Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas: Semi‑Custom Farmhouses on Acre Lots
Table of Contents
- Overview of Waxahachie
- Why Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas Stand Out
- Pricing, Incentives, and How to Get In
- Inside The Luke Farmhouse
- Elmwood Homes Quality and Construction Details
- Lot Size, Location, and Commute
- Practical Tips for Customization and Budgeting
- Working with a Buyers Agent for New Builds in Dallas-Forth Worth
- Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction Homes in Waxahachie, TX
- final thoughts
Overview of Waxahachie
Waxahachie is the kind of small Texas town that still flies the flag and keeps its front porches honest. Nestled southeast of Midlothian and Mansfield, it offers a quieter pace while keeping both Dallas and Fort Worth within reach—roughly 40 minutes to Dallas and even closer to Fort Worth for many commutes. That balance of rural calm and regional access is why people in the market for acreage are turning attention to this area.
If you want space, trees, and a farmhouse aesthetic without sacrificing modern finishes, Waxahachie is a place to consider now, before wider demand pushes prices up. The market here is still off most buyers' radar, which is exactly where opportunity lives.
Why Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas Stand Out
Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas started as a custom builder and has evolved into a semi‑custom operation that keeps the best parts of custom builds—quality finishes, thoughtful details, and real options—while offering more predictable pricing and streamlined timelines. That hybrid approach gives buyers flexibility without the sticker shock that pure custom often brings.
Highlights that make Elmwood attractive:
- True semi‑custom flexibility —walls can be moved, rooms expanded, and layouts adjusted so the floor plan fits how you live.
- Finish level that feels custom —cedar ceilings, bolted beams, built‑in details, and wood floors included in most spaces.
- Energy and envelope focus —spray foam and a continuous barrier wrap around the shell to improve comfort and efficiency.
- Acreage living —homes sit on roughly one acre, giving you yard, privacy, and potential accessory uses.
Pricing, Incentives, and How to Get In
Base pricing for the semi‑custom acre lots in Waxahachie generally starts in the mid‑$500,000s for smaller footprints and moves toward the mid‑$600,000s and beyond as square footage and options increase. A typical 3,500 square foot house with acreage will often land in the high $600,000s to mid‑$700,000s depending on selections.
Two buyer‑friendly features worth noting:
- 1 percent earnest money to get into contract. For a $700,000 deal that is only $7,000 to secure the lot and contract. This is useful if you are reliant on proceeds from a sale.
- Occasional large builder incentives. Periodically Elmwood offers substantial incentives—for example, a recent window where buyers could access $75,000 in incentives. Those dollars can be used to buy down interest rates, upgrade finishes, or cover closing costs.
When a builder offers large incentives you should make decisions based on total net cost, not sticker price. Use incentives strategically: lower your rate, add high‑value durable upgrades, or fund landscaping and fencing to make the acreage functional from day one.
Inside The Luke Farmhouse
The featured model, called the Luke, is a four bedroom, three bath home with a three‑car garage and roughly 3,213 square feet. The plan captures everything people want in a modern farmhouse: soaring vaulted living spaces, exposed beams, a waterfall kitchen island, and a covered porch that extends living outdoors.

Standout interior features:
- Vaulted living room with exposed beams that make the main living area feel grand without being cavernous.
- Kitchen built for entertaining —waterfall island, double ovens, and deep cabinet runs plus a generous pantry that earns a "Scott approved" stamp for storage lovers.
- Flexible rooms —an office with a feature wall, a media room with projector infrastructure, and oversized secondary bedrooms ready for customization.
- Primary suite with dual closets and a spa‑style bathroom featuring LED mirrors and a tub plus a large shower option.
The Luke feels like a custom home because of the material choices and the attention to detail. Those cedar accents and metal roofing elements on the exterior give it authentic farmhouse character while the interior remains contemporary and functional.
Elmwood Build Quality and Construction Details
Elmwood builds to a practical standard that balances cost and performance. Most framing is 2x4 construction with strategic 2x6 where needed. More importantly, the thermal and moisture envelope is treated like the house matters: spray foam insulation and a continuous wrap around the shell tighten the structure and improve long‑term comfort.
Other noteworthy points:
- Structural changes are available but require a deposit on structural selections. This protects the builder from having to absorb costs if a buyer backs out after extensive personalization.
- Garage sizing —three‑car garages typically come standard with homes over 2,500 square feet. For smaller footprints, adding a three‑car garage will usually be an option for an additional fee.
- Porch and outdoor detailing —large covered porches with heavy timber beams are standard in many plans, giving you usable outdoor living from day one.

