As of Nov 12, 2026
Builders are heading into the end of the year with homes to close and sales goals to hit, and that shows up in the offers. Right now the biggest money is going toward rates and closing costs, not price. For a lot of buyers that matters more than a lower sticker, because a lower rate keeps lowering the monthly payment.
Here's what Columbus builders are offering this week. If you want to see every active community on a map, start with the new construction communities page.
Rate buydowns and closing help
M/I Homes, 14 Central Ohio communities. M/I is running a 3/2/1 buydown on a 30-year fixed FHA loan on select quick move-in homes: 2.25% in year one, 3.25% in year two, 4.25% in year three, then 5.25% for the rest of the loan (6.027% APR). It's tied to M/I Financial, needs 3.5% down and a 640 credit score, and the window is tight: contracts written Nov 9 to 15, closing by Dec 31. M/I is also offering up to $6,500 toward closing costs through M/I Financial on contracts written on or after Nov 9. Participating communities include Hill Farm, Jerome Village (Applewood), Clarkshaw Crossing, Summit Crossing and Ivy Wood at Northstar, among others.
D.R. Horton, quick-close homes. D.R. Horton is promoting special interest rates and closing cost help on its quick-close inventory homes, both through its affiliated lender, DHI Mortgage. The specific rates weren't posted on the builder's site when I checked, so ask the community for the current rate and terms before you plan around them.
Fischer Homes, select quick move-ins. Fischer has a 5/1 FHA ARM as low as 4.99% (6.599% APR) through Victory Mortgage, with at least 3.5% down and a 680 credit score. The home has to close by Nov 30, and the offer lasts until the rate pool fills. Keep in mind an ARM adjusts after the first five years.
Flex cash and credits
Pulte Homes, Buckstone Bend. On homes built to order at Buckstone Bend, Pulte is offering up to $45,000 at closing toward closing costs or options for purchase agreements Nov 8 to 14. A minimum options package may be required, and it can't be combined with Pulte's rate offers. Pulte says this amount drops each week and the event ends Nov 21. Separately, buyers financing with Pulte Mortgage can get up to $10,000 toward closing costs on agreements accepted through Nov 30, which may require 10% down.
M/I Homes, Holiday of Homes. M/I is also offering flex cash of up to $10,000, $15,000, $25,000 or $30,000 depending on the community, for contracts written Nov 9 to Dec 20. This one is for select quick move-in homes that close on or after Feb 1, 2027, so it fits buyers who want a little more time. Ask which homes qualify.
3 Pillar Homes, Evans Farm and other select homes. 3 Pillar has $25,000 in flex cash on select inventory homes, which can go toward a rate buydown, closing costs or upgrades like custom window treatments. Their Nov 7 note says the home needs to close by the end of the year. At Evans Farm in Lewis Center, The Reserve still has homesites for buyers who want to build.
New communities and openings
D.R. Horton, Retreat at Hickory Lakes, Pickerington. Now selling from $519,900, with four and five bedroom plans.
D.R. Horton, Johnson's Creek, London. Now selling from $348,990, with 10 floor plans.
What to know before you walk into a model
The best incentives usually depend on the builder's lender. You don't have to use it, but you'll often give up the buydown or credit if you don't. Compare the full offer, not just the rate.
Deadlines move. Several of these end within days, and some end early once a set number of homes sell or a rate pool fills.
Compare the incentive to the base price. Lot premiums, upgrades and design center choices can add a lot to the advertised price. A big credit on a home that's priced high isn't always the better deal.
Bring your agent the first time. The sales rep works for the builder. Many builders only recognize your agent if the agent is there the first time you walk in, and having your own agent costs you nothing extra. More on how that works in my new construction guide.
Incentives change quickly, and every builder has its own fine print. Confirm current terms with the builder or with me before you count on any of these.
If one of these communities is on your list, or you want help sorting out which offer actually saves you the most, let's talk.