systems, anticipated maintenance or renovation needs, warranty coverage, community dues, and your move timing. Bring the features that matter most to you to your Magnolia consultation so our team can explain how a particular home addresses them.
Does Magnolia Homes sell their model homes?
- Yes! Typically, after a phase in a community has been completely sold or nearly sold, we will then sell our associated model home.
- Feel free to inquire about a specific model home by calling or texting 901-468-3344!
Does Magnolia Homes build homes for relocation buyers?
- Yes! Magnolia Homes welcomes relocation buyers from all over to build a Magnolia home of their own! With our dedication, we work to ensure a concierge-level and seamless building experience for even those who are out of town, for every step of the home-buying or building experience.
- With experience building homes in the Memphis and Mid-South area since 1987, our team prioritizes direct and open communication, and we work to be flexible to your schedule and needs, within reason, to meet the expectations of the established building timeline and processes. This results in transparency and on-track progress!
How do I learn more about a “Coming Soon” or “Future Development” Magnolia community?
You can contact our Online Sales Counselor at 901-468-3344 or email us for additional details.
Will Magnolia Homes build outside of their communities?
Yes. Through our Build On Your Lot program, Magnolia considers select custom homes on privately owned land near our Collierville and Rossville communities. Each property and project is reviewed individually. You can begin the conversation whether you own land, have a purchase pending, are considering a property or are still searching.
Share your property location or preferred area, home ideas, desired total investment range and timing. Explore Build On Your Lot or call or text 901-468-3344.
Does Magnolia Homes rent or lease to own their homes?
No, Magnolia Homes does not offer rentals or lease-to-own programs.
Available homes and your move
Can I personalize an available Magnolia home?
It depends on the home’s construction stage and the selections already made or ordered. Magnolia has selected the homesite and floor plan, and the Design Team makes selections up to the point of contract. If you contract early enough, some finishes may still be available to choose. Ask our team to confirm the remaining choices for the specific home before making your decision.
Explore the available-home process
How soon can I close on an available home?
Available homes can be completed or still under construction. Ask our team to confirm the current stage and anticipated closing timing for the home you are considering. The home’s completion schedule and your purchase and financing arrangements will guide the next steps.
How do I confirm what is included in an available home’s price?
Start with the individual home listing, then ask our team to review the selections and features included with that address. Plan starting prices and a specific available home’s price describe different offerings. Confirm the applicable included-features package and any proposed changes for the home you choose.
How do I arrange a tour of an available home?
Contact Kelsey Alcala, our Online Sales Counselor, at 901-468-3344 or OSC@magnoliahomesinc.com. Share the home addresses you would like to see and your preferred timing. If you are relocating, let us know so we can discuss the next steps for an out-of-town visit.
Can Magnolia Homes help sell my current home?
Yes! Our affiliated real estate brokerage company, Oak Grove Realty, would be happy to help you in this process. Please call 901-309-0710 to get started!
Build On Your Lot
Explore the possibilities for your land, home plans and total investment. Learn about Build On Your Lot.
Can Magnolia Homes build a custom home on my land?
Yes. Magnolia Homes considers select custom homes on privately owned land near our Collierville and Rossville communities. Our Build On Your Lot program brings your land, home ideas and desired total investment together. Each property and project is reviewed individually to confirm whether Magnolia is the right fit.
Do I need to own land before I speak with Magnolia?
No. You can begin the conversation if you already own land, have a property under contract, are considering a purchase or are still searching. Share the property address or preferred area and any purchase or inspection deadlines so we can discuss the site early.
How does Magnolia determine whether a homesite is suitable?
We review the location, access, usable space, property restrictions, utilities, sewer or septic requirements, soil, drainage and site-preparation needs. These details help determine how your home and outdoor plans can fit the land. We will explain any surveys, studies or professional reviews that may be needed, who will arrange them and any proposed fees before that work begins.
Can I bring my own home plans, or do I need an architect first?
You may bring existing plans, a plan you like or inspiration images. We will review the fit for your land, goals and investment, along with any permission needed to use or modify the drawings. If you need a starting point, we can recommend architects. You do not need finished drawings to start the conversation; home-plan design begins early alongside the property review.
Will I work with the Magnolia Design Team on a Build On Your Lot home?
Yes. Our dedicated Design Team guides materials and finishes at the Magnolia Design Center. Home-plan design starts early alongside the property review. Detailed materials and finish selections follow plan finalization, a defined project scope and refined pricing, so your selections can be considered with the full project in view.
Explore the Magnolia Design Center
What should my total Build On Your Lot investment include?
Consider the home and any land purchase or remaining payoff, design and professional services, site preparation, driveway and utility work, permits and approvals, outdoor plans, financing and moving costs, and a reserve for unexpected expenses. Show land already paid for separately from the new funds you will need. As the project develops, Magnolia will clarify what is included, what is estimated or covered by an allowance, and what you will arrange or pay for separately.
How does financing work when building on my own land?
