Serving Greater Central Iowa
Build. Buy. Sell. With a Builder & Realtor in Your Corner.
Central Iowa's Husband and Wife New Construction Team
Most agents have never built a home. Most builders can't represent you at the closing table. We do both, and that's exactly why families across Waukee, Des Moines, and Central Iowa call them first when it's time to build, buy, or sell.
Custom homes. Spec homes. Buyer representation with other builders. Full service real estate.
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Guidance for every real estate decision
At Build Smart Iowa, we believe buying or building a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. We combine real estate expertise with deep knowledge of home construction to offer a level of guidance most agents simply can't.
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING
New Construstion Consulting
We provide full service real estate representation backed by construction expertise that most agents can't offer. When you work with us, you get more than a transaction you get a strategic partner.
New Construction Consulting
Building Your Dream Home
With hands-on construction experience, we offer a level of new-build consulting that goes far beyond what a typical realtor provides. We speak the language of builders and advocate for your interests at every stage of the process.
Lot and land evaluation zoning, utilities, site prep
Builder and architect selection and vetting
Floor plan and design review with value engineering insight
Finish and material selection guidance walk-throughs
Construction progress monitoring and milestone inspections
Final punch list management and walkthrough preparation
Realtor Services
Whether you're a first time buyer, upgrading, downsizing, or investing our real estate expertise ensures you make the right move at the right price.
New Construction Consulting
Building a home is complex. We guide you through every phase from land acquisition to final walkthrough so you can enjoy the process without the stress.
100+
Homes Built
Who We Are
We're Realtors. We're Builders. We're Your Team.
Jon has been building homes across Central Iowa since 2002. Together with Amy both licensed Realtors they built Build Smart Iowa as the region's only all in one resource where construction expertise and real estate excellence live under one roof. Whether you're buying new construction, navigating builder contracts, or selling your current home, Jon and Amy bring a level of insight no typical Realtor can match.
Construction Insight
Most Realtors understand real estate. We understand construction too. Our experience building over 100 homes gives you an advantage most buyers never have.
End-to-End Guidance
From your first showing to closing day, and through every phase of new construction, you'll have a dedicated partner who understands the entire journey.
Negotiation Power
Construction knowledge translates into stronger negotiations. When you know what repairs actually cost, you negotiate from a position of strength.
Trusted Network
Years in the industry mean access to trusted lenders, inspectors, contractors, and architects a network that benefits every client.
PRIVACY POLICY
Whether you have a question or are ready to dive in, we'd love to hear from you. No pressure, just honest conversation from people who know new construction.
Get In Touch
Phone
Office Address
305 NW Red Oak Dr
Waukee, IA 50263
Service Areas
& all of Central Iowa
Our Promise to You
We respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Your new construction journey deserves attentive, expert guidance — and that starts from the very first contact.
— Jon Lipovac, Trinity Homes
Get In Touch
Phone
Office Address
305 NW Red Oak Dr
Waukee, IA 50263
Service Areas
& all of Central Iowa
Our Promise to You
We respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Your new construction journey deserves attentive, expert guidance — and that starts from the very first contact.
— Jon Lipovac, Trinity Homes
The First Step Most Buyers Miss
Most People Start the Process With the Wrong Number
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make when planning a custom home is assuming they already know what their dream home will cost. In reality, most people are significantly off before the process even begins.
Many buyers believe building a custom home will somehow be less expensive than purchasing a finished spec home. The truth is usually the opposite. Spec homes are designed to hit a specific price point as efficiently as possible. The moment you begin customizing layouts, changing finishes, expanding spaces, or upgrading materials, costs rise quickly.
That’s why our consulting process starts with reality not wishful thinking.
Instead of trying to force a million-dollar vision into a $750,000 budget, we helps clients build smarter from the beginning. A common strategy is touring high-quality spec homes in the $550k–$650k range to identify a layout and footprint that already works well. From there, the home can be customized thoughtfully within the real budget, whether that means expanding a pantry, moving walls, adding a bathroom, improving ceiling details, or upgrading finishes where they matter most.
