The Most Important Advice We Can Give When Buying a New Construction Home

If you’re thinking about buying a new construction home, you’ve probably wondered:
“Should I bring my own agent, or should I just go straight to the builder?”

Let us give you the most important piece of advice you’ll hear during this entire process:
Going directly to the builder will NOT save you money. Ever.
And this is not coming from a money-hungry agent - this is coming from years of helping buyers and seeing firsthand what happens behind the scenes.

In fact, some of the worst deals we’ve seen were from buyers who walked in alone, unrepresented, and totally unaware of what they were signing.

Let’s break down why bringing your own agent is not only smart - it’s essential.

1. Builders Don’t Share the Inside Details (Unless You Know What to Ask)

Sales reps at new construction communities are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about their product.
But remember: their job is to sell that community at the highest price possible.

Your agent knows:

• which lots are about to be discounted
• when builder incentives increase at the end of a month/quarter
• how much wiggle room most national builders actually have
• which upgrades are worth paying for and which aren’t
• what “free appliance package” really means

There are conversations happening behind closed doors - negotiations you’ll never hear about - unless someone is representing you and pushing for answers.

2. You Shouldn’t Be Negotiating a Six-Figure Purchase Alone

Buying a home already comes with emotions, decisions, and stress. A brand-new construction adds even more:

• design center decisions
• timeline delays
• walkthrough issues
• warranty items
• HOA requirements
• builder contracts full of legal language

You shouldn’t be the one arguing about closing costs, asking about incentives, or questioning structural options.
Your job is to focus on the fun stuff - your future home - not on stressful negotiations.

Let us handle the messy parts so you can actually enjoy the process.

3. The Builder’s Agent Works for the Builder. Period.

This is the part most buyers misunderstand.

Yes, the builder’s agent is warm, welcoming, and helpful. But legally, ethically, and contractually, they represent the builder’s interests - not yours.

What that means:

• they can’t advise you on whether pricing is fair
• they can’t tell you when a better incentive is coming
• they can’t suggest negotiating terms
• they can’t point out contract clauses that protect the builder
• they cannot advocate for you, even if they want to

Their job is to protect the builder.
Our job is to protect you.

4. The Incentives You See Are Only the Beginning

That flyer on the sales desk? That’s the public promo.

But what about:

• lender credits
• design center bonuses
• appliance or landscape packages
• closing cost matches
• lot premium reductions
• inventory home price drops
• end-of-quarter builder goals
• under-the-radar discounts for represented buyers

We know which questions unlock the incentives buyers never hear about. We know what’s negotiable and what isn’t. And we know which builders offer the most value depending on your needs.

Most buyers who go direct walk away thinking:
“That must be everything they offer.”

It almost never is.

5. Important: Builders Already Allocate Money to Pay Us

This is the biggest misconception.

Builders budget to pay buyer agents. It’s built into their marketing cost.
If you don’t bring an agent?

The builder keeps the money.
YOU don’t save a dime.

You lose representation, protection, guidance, and negotiation power - while the builder walks away with more profit.

So instead of being a “smart move,” going direct usually means:

• higher price
• fewer incentives
• no one looking out for you
• no advocate during inspections and walkthroughs
• no support after closing

And sometimes, costly mistakes that could have been avoided if someone was on your side.

6. And Let’s Be Real for a Second…

Builders are not the ones:

• throwing quarterly appreciation parties
• checking in long after closing
• sending you home anniversary gifts
• showing up with holiday pop-bys
• sending you community updates
• helping you navigate warranty claims
• being your long-term resource

We don’t disappear when the sale is done.
We stay with you for the life of your homeownership journey.

Ready to Start the New Construction Process the Right Way?

If you’re thinking about building, let’s chat before you walk into that sales office. A simple text or DM could save you thousands and countless headaches.

Hey, we’re The Hrady Group - your local realtors and community experts.
We’re always a DM or text away: 951.465.3054

Let’s connect!
Follow us!
IG - @househardys - https://www.instagram.com/p/DRsfHdHDC8b/
Website - https://askhardy.com/
YouTube - @livingintemeculavalley