Touring new construction model homes can feel exciting—but also a little overwhelming. The on-site sales agent is knowledgeable and friendly, but it’s important to remember: they represent the builder’s interests, not yours.
When you bring your own real estate agent, you gain a calm, experienced guide who helps keep the conversation balanced, explains builder language clearly, and ensures your priorities stay front and center—without pressure or intimidation.
Think of your agent as your professional advocate—there to level the playing field and help you make confident, informed decisions throughout the new-build process.
Pro tip: Even if you’ve already visited a model home, reach out anyway. Depending on the builder’s registration policy, representation may still be possible.
| Decision Point | Builder Sales Rep | Your Real Estate Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Contract terms | Uses builder contract designed to protect builder | Explains clauses, deadlines, deposits, and risk points |
| Incentives & pricing | May promote in-house lender incentives | Compares incentives across builders and negotiates strategically |
| Lot selection | Shows available lots | Evaluates location, noise, sun exposure, and resale factors |
| Upgrades | Sells upgrade packages | Helps prioritize ROI upgrades vs. “pretty but pricey” choices |
| Inspections | May discourage extra inspections | Encourages phased inspections + punch list accountability |
What OUR Clients Have to Say
Working with Larry McFarlin was one of the best decisions I made during my real estate journey. From start to finish, Larry brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that went far beyond my expectations. He’s not just a realtor—he’s a true advocate for his clients. What impressed me most was Larry’s deep knowledge of the market, his sharp eye for detail, and his ability to stay calm and strategic, even in a competitive environment. He was always one step ahead, offering honest advice, clear communication, and unwavering support throughout the entire process. Larry took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for and never pushed or rushed the process. Instead, he guided me with patience, transparency, and insight that made me feel confident every step of the way. When it came time to negotiate, his experience and instincts were invaluable. Thanks to Larry, we found our dream home, and w couldn’t be more grateful.
Larry and Laura with 24Fifteen Realty are amazing! This is the realty team you want for your next home sale or purchase. They work great as a team, playing off each other's strengths to put buyers at ease while providing objective feedback and guiding the process. Not only are they both delightful to work with, but they are also really great at what they do, bringing creative ideas into successful negotiations and ensuring impactful things are factored into the contract to protect the buyer. They recently helped my daughter and son-in-law buy their first home, and they couldn't have been better at what they did every step of the way. We got to know Larry and Laura, and what really impressed me was how much they genuinely care about their clients. Many agents see clients as just a commission, but they shared a story about guiding a young single woman into a better neighborhood because they were sincerely concerned about her safety where she was initially looking to move. That's the realty team I wanted looking out for my daughter when she was buying her first home! I could go on and on, but simply put your faith in Larry and Laura, and you won't be disappointed. They go the extra mile, have a great depth of real estate knowledge, and insight into the marketplace. While there are plenty of skilled and competent agents you could work with, why not choose the team you LIKE to work with? They are great and will ensure the entire transaction is enjoyable! Cannot recommend them enough!!!
Our search for a home began almost 2 years ago. I notified Larry I was only researching & was unsure when we might move. Nevertheless, Larry was extremely helpful with research & answered all questions to my full understanding. He helped tweak my search so we were able to refine our search even deeper. Then we hit a snag when my area went from a sellers to a buyers market almost overnight. He kept in touch consistently. When we finally moved to Texas to our temporary home, he understood we needed a break. When we did begin our search in earnest, as a result of our coordinated in depth research. We found a home within two weeks. It checked off almost every item we wanted plus he negotiated a decrease in price plus added some perks the builder would cover. A good man and a good friend. Always there for me. I totally recommend him
I recently sold a house with Albert and while this can be a very stressful process, I felt so confident by partnering with Albert. He was very professional, easy to communicate with, provided great feedback, helped explain clearly all details and managed the actual sale negotiation brilliantly.
Albert was extremely responsive to every one of my questions, no matter how small or stupid. As I move forward to now buy my next house, I am extremely certain Albert will be the right partner to help me navigate this process. I am certain to find the best option available and negotiate on price.
I recently sold a house with Albert and while this can be a very stressful process, I felt so confident by partnering with Albert. He was very professional, easy to communicate with, provided great feedback, helped explain clearly all details and managed the actual sale negotiation brilliantly.
Patrick was extremely responsive to every one of my questions, no matter how small or stupid. As I move forward to now buy my next house, I am extremely certain Albert will be the right partner to help me navigate this process. I am certain to find the best option available and negotiate on price.
I recently sold a house with Albert and while this can be a very stressful process, I felt so confident by partnering with Albert. He was very professional, easy to communicate with, provided great feedback, helped explain clearly all details and managed the actual sale negotiation brilliantly.
I recently sold a house with Albert and while this can be a very stressful process, I felt so confident by partnering with Albert. He was very professional, easy to communicate with, provided great feedback, helped explain clearly all details and managed the actual sale negotiation brilliantly.
| Feature | Resale Home | New Build Home |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price Transparency | Negotiable based on market comps. | Set by builder — may include upgrades not listed in base price. |
| Inspection & Negotiation Power | Full inspection contingency + price negotiations available. | Inspection available, but negotiation power is limited without a REALTOR®. |
| Builder Incentives | Rare or seasonal. | Often available, but incentives may be offset by higher base price. |
| Appraisal Risk | Typically aligned with recent sold comps in the area. | New builds can appraise below offer price — a REALTOR® can help protect you. |
| Upgrades & Customization | Limited to cosmetic changes unless major renovations are done later. | Wide selection of upgrades during build. |
| Warranty Coverage | Usually none — buyer arranges repairs post-close. | Standard builder warranty included. |
| Closing Costs | Standard buyer / lender fees. | Can include unexpected fees (impact fees, HOA), often overlooked without REALTOR® guidance. |
| Timeline & Delays | Immediate or pre-arranged move-in. | Construction delays possible — a REALTOR® helps protect your interests. |
| Market Comparisons | Easy to value with nearby sales data. | Harder to compare without expert insights — REALTORS® bring market expertise. |
| Representation Cost | Your agent is typically paid from seller proceeds. | Your REALTOR® still gets paid — and protects you. |
*Note: This comparison is intended to help you understand general differences between resale homes and new construction homes. Individual builder policies and market conditions may vary.
Here’s the tricky part: the on-site sales team is helpful, but they represent the builder. If you tour or register without your own agent, you can lose the ability to have buyer representation (and the negotiation leverage that comes with it).
Want me to schedule your model home tours and keep you protected from day one?
Pro tip: If you already visited a builder, reach out anyway—sometimes we can still help depending on their registration policy.
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