Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home

February 14, 2024

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you.

But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps make sure you have proper representation throughout your homebuying journey. As Realtor.com says:

“Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder. So, as the homebuyer,  it’s a smart idea to bring in your own agent, as well, to help you negotiate and stay protected in the transaction .”

Here’s how having your own agent is key when you build or buy a new construction home.

First of all, know that a buyers agent is Typically paid by the builder

Many people don't realize this, but the buyers agent is paid from the marketing budget of the builder. Not all, but most builders pay a buyers agent co-op to compensate their agent. The buyers agent needs to accompany their client on the first visit to be paid appropriately for the transaction. Builders prefer to work with a buyer who has a buyers agent. When buyers are brought in to the community by their realtor there is a higher success rate of the transaction closing becuase the buyers are more educated about the quality and advantage differences of resale vs. new construction because the buyers have typically seen resale houses. In addition, the buyers are typically further educated about the buying process if they have an agent compared to the buyers who walk in alone off the street with no agent representation. 

 

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and surrounding area may evolve before making your home purchase. When you are working with a Top Producing agent, as a buyer you will be well-versed in the upcoming communities and developments that could influence your decision. One way a real estate agent can help the buyers is by reviewing the builder's site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has expertise in the construction quality and reputation of different builders. Like Realtors, not all builders are created equal. Your experienced realtor can give you insights into each builders track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes. It is important to know the difference in quality, amenities, finishes, and lot sizes. Not all homes, nor are all home builders the same. 

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades

The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is having the opportunity to customize your home to your liking. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later.

Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts

When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Plus, agents are skilled negotiators who can advocate for you, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives throughout the process. As Realtor.com says:

“A good buyer’s agent will be able to review any contracts before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring you aren’t unwittingly agreeing to terms that only benefit the builder.” 

Bottom Line

If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you're thinking about buying s new home, reach out to me before you visit the communities. I know which builders you want to work with, and which you don't. I also love to go through the design and upgrade process with my clients to help them make their houses into their dream homes. 

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

September 12, 2026
You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected… While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates , only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com , says : “ We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October. ” And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are. 1. There Are More Homes To Choose From One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that. Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year ( see graph below ): 

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

September 10, 2026
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work . You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't. You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further. Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth. More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it : “ Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new." And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable . Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford ( see map below ):

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

September 5, 2026
You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here's the thing, they may not be. Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers , that shows up in the price. Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay. And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price. That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year ( see graph below ): 

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

September 3, 2026
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. A lot of buyers ask if they can use retirement money for a down payment. The short answer is: sometimes. The better answer is: there are a few different ways to do it, and they are not all the same. 1. 401(k) loan (borrowing from yourself) If your employer plan allows it, this is usually the cleanest option. You borrow from your own 401(k), typically up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. There is generally no income tax and no 10% penalty as long as you repay it on schedule. The interest you pay goes back into your own account. Two things to watch: If you leave your job before the loan is paid off, the remaining balance can become taxable. Some plans allow a longer payoff period when the loan is used to buy a primary residence. 2. 401(k) hardship withdrawal Some plans allow a withdrawal for costs tied to buying a principal residence. This is not a loan. You do not pay it back. You will usually owe income tax, and if you’re under 59½ the 10% penalty often still applies. There is no special first-time homebuyer penalty exception for 401(k)s. 3. IRA first-time homebuyer exception IRAs work differently. You generally cannot take a loan from an IRA, but first-time buyers (no principal residence in the last two years) may withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free. A married couple can often use $10,000 each. Traditional IRA withdrawals are still taxable. Roth IRA contributions can usually come out tax- and penalty-free; earnings have extra rules Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below  ):

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

August 29, 2026
When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now . For a lot of homeowners, it's been years. And if you've been thinking about moving , but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number. Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today's market is more balanced , homeowners are building wealth every day just by owning their homes. That’s how equity works. As home values rise, and as you make your monthly payments, your equity grows. And it adds up fast. According to Cotality , the typical homeowner with a mortgage now has $310,500 in equity. That's not a small number. It’s six figures. And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the typical homeowner has there (see map below): 

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

August 26, 2026
Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window. But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know. Even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are generally moving because of some big life change. That means they’re motivated, and eager to get all the way to the closing table. According to the latest data from Redfin , only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through . Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing. And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market. Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing A Redfin survey sheds light on the most common things that trip up a sale ( see visual below ):

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

August 22, 2026
Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal . And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar . The interesting thing is... both can be right at the exact same time . It just depends on where you live. That's because today's housing market isn't moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle. And knowing which market you're actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down. One Number Tells You Who's Got Leverage So how do you know which market you're in? There's one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months' supply of homes for sale. It's the clearest signal of who's got leverage – and what strategy you'll need. Think of it like this. Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months' supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that's currently on the market based on today’s demand. Generally speaking, if months’ supply is: Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage. 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing. More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal. Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory ( see graph below ):

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

August 20, 2026
That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house . Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise. Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com . And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs. While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area ( see map below ): 