Build On Your Lot financing can differ from purchasing a home in a Magnolia community. The arrangements are confirmed for your individual project, including who will arrange construction financing. If you plan to borrow, discuss land equity, appraisal requirements, payments and cash needs with your lender early.
What are the pricing, fee and deposit requirements for Build On Your Lot?
Services, pricing, responsibilities and payment arrangements are confirmed for your individual project. Magnolia will explain proposed design or site-review services, fees and revision terms before you commit. Your project agreement identifies the applicable pricing and payment terms; deposits and homesite-reservation terms shown for Magnolia communities should not be assumed to apply to privately owned land.
How long does a Build On Your Lot home take?
Timing depends on the home, property, design readiness, approvals and agreed scope. We will discuss the anticipated sequence as plans and the site review develop. Construction follows the required plans, agreements, funding, approvals and site readiness. Materials, weather and decisions during the project can also affect the schedule; community build-time estimates are not a fixed BOYL timeline.
Can we plan a pool, guest house or work we will arrange separately?
Share those ideas early, including outdoor living, a pool, fencing, a guest house, a shop or other future additions. We will discuss how they affect home placement, property requirements, utilities, scope, cost and timing. Any separately arranged work, purchases or requested changes need coordinated responsibilities and approval before the affected work, delivery or installation proceeds.
Does a Build On Your Lot home include Magnolia’s warranty?
Your home includes a 10-year limited structural warranty through Quality Builders Warranty (QBW), backed by Liberty Mutual. Your warranty documents define the coverage, exclusions and homeowner responsibilities. Magnolia also provides home-care guidance and explains how to contact the warranty team after move-in.
View warranty details and homeowner support
How do I get started with Magnolia’s Build On Your Lot program?
Complete just page 1 of our updated Let’s Plan Your Home questionnaire. Share your land status and location, home ideas, desired total investment range and timing. Estimates and “not sure” are welcome. Send the page and available materials to your Magnolia contact or OSC@magnoliahomesinc.com, or call or text 901-468-3344 to begin. A listing, map, survey, existing plans or inspiration images can help; you can share additional details as the conversation develops.
Email your project information · Call or text 901-468-3344
Personalizing and building your home
Does Magnolia Homes build semi-custom and custom homes?
Yes! Magnolia Homes builds semi-custom and custom homes with an expansive selection of design and structural options available. Customized structural options are available within guided parameters to ensure architectural consistency, municipal code compliance, and overall feasibility. This approach allows for personalization while maintaining the long-term integrity and value of each community.
For land outside a Magnolia community, our Build On Your Lot program considers select custom homes near Collierville and Rossville. Share your property information, existing plans or home ideas so we can discuss the right starting point.
Which included-features series does Oak Hill offer?
Oak Hill offers Magnolia’s Signature Series included features. Review the current feature sheet on the Oak Hill community page, and ask our team to confirm how it applies to the particular home you are considering.
View Oak Hill and its included features
What appliances are included in a Magnolia home?
Homes in Magnolia communities include a dishwasher, cooktop, oven, microwave, sink with disposal, and vent hood. Refrigerators are not generally included; some Shepherd’s Creek homes may include a refrigerator and/or freezer on a case-by-case basis. Included features may vary by home and community, so buyers should confirm the applicable included-features package.
For Build On Your Lot, appliances and other inclusions are confirmed in your project specifications and agreement.
Explore Magnolia communities · Explore Build On Your Lot
Where do we choose our design selections?
- You will make all of your selections at the accredited Magnolia Homes Design Center with the help of our dedicated design team! They will work alongside you to make the selections for your paint colors, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, tile, and more!
- You will have a separate appointment with our preferred Ferguson Home representative to select the light fixtures for your home. The Magnolia Homes Design Team will work to coordinate all of these details with you after your contract is finalized!
Are the square footages shown on each plan exact?
- All square footages are approximate and provided for reference only.
- Actual square footage may vary without notice due to customizations and design revisions that may be done on each home.
What is the average build time for a Magnolia Home?
For most of our Magnolia Homes communities, our average build time is between six and seven months. For our Shepherd’s Creek community, the average build time is 10 to 12 months.
Ask our team to confirm the schedule for your specific home and construction stage.
Build On Your Lot timing is specific to the home, property, approvals and project readiness. Community build-time averages are not a fixed BOYL schedule. See the BOYL journey.
What is the Magnolia Homes building process like?
- Following the signing of the contract, you will receive a detailed “Welcome” email providing thorough details of the Magnolia Homes building process. This will include any needed design appointment information, points of contact moving forward, timelines, and next steps.
- Take a look at our building process using the link below!
For Build On Your Lot, the journey starts with your vision and homesite review, then brings the home design, project scope and investment together before preparation, construction and homeowner orientation. Your team confirms the steps and responsibilities for your project.
What energy-efficient features are included in a Magnolia home?
Magnolia Homes incorporates energy-efficient features throughout each home. Learn about our approach to energy efficiency.
Purchase terms, financing and community costs
What is the required deposit to start building a Magnolia home?
