Visiting model homes is one of the most exciting steps in the home-buying process. Walking through the beautifully staged rooms, imagining your life in a new construction home, and getting a feel for the craftsmanship can be exhilarating. While it's always best to have your real estate agent accompany you on these visits, it's not always practical. Sometimes you might find yourself spontaneously stopping by a subdivision and meeting with the builder’s sales advisor.
While that’s perfectly fine, there's an important step that many buyers overlook—making sure the sales advisor knows that you are already working with a real estate agent. Failing to register your agent can lead to complications down the line, and worse, it could result in you not being represented by your agent during one of the most significant purchases of your life.
In this blog post, we'll walk through the essential steps to ensure your real estate agent is recognized by the builder and why it's so important to protect your best interests during your new construction home purchase.
Why You Should Meet Your Real Estate Agent at Model Homes (When Possible)
Before we dive into the importance of registering your agent, let's start with why it's a good idea to visit model homes with your real estate agent in the first place. As mentioned in our previous post "Don’t Go It Alone: Why a Real Estate Agent is Your Best Ally in New Construction", your agent acts as your advocate throughout the entire home-buying process.
When your agent is with you, they can ask the right questions about the home’s features, the builder’s reputation, and any potential red flags. They can also help negotiate on your behalf and ensure you're getting the best deal possible, whether it's in terms of pricing, upgrades, or closing costs.
However, life happens. You may find yourself driving by a new development on a weekend and deciding to pop into the sales office without your agent. When this happens, there’s an important step you must not overlook: letting the builder’s sales advisor know that you’re already working with a real estate agent.
Registering Your Agent: Protect Your Interests
The moment you engage with a sales advisor at a new construction site, they will usually ask you to register. This is standard practice for all builders, and it helps them keep track of who is visiting their homes. When you register, this is your chance to ensure your real estate agent is linked to your purchase from the start.
The builder’s sales advisor will not automatically assume you’re working with an agent unless you tell them. If you fail to mention your agent during this initial visit, it can create issues later on. In some cases, builders may not allow you to retroactively add your agent to the deal, meaning you might miss out on the crucial benefits that having your own representation brings.
To make sure everything runs smoothly, provide the following information to the sales advisor:
Your agent’s name: Jonathan Yokley- Phone number: 210-540-9058
- Email: Jonathan@TexasRoadrunnerRealty.com
- Firm name: Texas Roadrunner Realty
- License number: 633850
This ensures that your agent is credited from the outset, and the builder acknowledges that you have professional representation. This step can save you from future headaches and ensures your agent can negotiate and advocate for you throughout the process.
The Price is the Price—With or Without an Agent
A common misconception among buyers is that they might get a better deal on a new home if they don’t use a real estate agent. However, as we discussed in our previous post, this simply isn’t true. The price of the home is typically set by the builder and does not change whether or not you have an agent. Builders have already factored the agent’s commission into the home price.
If you choose not to have an agent represent you, the builder simply keeps the commission for themselves. You’re not saving any money by going it alone; in fact, you’re missing out on having a professional looking out for your best interests. By registering your agent, you're ensuring that their commission is put to work protecting you—whether it's through better contract terms, assistance with financing options, or overseeing the home’s construction.
So, when you visit model homes, don’t let the builder keep the commission that could be used to have your best interests in mind. Be sure to register your agent to ensure they are part of the process.
Your Agent Doesn’t Need to Accompany Every Visit, But Keep Them Informed
It’s essential to understand that while it's great to have your agent with you for every visit to a model home, it’s not always necessary. The key is to communicate with both your real estate agent and the sales advisor so everyone is on the same page.
Let your agent know which subdivisions you’re visiting and what you’ve discussed with the sales advisor. That way, your agent can follow up on important details and make sure your interests are being protected even when they aren’t physically present.
However, every time you visit a new subdivision or model home, make it a point to register your agent if you haven’t already. Builders and their sales advisors handle many clients daily, so it’s always good to confirm that your agent is registered and involved.
Builder Sales Advisors Work for the Builder—Not for You
Remember, the sales advisor at a model home works for the builder. Their job is to sell homes at the best price and terms for the builder, not for you. Even if they seem friendly and helpful, their primary responsibility is to the builder's bottom line. This is why having your own representation is so crucial.
Your real estate agent’s job is to protect your interests and advocate for you. They are the ones who can spot unfavorable contract terms, negotiate better deals, and ensure that the home you’re purchasing is built to the agreed-upon standards. Without an agent in your corner, you could be missing out on these crucial protections.
Conclusion: Don’t Forget to Register Your Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re visiting model homes with or without your real estate agent, always remember to register their information with the builder’s sales advisor. This small step ensures that your agent is involved in the process and that you’ll have professional representation throughout your home-buying journey.
By following this advice, you’re ensuring that your agent, Jonathan Yokley from Texas Roadrunner Realty, is there to guide you, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your interests—at no extra cost to you. So, the next time you stop by a model home, don’t forget to register!
For more insights on buying new construction homes, be sure to check out our previous post "Don’t Go It Alone: Why a Real Estate Agent is Your Best Ally in New Construction", and explore other related topics on our blog.
Ready to start your new home search? Make sure you're fully represented by an experienced real estate agent. Contact us today to ensure your interests are protected throughout the new construction process. Get in touch with us now and let's find your dream home together!