The result is a home that feels personalized without turning the build into a financial strain halfway through construction.
Because once a project starts over budget, compromises begin. Features get removed. Expectations change. Stress replaces excitement. We have seen families attempt to manage unrealistic builds themselves and end up living in campers or travel trailers outside unfinished homes trying to make the numbers work.
That’s exactly what this process is designed to prevent.
At Build Smart Iowa, the goal is not simply to build a house. The goal is to help you enter the process with a realistic plan, the right expectations, and a home you’ll still love when it’s finished.
Location Analysis
We identify and secure premium lots in high demand Des Moines neighborhoods before they hit the open market. You get first access.
Profit Estimation
Before you commit, we provide a detailed pro forma estimated land cost, construction budget, carrying costs, ARV (after repair value), and projected net profit.
Guide & Oversee
We don't just hand you a lot and walk away. Jon and Amy stay involved through builder selection, construction oversight, and every milestone so your investment is protected.
List, Sell & Close
When construction wraps, we market the property aggressively, negotiate top dollar, and walk you through the final profit breakdown so you see exactly how the numbers worked out.
Because the best decisions happen before you sign.
New construction can be exciting, but it also comes with builder contracts, upgrade choices, timelines, and details many buyers do not notice until too late.
You Have Representation
You are represented by licensed Realtors who know how to protect your interests while keeping the process simple.
Construction Insight
Get help understanding build quality, builder differences, upgrade value, site plans, timelines, and walkthrough details.
Better Decisions
We help you compare the full picture, not just price, so you can avoid emotional or expensive mistakes.
Local Market Knowledge
Know which neighborhoods, communities, and home features can support stronger long-term value.
Negotiation Support
We know what builders pay for materials, labor, and upgrades. That means we negotiate from a position of knowledge not guesswork.
Start to Finish Help
You get guidance through search, listing, contracts, inspections, walkthroughs, closing, and next steps.
Thinking About Building?
Start with a consultation before visiting a model home or signing with a builder.
Simple steps. Stronger decisions.
From first conversation to final walkthrough, we guide you through every phase of the new construction journey with clarity and confidence.
Discovery Consultation
We sit down with you in person or virtually to understand your vision, timeline, budget, and lifestyle needs. This is where great homes begin.
Understand your goals & wish list
Review budget and financing options
Explore available lots and communities
Discuss which builders are the right fit for your goals and budget
Plan & Design
For custom builds, we collaborate on floor plans and finishes. For spec or builder purchases, we help you choose the right plan and negotiate the best options.
Floor plan selection & customization
Interior finish selections
Option upgrades & add-ons
Contract review & negotiation
Build & Monitor
Because we have built over 100 homes, we know exactly what to look for at every phase.
Regular construction updates
Quality checks at key milestones
Builder communication management
Change order oversight
Final Walkthrough
We conduct a thorough pre closing walkthrough using our builder's eye to catch anything that needs to be addressed before you take ownership.
Detailed punch list review
Builder warranty documentation
Systems & appliance orientation
Closing support & coordination
Welcome Home!
Keys in hand, you step into your brand new home. But our relationship doesn't end there. We're always available for questions after closing too.
Smooth closing coordination
Post closing support available
Referrals for home services
Longterm relationship commitment
Meet Jon & Amy
Realtor & Construction Consultant
Jon Lipovac
Central Iowa native with 20+ years of experience in real estate, homebuilding, and remodeling, helping clients from first time buyers to luxury homeowners. Dedicated to providing exceptional service, integrity, and expert guidance throughout every real estate transaction.
Realtor & Construction Consultant
Amy Lipovac
Amy brings warmth, sharp attention to detail, and a steady hand to every transaction. After years working alongside Jon in the building business, she knows new construction inside and out from finish selections to builder contracts to the questions you don't even know to ask yet.
