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Do You Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction? Here’s Everything to Know

When you’re house hunting, the allure of new construction is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in the pristine home—one untouched by grimy hands or muddy shoes. It’s full of brand-new appliances and the finishes and treatments that you picked to fit your aesthetic. And you won’t have to worry about making any cosmetic or structural upgrades for years.

If you are interested in buying a new construction, the builder’s agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.

Using a real estate agent for new construction: What is a builder’s agent?

When you buy a new construction, the home’s builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder’s agent. The builder’s agent will always have the builder’s best interest in mind, they are an employee of the builder.

After all, the job of the builder’s agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling so the agent is not going to be as eager to negotiate down.

Why you should hire an agent for new construction

It’s a good idea to have your real estate agent accompany you on your first visit to the new construction. Why? Because the builder (aka the seller) will be responsible for paying the commission, and needs to know if you’ll have a real estate agent representing you. So bringing your agent to the first visit will make it clear that the builder’s agent will be on the hook for paying commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the first time you visit the home on a new construction site.

Your real estate agent’s job is to help you get the most value for your money. By finding out what incentives, extras, and assistance the builder is offering, which many times are not offered without asking.

When buying new construction, here’s what your real estate agent will help you with that you might miss out on if you stick with the builder’s agent:

Negotiating extras: Want upgraded counters or appliances in that new home? Your agent can help you with all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades.
Recommending financing: A builder typically will have a “preferred” lender that it will try to steer you to, but your real estate agent can help make sure that you’re getting the mortgage that works best for your situation. Shopping around is always wise, and you don’t want the builder’s agent pressuring you into using their suggested professional unless it’s right for you. Many times builders will have extremally high closing costs.
Overseeing a home inspection: Tempted to forgo a home inspection in new construction? Don’t do it, the builder’s agent is unlikely to push for or offer up an inspection, so it’s up to you and your real estate agent to make it happen.
Advocate for you: Your agent is an expert in the area and can advocate for you so you don't feel dismissed by the builder when you have concerns. Many times buyers are not there to regularly check on the progress of the build and your agent can be your extra set of eyes.

Everyone wants to walk away from buying a home—whether it be a new construction or not—with peace of mind. Having a real estate agent in your corner will help facilitate that.