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

August 15, 2026
Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating.But it's a real possibility. A lot of people are putting their plans on hold because they believe much lower mortgage rates are right around the corner. But, based on today's forecasts, that may not happen. And you should know that before you decide what to do. Let's look at why experts don't expect a dramatic drop in rates – and the options that could help you buy anyway. Because even if rates don’t fall, you can still move. Here’s how. 1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t Expected To Fall in a Meaningful Way If you're waiting for rates to fall, you're not alone. A recent survey from Clever-Best Interest found 42% of people believe mortgage rates will drop below 5% this year. The challenge is, that's not what the experts who study mortgage rates every day are expecting. Forecasts from Fannie Mae , the Mortgage Bankers Association , and Wells Fargo all show mortgage rates staying relatively steady in the low-to-mid 6% range through at least mid-2027 ( see graph below ):

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home

August 12, 2026
If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment. The truth is, you usually don’t have to. Plenty of loan options let qualified buyers put down much less. But a lot of repeat buyers are choosing to put down 20% anyway. So, why are they if they don’t have to? Two reasons. They know a bigger down payment pays off, and after years in their current house, they’ve built up enough equity that it’s finally possible. Repeat Buyers Put More Money Down According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical repeat buyer puts down 23% when they buy a home ( see graph below ):
Show More

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

September 12, 2026
You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected… While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates , only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com , says : “ We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October. ” And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are. 1. There Are More Homes To Choose From One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that. Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year ( see graph below ): 

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

September 10, 2026
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work . You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't. You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further. Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth. More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it : “ Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new." And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable . Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford ( see map below ):

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

September 5, 2026
You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here's the thing, they may not be. Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers , that shows up in the price. Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay. And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price. That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year ( see graph below ): 

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

September 3, 2026
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. A lot of buyers ask if they can use retirement money for a down payment. The short answer is: sometimes. The better answer is: there are a few different ways to do it, and they are not all the same. 1. 401(k) loan (borrowing from yourself) If your employer plan allows it, this is usually the cleanest option. You borrow from your own 401(k), typically up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. There is generally no income tax and no 10% penalty as long as you repay it on schedule. The interest you pay goes back into your own account. Two things to watch: If you leave your job before the loan is paid off, the remaining balance can become taxable. Some plans allow a longer payoff period when the loan is used to buy a primary residence. 2. 401(k) hardship withdrawal Some plans allow a withdrawal for costs tied to buying a principal residence. This is not a loan. You do not pay it back. You will usually owe income tax, and if you’re under 59½ the 10% penalty often still applies. There is no special first-time homebuyer penalty exception for 401(k)s. 3. IRA first-time homebuyer exception IRAs work differently. You generally cannot take a loan from an IRA, but first-time buyers (no principal residence in the last two years) may withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free. A married couple can often use $10,000 each. Traditional IRA withdrawals are still taxable. Roth IRA contributions can usually come out tax- and penalty-free; earnings have extra rules Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below  ):

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

August 29, 2026
When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now . For a lot of homeowners, it's been years. And if you've been thinking about moving , but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number. Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today's market is more balanced , homeowners are building wealth every day just by owning their homes. That’s how equity works. As home values rise, and as you make your monthly payments, your equity grows. And it adds up fast. According to Cotality , the typical homeowner with a mortgage now has $310,500 in equity. That's not a small number. It’s six figures. And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the typical homeowner has there (see map below): 

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

August 26, 2026
Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window. But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know. Even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are generally moving because of some big life change. That means they’re motivated, and eager to get all the way to the closing table. According to the latest data from Redfin , only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through . Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing. And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market. Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing A Redfin survey sheds light on the most common things that trip up a sale ( see visual below ):

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

August 22, 2026
Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal . And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar . The interesting thing is... both can be right at the exact same time . It just depends on where you live. That's because today's housing market isn't moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle. And knowing which market you're actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down. One Number Tells You Who's Got Leverage So how do you know which market you're in? There's one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months' supply of homes for sale. It's the clearest signal of who's got leverage – and what strategy you'll need. Think of it like this. Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months' supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that's currently on the market based on today’s demand. Generally speaking, if months’ supply is: Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage. 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing. More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal. Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory ( see graph below ):

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

August 20, 2026
That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house . Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise. Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com . And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs. While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area ( see map below ): 

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

August 15, 2026
Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating.But it's a real possibility. A lot of people are putting their plans on hold because they believe much lower mortgage rates are right around the corner. But, based on today's forecasts, that may not happen. And you should know that before you decide what to do. Let's look at why experts don't expect a dramatic drop in rates – and the options that could help you buy anyway. Because even if rates don’t fall, you can still move. Here’s how. 1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t Expected To Fall in a Meaningful Way If you're waiting for rates to fall, you're not alone. A recent survey from Clever-Best Interest found 42% of people believe mortgage rates will drop below 5% this year. The challenge is, that's not what the experts who study mortgage rates every day are expecting. Forecasts from Fannie Mae , the Mortgage Bankers Association , and Wells Fargo all show mortgage rates staying relatively steady in the low-to-mid 6% range through at least mid-2027 ( see graph below ):

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home

August 12, 2026
If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment. The truth is, you usually don’t have to. Plenty of loan options let qualified buyers put down much less. But a lot of repeat buyers are choosing to put down 20% anyway. So, why are they if they don’t have to? Two reasons. They know a bigger down payment pays off, and after years in their current house, they’ve built up enough equity that it’s finally possible. Repeat Buyers Put More Money Down According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical repeat buyer puts down 23% when they buy a home ( see graph below ):
Show More