Should I use an agent to purchase new construction?

Why You Should Never Buy a New Construction Home Without an Agent

If you're exploring the idea of buying a brand-new home from a builder, it's easy to be drawn in by the sleek model homes, upgraded features, and promises of customization. But there's one big mistake many buyers make, walking into a builder’s sales office without their own real estate agent.

Most buyers don’t realize that once you visit a builder site and register without an agent, you may lose the right to bring in your own representation later. This means you're entering into a transaction with the builder’s team, who works for the builder, not for you.

Before you get swept up in the excitement of granite countertops and shiny appliances, here’s what you need to know about why having a real estate agent is crucial when buying new construction, and what risks you take on without one.

✅ The Advantages of Using a Real Estate Agent for New Construction

1. Your Advocate From Day One
A builder's sales representative may seem helpful and friendly, but they represent the builder’s best interests. Your agent is there to represent you, helping to ensure your needs and goals are at the forefront of every decision.

2. Expert Contract Review
Builder contracts often differ significantly from standard real estate contracts and can be heavily weighted in the builder’s favor. Your agent will review the fine print and help you understand your obligations and options before you sign anything.

3. Guidance on Builders and Communities
Experienced agents have insider knowledge about local builders, their reputation, quality of work, and customer service track record. Your agent can steer you toward builders who are known for delivering great results.

4. Help with Negotiations
Think you can’t negotiate on a new build? Think again. A savvy agent can help you secure better pricing, upgraded finishes, closing cost assistance, or even special incentives the builder may not offer openly.

5. Assistance with Inspections and Walkthroughs
Even brand-new homes can have defects. Your agent will guide you through inspections, construction milestones, and final walkthroughs, making sure the home is built as promised and any issues are addressed before closing.

6. Streamlined Communication
Your agent becomes the point of contact between you and the builder’s team, helping to clarify details, resolve delays, and keep everything on track. This can save you time, stress, and frustration throughout the process.

7. It Doesn’t Cost You Anything
That’s right, using a buyer’s agent costs you nothing. The builder pays the agent’s commission. So, you get professional representation at no additional expense.

🚫 The Risks of Buying Without Representation

1. No One Protecting Your Interests
Without an agent, you’re going up against a builder with a team of professionals who are focused on the builder’s profit. Who’s looking out for your rights?

2. Limited Negotiating Power
You may not know what’s negotiable, and the builder’s rep likely won’t offer that information freely. You could leave money or valuable upgrades on the table.

3. Surprises in the Fine Print
Builder contracts are long and complex. Without an agent, you could agree to unfavorable terms you don’t fully understand, like tight closing deadlines or lack of recourse for delays.

4. Unfamiliarity with the Construction Process
Buying new construction involves more steps than a traditional resale home. Without someone to guide you, you may miss important deadlines or misunderstand your responsibilities.

5. Risk of Unresolved Issues
From delays in completion to last-minute changes, issues can arise. Without an agent advocating for you, you might struggle to get timely answers or fair resolutions.

🛑 Before You Visit the Builder, Talk to Your Agent!

This is one of the most important points to remember: Always contact your real estate agent before visiting a builder’s model home or sales office. Why? Because many builders require that your agent is present or registered at your first visit, otherwise, they may refuse to work with your agent later, leaving you without representation.

Let's Make Sure You're Protected

If you’re thinking about exploring new construction homes, I’d love to walk you through the process and ensure you’re fully represented from start to finish. Let’s make sure you get the home you want, without unexpected surprises.

Ruben Sanchez

REALTOR® | Team Lead

(714) 656-6325

ruben@trxg.net

DRE 02091617

ΓEA⅃ Brokerage