Building a New Home? 3 Smart Ways to Protect Your Hard-Earned Money

Modern kitchen in a new construction home by Waterline Homes in Southwest Florida, featuring blue cabinets, quartz countertops, and an open floor plan with canal views.

Spending your hard-earned money on a new home shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Whether you’re drawn to the waterfront canals of Cape Coral, the laid-back lifestyle of Fort Myers Beach, the quiet charm of Punta Gorda, or the coastal feel of South Gulf Cove, Waterline Home’s thoughtful process gives you the confidence that things are done the right way — with no guesswork and no surprises.

At Worthington Realty, we’ve worked closely with Waterline Homes and have seen firsthand how their thoughtful process is designed to protect buyers at every stage. From the way they manage funds to the warranties they provide after closing, Waterline puts safeguards in place to give you peace of mind.

Here’s what you should know:

Building a Home Can Feel Risky

It’s easy to second-guess yourself when you’re building a home.
“What if I miss something?” “What if I get it wrong?” Those worries are natural when you’re putting your hard-earned money on the line.

That’s exactly why Waterline’s process is designed the way it is — to take the guesswork out and give you confidence at every step.

Three Layers of Protection to Give You Confidence

1. Phase-by-Phase Funding

Waterline structures their payments to align with progress. They complete one stage of construction before requesting funds for the next phase. For example:

  • Foundation completed? Funds are drawn for that phase.
  • Framing finished? The next set of funds is released.
  • Each phase is documented with progress reports so buyers know exactly what’s happening — and their money is only applied to completed work.

Why This Matters: With this system, you’re not just writing a big check and hoping for the best. Your money moves with the project — step by step — ensuring everything stays on track. Regular updates give you a clear picture of progress without the guesswork.

2. 125% Builder’s Risk Insurance

Builder’s risk insurance protects the home during construction from damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or severe weather. Waterline’s 125% coverage goes above the typical policy. This additional coverage ensures that if material costs spike or delays add expenses, there’s financial protection in place to keep the project moving forward.

Why This Matters: Unpredictable costs can throw off timelines — and budgets. With 125% coverage, you’re protected from those unexpected twists. If something happens, Waterline has coverage in place to absorb the impact so your build stays on track.

3. Optional Draw Bond Protection

For those who are extra cautious, Waterline offers an optional draw bond for an added layer of protection. Available for an additional cost, this bond offers extra oversight by ensuring funds are released in alignment with completed work.

Why This Matters: Waterline’s process already offers built-in safeguards, but for those who prefer to take an extra step, this option is available. It’s one more way Waterline reinforces their commitment to doing things the right way.

A Home You Can Feel Confident In

When you build with Waterline, you get more than a house — you get peace of mind. Imagine moving in with total confidence, knowing the process was clear, your money was protected, and your new home is exactly what you expected. That’s what Waterline’s thoughtful process is designed to deliver.

At Worthington Realty, we’ve been through this before. We’ve seen how thoughtful planning makes a difference, and we know what to watch for at every stage. Whether it’s understanding the build process, asking the right questions, or ensuring your investment is protected, we’re here to guide you through it confidently.

Want to build with confidence? Let’s talk today!

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Michael Davis, co-owner of Worthington Realty, smiling in a professional headshot outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sky.

About the Author

Michael Davis is one of the owners of Worthington Realty and a Gallup®-Certified Strengths Coach who helps agents build businesses that fit them—without blending in. With a background in commercial real estate, where he co-founded a firm that grew to $1.3 billion in assets, Michael realized that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity, trust, and owning what makes you different.

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