Lot Size, Location, and Commute
One acre lots are the headline feature here. The builder landscapes the first 30 feet of yard, leaving the remainder for your vision—whether that means planting trees, building a garden, or placing an outbuilding. Fencing is available but typically limited to wood privacy fencing when purchased from the builder.
Location benefits:
- Quiet, low‑traffic streets with a small‑town vibe.
- Close proximity to a lake and local recreation.
- Reasonable commuting times to both Dallas and Fort Worth.
If your priority is space rather than walkability, and you want acreage without being hours from the city, Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas delivers a compelling mix.
Practical Tips for Customization and Budgeting
When working on a semi‑custom build, the process and cost controls matter more than ever. A few rules of thumb to guide decisions:
- Decide on structural changes early. If you want to move walls or expand the living room, commit to those changes before finish selections to avoid rework costs. Expect to put down 20 percent of the structural items' price as a deposit when doing significant configuration changes.
- Prioritize upgrades that add long‑term value. Spray foam, durable flooring, and an efficient envelope pay back in comfort and energy costs; prioritize those over overly trendy cosmetic details.
- Use builder incentives wisely. Large incentives can be used to buy down mortgage points, which may save more over time than cosmetic upgrades. Calculate the breakeven for rate buy‑downs versus immediate upgrades.
- Account for site extras. Fencing, driveways, and landscaping beyond the builder's base package are common outlays. Get quotes early for these items so you can budget them into the build.

Working with a Buyers Agent for New Builds
Having a buyer's agent who understands new construction can save time and money. Agents experienced with Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas can help in a few important ways:
- Explain contract language around allowances, upgrade timing, and turnaround windows.
- Negotiate builder incentives and advise whether to accept rate buy‑downs or cash credits.
- Coordinate inspections and punch lists during warranty periods to ensure issues are handled promptly.
Inside Look at New Builds Across Dallas
Using representation does not typically increase your out‑of‑pocket cost. Builders often include commission in the sale, so represented buyers can gain negotiation support and guidance at no extra fee.
If you're relocating to Dallas or want to explore new construction homes in Waxahachie, TX, I’m happy to answer questions and help you weigh neighborhoods, build options, and timing.
Call or text: 945-244-0342 - Scott Baxter, Dallas Realtor
Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction Homes in Waxahachie, TX
What does semi‑custom mean with Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas
Semi‑custom means the base plans are established, but buyers can request meaningful changes such as moving walls, expanding rooms, or altering certain exterior details. Structural changes usually require a deposit to cover the cost of the change and to protect the builder if plans change mid‑process.
How much earnest money do I need to secure a lot?
Many Elmwood opportunities require just 1 percent earnest money to enter a contract. For example, on a $700,000 purchase that would be $7,000. This lower barrier helps buyers who are timing a sale of an existing property.
Are incentives common and how should I use them?
Incentive levels fluctuate. Occasionally large incentive packages are offered that can be used to buy down interest rates, cover upgrades, or pay closing costs. Evaluate the long‑term savings of a lower rate against the immediate value of upgrades before deciding.
What construction details improve energy efficiency in these homes?
Elmwood uses spray foam insulation and a continuous house wrap to tighten the envelope. These choices reduce drafts, stabilize indoor temperatures, and can lower heating and cooling bills compared with traditional construction methods.
Is one acre fenced or landscaped by the builder?
Builders usually landscape the front 30 feet of the lot as part of the base package. Fencing is not standard but can be added, typically as wood privacy fencing. Buyers should budget for full‑lot landscaping and any accessory structures they want.
Can I get a three‑car garage on any plan?
Plans over 2,500 square feet often include a three‑car garage as standard. For smaller plans, adding a three‑car garage is usually possible for an additional cost. Confirm garage sizing and pricing during contract negotiations.
How do I manage the timeline for selections and upgrades?
Create a list of must‑have structural changes first, then prioritize high‑value upgrades like insulation and flooring. Work with your builder's sales consultant and your agent to set deadlines for selections so the build stays on schedule.
Final thoughts
Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas offers a sweet spot for buyers who want the look and feel of a custom farmhouse with the predictability and value of a semi‑custom build. Acre lots, thoughtful finishes, and a genuine focus on building an efficient, comfortable shell make these homes stand out.
If you are seriously considering acreage living, now is an advantageous moment to explore Waxahachie. Prices are still attractive relative to future demand, and the right builder incentives can make a significant difference in your long‑term costs.
For anyone relocating to Dallas or exploring area options, Elmwood Homes in Waxahachie Texas deserves a spot on your shortlist. The combination of land, character, and practical build quality makes these properties a compelling value proposition.
Read More: Lakeway Estates Waxahachie TX: Affordable Homes on Acreage Lots
scott baxter
Local Realtor. Builder Expert. Relocation Pro.
Based in Rockwall, Scott helps buyers and families navigate new construction and relocation across the Dallas metro — with straightforward advice, real video tours, and unmatched builder insight.
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