Shakopee · Chaska · Chanhassen, MN
Shakopee's dedicated new construction specialist — your advocate from the first community visit to the closing table.
My Story
When you walk into a new construction sales office alone, the agent behind the desk has one job: protect the builder's interests. I started specializing in new construction buyer representation because I saw too many buyers sign contracts they didn't fully understand, pay for upgrades that weren't worth it, and miss out on incentives the sales rep never offered.
My job is the opposite. I represent only you — giving you honest intelligence on every community, every builder, and every line of your contract. I've walked every active development in Shakopee, Chaska, and Chanhassen. I know which builders deliver on their timelines, which floor plans hold their value, and where the hidden costs are buried in the fine print.
I'm a REALTOR® at Pemberton Real Estate — Minnesota's top independent brokerage with 275 agents across 7 offices. Working at an independent brokerage means I have no corporate pressure to steer you toward a particular builder or community. My only obligation is to you.
Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to understand the process, a growing family ready to build in Shakopee, or a current homeowner who needs to sell before you can buy new — I've helped buyers in every situation navigate the Southwest Metro's new construction market, and I'd love to help you too.
Why Buyers Choose Melissa
New construction is a specialized transaction. Here's what I bring to the table — and why it matters.
I know DR Horton, Lennar, MI Homes, and every local builder active in the Southwest Metro. I'll tell you what the brochure doesn't — reputation, build quality, and which communities are worth your time.
Builder contracts are written to protect the builder. I read every clause and negotiate closing cost contributions, upgrades, lot premiums, and timeline protections that buyers without an agent never receive.
I coordinate pre-drywall and final-walkthrough inspections with independent inspectors — not builder-recommended ones. If corners are being cut, we find it before you close, not after.
Selling your current home to fund a new build? I specialize in layering both transactions so your timelines align. No carrying two mortgages, no missed build windows.
I live and work in the Southwest Metro. I know Shakopee, Chaska, and Chanhassen — the neighborhoods, the schools, the commutes, and the communities that are growing the fastest.
The builder pays my commission. You get full representation, an experienced advocate, and expert negotiation — at absolutely no cost to you. There is no reason to walk in alone.
How I Work
I don't believe in scripts or pressure. Here's my honest approach to every client relationship.
Every buyer situation is different. Before I recommend a single community, I learn your timeline, budget, must-haves, and what you're trying to accomplish. Our first call is free, low-pressure, and all about you.
I will tell you which communities have had quality-control issues, which builders are running behind on timelines, and which floor plans aren't worth the premium. You deserve honest information, not a sales pitch.
Builder contracts favor builders. I review every line and negotiate on your behalf — closing cost contributions, free upgrades, lot premiums, and timeline protections. Most buyers leave significant value on the table by going in alone.
My job doesn't end when you sign. I attend key build milestones, coordinate independent inspections, and keep a close eye on your timeline so nothing slips through the cracks before your final walkthrough.
My goal isn't just to close a transaction — it's to be the agent you call every time you have a real estate question for as long as you live in the Southwest Metro. Past clients reach out for contractor referrals, market updates, and advice years after we close.
Cities I Serve
I specialize in Shakopee, Chaska, and Chanhassen — three of the most active new construction markets in the Twin Cities. Here's what I know about each city.
Shakopee is the highest-volume new construction market in the Southwest Metro. Active communities include Highview Park (DR Horton), Arbor Bluff (Lennar), Amberglen, and Valley Crest (MI Homes). Shakopee offers strong school ratings, easy highway access, and some of the most competitive new construction pricing in Scott County.
Explore Shakopee →Chaska offers a small-town feel with easy access to Chanhassen and the broader metro. Active new construction communities include Oak Creek, Reserve at Autumn Woods, and Rivertown Heights. Chaska is known for excellent Carver County schools, low crime, and beautiful natural surroundings along the Minnesota River valley.
Explore Chaska →Chanhassen is consistently ranked among Minnesota's most desirable cities to live. Active new construction includes the Foxwood community. Chanhassen offers top-rated schools, access to Lake Minnetonka, downtown amenities, and some of the most premium new construction in the Southwest Metro.
Explore Chanhassen →Client Reviews
Melissa was very easy to work with on both a buy and sell. She kept me informed and updated during the negotiations and positively managed the parties during stressful situations. She passed along her ideas for a positive solution all the while listening to my concerns. I highly recommend her expertise.
Melissa is absolutely incredible! From the very beginning, she made me feel completely comfortable and confident in the home-buying process. She is incredibly personable, easy to connect with, and genuinely cares about helping her clients find a home they love.
We had an outstanding experience working with Melissa and the entire team at Pemberton throughout our home buying process. From start to finish, Melissa was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making the experience as smooth as possible.
Melissa was so wonderful to work with as first-time home buyers. From our first meeting to the day we closed on our dream home, she was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. She took the time to explain every step and always made us feel like a priority.
Blake and Melissa were amazing helping me buy my first home. They informed me about every step of the process and helped me think about what I wanted. During the offer and negotiation they were incredibly helpful and I felt fully supported throughout.
Blake and Melissa are amazing to work with. They were patient with us when looking for homes and treated us like family. We felt looked after and confident in our search with having them on our team. They respected our budget and never pushed us to look at homes we didn't need to see.
Get in Touch
Start Here
No pressure, no obligation. Whether you're just starting to research communities or you have a builder contract in front of you right now — I'm here to help. The builder pays my commission, so there's no cost to you.
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Whether you're just beginning to explore communities or you have a builder picked out — I'm here to help. No pressure, just good information.