Should you use a REALTOR® for new construction, or can you just work directly with the builder?
Short answer: working with a REALTOR® gives you representation throughout the process—often without adding extra cost—and can help protect your interests from contract to closing.
Many buyers assume a brand-new home purchase is simpler than buying a resale property. In reality, new construction involves complex contracts, timelines, and negotiations. Having experienced representation can make a meaningful difference.
Builders Have Representation. Shouldn’t You?
When you visit a model home, the sales representative you meet works for the builder. Their role is to help sell the home and represent the builder’s interests.
A buyer’s REALTOR®, on the other hand, represents you throughout the transaction.
At Jeanie Marten Real Estate, agents typically guide buyers from the first builder meeting through closing. That often includes:
-
Attending builder meetings and reviewing contracts
-
Helping evaluate upgrades and design options
-
Coordinating walkthroughs during construction
-
Communicating with the builder if concerns arise
-
Helping buyers stay on track through inspections, timelines, and closing
New construction may be brand new, but the buying process still benefits from experienced guidance.
New Homes Are Built by People—and People Make Mistakes
One thing buyers sometimes overlook is that new homes are still built by people, and construction involves many moving parts.
Even great builders occasionally encounter issues simply because multiple crews are working on different stages of the home at different times.
Having a REALTOR® involved during construction can help identify concerns early. Sometimes it’s something small that just looks out of place—but catching it early matters.
Why?
Because once the next construction phase begins, certain elements get covered up.
Examples include:
-
Plumbing or electrical placement before drywall
-
Structural framing before insulation
-
Drainage or grading before landscaping
Catching potential issues early helps keep the build timeline moving and may prevent headaches after closing. Often it’s less about being a construction expert and more about recognizing when something doesn’t look right and bringing it to the builder’s attention quickly.
Negotiation Still Happens With New Construction
Another common misconception is that builder prices are fixed.
While builders publish base prices and upgrade costs, negotiations still happen frequently—especially with spec homes, inventory homes, or during slower sales periods.
The challenge is that many buyers simply don’t negotiate.
Research shows:
-
95% of people avoid negotiating at least some of the time, even when money is involved (Columbia Business School research summarized by Drugs.com).
-
Only 39% of homebuyers negotiated their mortgage rate during their most recent home purchase, even though doing so can lead to substantial savings (LendingTree).
Builders negotiate every day. Most buyers do not.
Experienced REALTORS® often negotiate items such as:
-
Price reductions
-
Closing cost contributions
-
Interest-rate buy-downs
-
Included upgrades or design features
For example, a REALTOR® with Jeanie Marten Real Estate recently negotiated on behalf of buyers purchasing a spec home in Wylie, Texas, resulting in:
-
$60,000 price reduction
-
Custom blinds included
-
A patio addition
-
Interest-rate buy-down
These types of incentives are rarely advertised. They typically happen through direct conversations and negotiation with the builder.
Do You Have to Pay a REALTOR® for New Construction?
Another question buyers ask is whether hiring a REALTOR® increases the cost of buying a new home.
In most new construction transactions, builders offer compensation to buyer’s agents as part of their sales process. That compensation is typically included in the builder’s marketing and sales structure.
Because of this, many buyers receive professional representation without paying additional out-of-pocket fees, though policies can vary depending on the builder and community.
Understanding how this works before visiting model homes can help buyers protect their options.
The Bottom Line
So, should you use a REALTOR® for new construction in Texas?
For many buyers, the answer is yes.
A buyer’s REALTOR® can help you:
-
Navigate builder contracts and timelines
-
Identify potential concerns during construction
-
Negotiate upgrades, incentives, or pricing
-
Communicate with the builder throughout the process
New construction can be an exciting way to purchase a home, but it’s still a complex transaction. Having someone focused on your interests from start to finish can make the process smoother—and sometimes more valuable than buyers initially expect.
Schedule a New Construction Consultation
Thinking about building a home in Wylie or the surrounding North Texas area?
Before you visit model homes or sign a builder contract, schedule a consultation with Jeanie Marten Real Estate to better understand the new construction process and your options.
