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Category
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Realtors (Buyer’s Agent)
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Builder Sales Associates (On-Site Reps)
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Who They Represent
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Claims to work for you based on code of ethics – May owe fiduciary duty (loyalty, disclosure, etc.) Reality: Not every agent prioritizes you over their paycheck. Some will push whatever closes fastest.
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Works 100% for the builder – no duty to buyer whatsoever
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Commission Paid By
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Paid by the builder
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Paid 100% by the builder
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Fiduciary Duty to Buyer
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Yes on paper – but some agents care more about getting paid than getting a buyer the best house or deal
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None. May say what they need to just to get the sale. Example: Buyers do not need a Realtor or Home Inspector, the builder knows better.
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Pricing & Incentive Negotiation
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May negotiate lower price, bigger incentives, upgrades, closing-cost help
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Only offers the builder’s published deals; rarely reduces price
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Knowledge of the Market
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Usually knows more communities, resale values, builder reputations, incentives
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Knows mainly their own neighborhood & the builder’s script
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Access to Inventory
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Can show you every new-home community + resale homes
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Limited to their community only
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Builder Reputation Insight
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May share real buyer experiences and quality feedback
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Will not speak negatively about their builder
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Lender Choice
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You choose any lender you want
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Pushes (often requires) the builder’s preferred lender
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Direct Cost to Buyer
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Builder sets amount and pays the commission. Some agents add a transaction/coordination fee. In rare cases the agent may ask you to cover any shortfall. (All fees should be disclosed upfront.)
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No direct fee (weaker negotiation often costs buyers indirectly)
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Best For
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Buyers who want broader choice and at least some representation
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Buyers already committed to one community who prefer no agent, and are okay being taken advantage of
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- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m Rich Noto, a Florida Realtor & Home Inspector with a focus on the best price house, and quality new construction oversight. I specialize in new house purchases which includes getting homes built to Florida Residential Building Codes and Manufactures Installation Instructions.
I help homebuyers beyond the “standard Real Estate sales agent” (who may disappear after purchase contract) by dealing with sales, construction managers, attending/monitoring inspections, and spotting defects. This helps buyers catch problems early.
Builders pay my commission so my service costs buyers nothing. Does not apply after buyer is in contract(all builders) or has contacted the builder alone(some builders). This top rated service is available at any town throughout Florida.
Any agent can “sell new homes” or be a “high volume seller” or have “builder relationships”. Sales marketing has nothing to do with understanding constructions defects. Home Defects are the main expense a homeowner will have and can cost home owners thousands of $$$. Depreciating future resale value.
I enjoy teaching my customers how new homes are built. How to identify water intrusion. And the steps to keep a house well maintained to prevent leaks over time. Out of state buyers get special walkthrough and inspection videos.
Whether its a completed move-in ready inventory house, or a to be built custom on the land, or a spec house. You deserve the best quality for your money.