What Central Iowa Families Are Saying
Don't take our word for it. Here's what real families across Waukee, Des Moines, and Central Iowa say about working with us.
5.0 — All 5-star reviews
"Jon was absolutely invaluable when we built our custom home. His background as a builder meant he caught things during construction that we never would have noticed. We felt truly protected."
"As empty nesters, we wanted to downsize into a beautiful new home without the stress. Jon and Amy made the entire experience seamless. They knew every detail and answered every question we had."
"We were buying with another builder and a friend recommended we use Jon as our Realtor. Best decision we made. He reviewed our contract and negotiated upgrades we didn't even know to ask for."
"From lot selection to final walkthrough, Jon and Amy held our hand through every step. The quality of our home is exceptional and we couldn't be happier. Jon and Amy are the real deal."
"We looked at resale homes for months before a friend said call Jon and Amy. Within weeks we were under contract on a spec home that checked every single box. We wish we'd called sooner!"
"The expertise Jon brings as both a builder and a Realtor is truly unique. He knew exactly what to look for during our walkthrough and made sure the builder addressed every item. Highly recommend."
Start with the right conversation.
Whether you are buying, selling, or considering new construction, We can help you understand your options and create a practical next step plan.
Our Promise to You
We respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Your new construction journey deserves attentive, expert guidance and that starts from the very first contact.
— Build Smart Iowa
Our Promise to You
We respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Your new construction journey deserves attentive, expert guidance — and that starts from the very first contact.
— Build Smart Iowa
Frequently asked questions
What does a new construction consultant do?
A new construction consultant acts as your independent advisor throughout the building process. At Build Smart Iowa, that means helping you evaluate builders, review contracts, make design selections, and monitor construction quality from start to finish. Unlike the builder's sales agent, we represent your interests.
Do I need a Realtor when building a new home in Iowa?
You are not required to have a Realtor, but having one protects you. Builder sales agents represent the builder, not you. A licensed Iowa Realtor from Build Smart Iowa reviews your contract, negotiates on your behalf, and makes sure the builder delivers what they promised.
Should I hire a new construction consultant or just use a Realtor?
With Build Smart Iowa, you do not have to choose. Jon and Amy are both licensed Iowa Realtors and experienced construction consultants.
How much does a new construction consultant cost in Iowa?
For buyers, Build Smart Iowa's new construction consulting is typically covered by the builder as part of the buyer's agent commission. There is no out-of-pocket cost in most cases. We explain the exact structure during your free consultation so you know what to expect before anything moves forward.
What areas does Build Smart Iowa serve?
Build Smart Iowa serves the Des Moines metro and Greater Central Iowa, including Waukee, Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, and Norwalk. Reach out if you are building outside those areas and we will let you know if we can help.
What are hidden costs of building a new home in Iowa?
Common costs buyers do not anticipate include lot premiums, design center upgrades above base price, landscaping, window treatments, fencing, and certain closing costs. Build Smart Iowa walks you through a full cost estimate early so you are not surprised at the closing table.
Who represents me when buying new construction in Iowa?
Most buyers walk into a builder's model home without representation -- and the builder's agent works for the builder, not you. Jon and Amy represent you exclusively, making sure your interests are protected from contract through closing.
What should I ask a builder before signing a contract in Iowa?
You should ask about included features vs. upgrades, lot premiums, build timeline guarantees, change order policies, and warranty terms. Jon and Amy walk you through every line of the builder contract before you sign anything.
How long does it take to build a new home in Iowa?
Most new construction homes in Iowa take between six and twelve months from contract signing to closing, depending on the builder, floor plan, and current material availability. Build Smart Iowa helps you understand the realistic timeline for your specific project so you can plan your move and financing accordingly.
Central Iowa's trusted husband and wife team for new construction, home building, and full service real estate. We're Realtors. We're builders. We're in your corner.
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