The Model Home Rep Doesn’t Work for You

This one catches people every time, so I’m just going to say it plainly: the rep sitting in that model home works for the builder. Not for you.

Their job is to get you to sign on the dotted line for that builder’s product, at that builder’s price. That’s not a criticism of them — it’s simply who they represent. The problem is that a lot of buyers walk into new construction assuming someone in that office is looking out for their interests the way an agent would. They’re not, and they’re not supposed to be.

Here’s the part that surprises people: getting your own agent costs you nothing extra. The builder pays that commission regardless of whether you bring representation or not. But having your own agent means you have someone in your corner who has actually read the contract, knows the market, and won’t let you overpay just because the upgrade package sounded good in the sales office.

I’ve been doing this for over ten years, and I can tell you which builders in this market build what, at what price point, in what towns — because that knowledge is the whole job. When a buyer asks me a question about a builder or a floor plan, I’m not guessing.

If you’re even considering a new construction purchase, save this and send it to whoever in your group chat is thinking about building. It costs you nothing to have someone in your corner, and it can save you a lot.

Thinking about building new? Let’s talk before you sign anything — there’s no cost to you, and I’ll give you a straight answer.