A house is made of bricks and beams.
A home is made of hopes and dreams.
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Custom Construction
From Representing Builders to Representing Buyers
Building a custom home is an exciting journey – one that requires expert guidance, careful planning, and strong representation to ensure your vision becomes a reality. Whether you’re considering a move-in-ready model home or dreaming of a fully customized estate, you’re in the right place for professional guidance and buyer-focused representation.
Why Work With a Realtor for Custom Construction?
Discover Exclusive Builders & Communities
Many of the best custom home builders don’t advertise, and some communities have multiple builders, only a few of which may be actively promoted. Janelle has insider knowledge of hidden opportunities, exclusive neighborhoods, and custom home builders that most buyers would never find on their own.
Get Fair Pricing & the Best Terms
Builder pricing is often strategic, not set in stone. Janelle understands how to negotiate pricing, upgrades, and incentives to ensure you get the best value while avoiding unnecessary costs.
Understand the Entire Process From Start to Finish
Building a home isn’t just about selecting a floor plan—it’s about choosing the right lot, navigating architectural guidelines, understanding upgrade costs, and ensuring a smooth construction timeline. Janelle guides clients through every phase, from securing the right builder to final walkthroughs and closing.
Save Time & Avoid Costly Mistakes
Custom home construction is a time-intensive process with many moving parts. Without representation, buyers may miss deadlines, overlook key contract details, or fail to capitalize on builder incentives. Janelle streamlines the process, ensuring your investment is protected and stress-free.
Why Janelle Mertins Is the Right Choice for Custom Construction Buyers
Extensive Builder Experience
Having worked inside the homebuilding industry, Janelle understands how builders structure pricing, upgrades, and contracts—giving her clients a huge advantage in negotiations.
Expert in Luxury & Custom Home Building
Whether you’re working with a boutique custom home builder or a national luxury developer, Janelle knows how to match buyers with the right builder for their vision and budget.
Local Market Knowledge & Strong Builder Relationships
Janelle has spent over 20 years in Florida, developing strong relationships with top-rated custom builders. She provides access to off-market opportunities, private builder incentives, and expert recommendations to ensure you find the perfect home.
No Cost to Buyers, Maximum Savings
Buyers often wonder if working without a Realtor saves money. The truth? It never costs more to use an agent—in fact, it almost always results in a better deal. Builders set aside marketing funds to pay Realtor commissions, meaning Janelle’s expertise is a free resource for buyers while still securing the best price and terms possible.
Before You Meet With a Builder, Contact Janelle First!
The biggest mistake buyers make when building a home is assuming the builder’s representatives work for them—but they don’t. Builders and their sales teams protect their own interests, not yours. Having a Realtor like Janelle Mertins on your side ensures you get the best deal, the right builder, and the smoothest construction experience possible.
Meet Janelle Mertins

YOUR GULF COAST SPECIALIST
Sarasota & Bradenton Luxury Real Estate Agent
As a trusted Bradenton and Sarasota Realtor, Janelle Mertins specializes in luxury homes, new construction, and custom residences throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. With over a decade of experience and ranking in the top 1% of Florida agents, she provides expert guidance, local market insight, and a personalized approach to help clients buy and sell with confidence. Whether you’re searching for a waterfront estate, golf community home, or new-build property, she is committed to making your real estate journey seamless and successful.
As a Florida resident for over 20 years, Janelle possess an intimate knowledge of the local market that allows me to deliver unparalleled insights into property values, neighborhood trends, and investment opportunities. My comprehensive expertise spans both residential and luxury markets, with a particular emphasis on new construction and custom luxury homes. Her background in real estate development, alongside insider experience working with top-tier builders, enables her to provide clients with an exceptional level of service and guidance.

