When you're house hunting, the allure of new construction is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in the pristine home—one untouched by grimy hands or muddy shoes. It's full of brand-new appliances and the finishes and treatments that you picked to fit your aesthetic. And you won't have to worry about making any cosmetic or structural upgrades for years.

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If you are interested in buying new construction, the builder's agent will be ready to help you with the process. But make no mistake: You need your own agent representation. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder's on-site agent, you're going to want an agent with new construction experience representing your side of the transaction.

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What is a builder's agent? When you buy new construction, the home's builder is considered the seller, and the agent representing the builder is called the builder's agent. Their primary concern is the builders best interest, as the job of the builder's agent is to get the highest price for the homes the builder is selling.

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It's a good idea to have your agent accompany you on your first visit to the new construction sales gallery. Why? Because the builder (aka seller) will be responsible for paying the commission, and needs to know if you're properly represented. So having your agent present at the first visit is critical to make it clear that the builder's agent will be paying the commission. Some builders might even refuse to pay your agent a commission if you don’t register the agent the very first time you visit the home on a new construction site.

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When buying new construction, here are some things we'll help you with, that you'll likely not get with the builder’s agent:

• Negotiating extras: Want upgraded counters or appliances in your new home? We can help obtain all those extra perks, amenities, and upgrades, from paint color or even the style of garage door, especially if the development is in the beginning stages.

• Recommending financing: A builder typically will have a “preferred” lender that it will encourage you to use, but we can help make sure that you’re getting the mortgage that works best for your situation, avoiding the pressure of using theirs, unless it’s right for you.

• Why a home inspection for new construction? The builder’s agent is unlikely to push for an inspection, but this is a very important step you don't want to skip. We will ensure a professional inspection is requested on your behalf.

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How the builder's agent can help

All that said, the builder's agent can be a valuable resource for learning about your potential new home. They have knowledge about the construction and available amenities and we can typically rely on them for background information.

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Everyone wants to walk away from buying a home—whether it be new construction or not—with peace of mind. Having represented builders and developers of more than 10 luxury new construction projects and over 16 years of luxury real estate experience, you can rest assured you will be properly represented.