Why You Should Always Bring Your Realtor on Your First Visit to a New Construction Site
by Sharon Ayers
July 2025
If you’re shopping for a brand-new home, chances are you’ve been tempted to stop by a new construction site and take a peek. That model home is calling your name! But before you step foot inside, make sure to bring your REALTOR®—and here’s why it matters more than you might think.
The Builder’s Salesperson Works for the Builder—Not for You
It’s important to understand this upfront: the sales representative at a new construction site represents the builder, not the buyer. Their job is to protect the builder’s interests, not yours.
✅ Tip: Bring your realtor with you on your very first visit to any new home community.
If your REALTOR® isn’t present or registered on your very first visit, many builders may not allow them to represent you later in the transaction and certainly will not pay any subsidy for your agent’s fees. That means you’ll be left without professional guidance during one of the most important purchases of your life.
What Your Realtor® Does for You During New Construction
Your REALTOR® is your personal advocate and expert throughout the entire process. Here’s what they bring to the table:
🔍 Contract Guidance
Builder contracts are lengthy and often written in the builder’s favor. Your REALTOR® will help you review the contract and addendums, explain the fine print, and suggest smart revisions or protections.
🏗️ Site Plan Review
That open land behind your future backyard? It might be a retention pond or a future highway. Your REALTOR® can review the builder’s site plan and alert you to future developments that could impact your home’s value and enjoyment.
🏘️ Builder Reputation Insight
Experienced REALTOR® have worked with many builders and often know their track records. Your agent might advise whether the builder finishes on time and is responsive to warranty issues, or if the builder has a history of construction delays and cut corners.
✨ Upgrade Selection Advice
Builders offer dozens of customization options. Your REALTOR® can help you prioritize upgrades that add real value—and steer you away from ones that look nice but don’t pay off at resale.
📅 From Start to Closing
From writing your contract to scheduling inspections and staying on top of builder deadlines, your REALTOR® is there for you at every milestone. They ensure you don’t miss key steps or get caught off guard by builder-driven timelines.
Example: One client was told by the builder that a private inspection wasn’t necessary. Their REALTOR® recommended one anyway—and the inspector found a major issue with plumbing placement before the drywall went up. Problem avoided.
Bottom Line: Don’t Go Alone
Buying new construction can be exciting—but it’s also complex. You need someone in your corner who’s looking out for your interests. That’s where your REALTOR® comes in.
Have Questions About Buying New Construction?
Whether you’re just getting started or already touring communities, I’d love to help. Contact me today to discuss how I can guide you through the new construction process—from your first visit to your final walkthrough. Contact the FOCUS on NoVA Real Estate® Team today!