For a new build in Shepherd’s Creek, the deposit is 15% of the purchase price. For a new build in Magnolia’s other communities, the deposit is 10%. Deposits for Available Homes vary based on the home’s stage of completion and begin at a minimum of $6,500. Final terms are stated in the applicable purchase agreement.
Build On Your Lot terms are confirmed separately. Proposed services, fees and payment arrangements are explained for the individual project; the community deposit percentages above do not establish BOYL terms.
How can I hold or reserve a homesite for a Magnolia home?
- Depending on the community, Magnolia Homes offers a 7 to 30 day homesite reservation for a non-refundable fee of $1,000 or $5,000.
- Design Agreements require a non-refundable $5,000, allowing up to 30 days to customize a specific floor plan.
These homesite-reservation and design-agreement terms apply to Magnolia community purchases. For privately owned land, Build On Your Lot services, fees and responsibilities are confirmed individually.
Can I purchase a Magnolia homesite now and start building in 3 months?
No. Magnolia Homes does not intentionally delay build times. Building will begin as quickly as possible following the finalized agreement, permitting, pre-construction meeting, and so forth.
Who are the preferred lenders for Magnolia Homes?
We love our preferred lenders! Magnolia Homes partners with trusted, local mortgage lenders who understand new construction and our buying and building process. Click the link below to find one that is right for you.
Is there a difference in financing a new home versus an existing home?
For a new home purchased in a Magnolia community, Magnolia handles construction financing. Your purchase and mortgage arrangements are confirmed with the team and your lender, and closing timing depends on the home’s stage of construction.
Build On Your Lot financing is confirmed separately for each project, including who will arrange construction financing. If you plan to borrow, discuss land equity, appraisal requirements, payments and cash needs with your lender early.
Explore financing and lender resources · Learn about Build On Your Lot
How do I pay for my luxury options/selections?
For home purchases in Magnolia communities, luxury options and selections must be paid in full at the time of contract or before ordering, after your personalized design appointments. Payment may be submitted through your home’s BuilderTrend profile or by check hand-delivered to the Magnolia Homes Design Center. Ask your New Home Specialist or Online Sales Counselor about any opportunity to include eligible options in financing toward the end of the build process.
For Build On Your Lot, selection payments, allowances and change procedures are confirmed in your project agreement.
Are there any Homeowner Association (HOA) fees or community guidelines?
- Yes. All communities are professionally managed within an HOA.
- Specific dues and details are available upon request.
For Build On Your Lot, any HOA requirements, deed restrictions, easements, setbacks and approval requirements depend on the specific property and are reviewed during the homesite discussion.
Can you explain how Magnolia Homes evaluates offers and concessions?
- Magnolia Homes is committed to ensuring every new home purchase is thoughtfully evaluated—just as each home and homebuyer is unique. Magnolia Homes remains committed to working to ensure every new home purchase is tailored to each situation.
- All requests submitted within an official purchase agreement are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In each decision, Magnolia Homes carefully considers neighborhood comparables to help protect long-term community value and our homeowners’ investments.
Warranty and homeowner support
Does Magnolia Homes offer warranties on their homes?
Yes. Each Magnolia home includes a limited 10-year structural warranty through QBW, backed by Liberty Mutual. The structural warranty and QBW warranty describe the same coverage. Specific coverage is described in the applicable warranty documents.
Existing homeowners should submit warranty requests by email to warranty@magnoliahomesinc.com. Include your first and last name, homesite number or street address, and a description of the request.
Read warranty coverage and request instructions
Realtors and professional partners
Are you required to have a realtor represent you when purchasing a Magnolia home?
- No, a buyer’s agent is not required to purchase a Magnolia Home, but they are welcome if there is already a working relationship. All Magnolia Homes New Home Specialists representing Magnolia Homes are fully licensed realtors in the state of Tennessee and are experts on all things Magnolia Homes and the communities they represent. Magnolia Homes New Home Specialists do strictly represent Magnolia Homes and do not represent buyers. A commission or compensation is not legally allowed to be given to an unlicensed party to the transaction.
- Magnolia Homes oftentimes has generous concessions available for buyers on Featured Homes and will review offers presented and respond after carefully considering neighborhood comparables and protecting the long-term community value and our homeowners’ investments.
Does Magnolia Homes offer realtor compensation?
- Yes, Magnolia Homes highly values, respects, and welcomes realtor representation. We welcome the realtor you may already be working with!
- If a buyer chooses to be represented by a buyer’s agent, Magnolia Homes is open and willing to compensate buyer’s agents in accordance with all applicable legal and ethical guidelines.
Are realtor or vendor partners allowed to take headshots or videos within the Magnolia Homes models?
- Due to high demand, Magnolia Homes allows one scheduled photo-only appointment per model per month. Video recording is not permitted.
- Appointments must be scheduled in advance - no walk-ins.
- Please email us for scheduling. Thank you for your understanding!
Talk with our team
Still have questions?
Contact our Online Sales Counselor, Kelsey Alcala, for help comparing communities, homes, and next steps. Call or text 901-468-3344, email OSC@magnoliahomesinc.com, or send an inquiry.
