When you walk into a new construction model home, you'll be greeted by a friendly sales representative. They'll give you a tour, answer your questions, and offer you a purchase agreement. What they won't tell you: they work for the builder, not for you.
The Commission Myth
Many buyers assume a buyer's agent will cost them more. Often, builders offer buyer-agent compensation as part of their sales budget, but it varies by builder and is not guaranteed. How Landon is paid is explained for your specific purchase before you sign anything.
Register your agent before your first official appointment with a builder's sales rep. Many builders have 'first contact' policies that can disqualify you from having representation if you visit unregistered.
What a Buyer's Agent Actually Does
- Reviews the purchase contract for builder-favorable clauses before you sign
- Negotiates lot premiums, upgrade credits, closing cost assistance, and rate buydowns
- Advises which upgrades add resale value vs. personal preference
- Attends pre-drywall and final walkthroughs with you
- Connects you with independent inspectors (builder inspections aren't independent)
- Helps you compare lender incentive packages across preferred and outside lenders
The Risk of Going Unrepresented
New construction contracts heavily favor the builder. Earnest money terms, construction delays, material substitution clauses, and warranty limitations are all written by the builder's legal team. An experienced new construction agent knows what's standard vs. what should be pushed back on.
If you visit a builder's model home and register your information without an agent, the builder may refuse to allow representation later — even if you haven't signed anything. Always register your agent first.
The Bottom Line
A buyer's agent who knows new construction contracts and what can be negotiated, and who represents you rather than the builder, can make the process clearer. How Landon is paid is explained for your specific purchase before you sign anything.
Have questions about this topic? We can walk you through it for your specific situation.