Will a Builder Connect Me with Previous Buyers as References?

When you’re spending hundreds of thousands on a new home, it’s natural to want reassurance from someone who’s already walked the same path.
So you ask the builder, “Can I talk to a few of your previous buyers?”

Sometimes you’ll get a yes. Other times, a polite deflection. Here’s why that happens—and how to get the insights you actually need.

1. Builders Protect Buyer Privacy (and Their Reputation)
Most builders in Lubbock—whether it’s Ventura Homes, Roten Homes, or Betenbough Homes—won’t hand out customer contact info for privacy and liability reasons. They’re protecting both their clients and their image.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Many have:

• Testimonial pages on their website or social media

• Homeowner videos highlighting their experience

• Model home agents who can share anonymous feedback trends

The trick is to ask the right questions: “How do your homeowners rate their warranty service?” or “What’s the most common feedback from post-closing surveys?”

2. Realtors Hear the Unfiltered Version
As a local Realtor, I hear directly from buyers after the honeymoon phase—once the warranty work starts or issues pop up. That’s where you get the truth about builder follow-through, communication, and craftsmanship.

I maintain notes on builder experiences across Lubbock—from luxury customs in Hatton Place to entry-level homes near 98th & Upland—so when clients ask for insight, I can speak from collective, firsthand stories.

3. Ask for Walkthrough Opportunities Instead
If a builder can’t share past buyer contacts, ask if they have completed homes you can tour.
That lets you:

• See finishing quality up close

• Check attention to detail

• Talk casually with neighbors who’ve already moved in

A quick conversation in the driveway will tell you more than any polished testimonial.

4. What Good Builders Do Differently
The best builders don’t hide their history—they celebrate it.
They’ll point you toward:

• Long-time communities where they’ve built multiple phases

• Past clients who voluntarily share their experience

• Awards, repeat buyers, or multi-generational clients

When a builder welcomes questions, that’s your green flag.

The bottom line: asking for references isn’t about catching a builder—it’s about confirming they stand behind their work.

And in a market like Lubbock, word of mouth still builds faster than concrete.

— Insights from Tess Hernandez, Realtor | Reside Real Estate