A new-home sales office is a friendly place, and the people in it are paid by the builder. A buyer's agent works for you. Here is what that changes.
Who the sales rep works for
The sales representative at a builder's office represents the builder. That does not make them dishonest, but their job is to sell that builder's homes at the builder's terms. You are free to bring someone whose only job is your side of the table.
What an agent can do for you on a new build
- Read the builder’s contract with you. It is written by the builder. An agent can explain the deposit, the timeline, what happens if completion slips, and what you can and cannot change.
- Compare communities and incentives. Builders offer different credits, rate buy-downs and upgrades. An agent can line up several communities and what each is really offering.
- Look at lot premiums and upgrades. Which lot, which plan and which options are worth the price, and which are not.
- Weigh the preferred-lender incentive. Builders often offer a credit if you use their lender. Compare it with an outside quote so you know what you would give up either way.
- Understand the full monthly cost. Association dues, special taxes such as Mello-Roos and the property tax rate change the payment as much as the price does.
- Compare with resale homes nearby so you know whether new construction is the better value for what you want.
- Arrange an independent inspection and manage the walk-through. New homes can have defects too, and the punch list is easier to get done with someone watching it.
- Know the warranty. Builders give their own warranties, and California has a statute, the Right to Repair Act (Civil Code section 895 and following), that sets building standards for new homes and a process for claims. An agent can point you to the right questions, and an attorney can advise on your rights.
One timing rule: bring your agent on the first visit
Many builders only work with a buyer's agent who is registered on the buyer's first visit, and policies differ from builder to builder. If you walk in alone first, you may not be able to add an agent later. Call before you go.
How Rudy is paid
Builders set their own policies on paying a buyer's agent. Before you tour, Rudy will tell you in writing how he is paid and whether the builder is covering it, so there are no surprises.
Builder relationships
Patti McKelvey of the Patti & Jeff McKelvey Team worked in real estate with McMillin, one of the builders that helped construct EastLake's earliest neighborhoods, and the team has worked with builder sales offices around the area. Rudy is part of that team.
Questions to bring to any sales office
- What is the current base price, and what is the price of the specific lot and plan?
- What incentives are available today, and what do they require (lender, closing date, contract date)?
- What is included, and what is an upgrade? Can I see the design-center price list?
- When will the home be finished, and what happens if the date moves?
- What are the HOA dues and any special taxes, and what is the total property tax rate?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
- Can I have an independent inspection, and at what stages?
- Is the price protected between signing and closing?
See the communities on the new-construction map, then book a 15-minute call or take the Home Strategy Quiz.
Ask Rudy about a new community
Tell Rudy which community interests you and he will tell you what is selling, what the builder's agent policy is and what to ask, with no pressure.
General information for orientation, not legal advice. Builder policies and incentives change; confirm them with the builder and ask an attorney about your contract and rights.