The Builder's Sales Rep Is Lovely. They Just Don't Work for You.

Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty.

Picture this. It's a sunny Saturday in Queen Creek. You pull into a brand-new community because the sign said "From the low $300s!" and you were curious.

You walk into the model home. It smells like vanilla candles. There's a bowl of perfect green apples on the counter that nobody is allowed to eat. A friendly sales rep hands you a water bottle and says, "Welcome home!"

It's wonderful. And it's also a sales office.

Who works for whom

Let me be clear, because I love builder reps. Many of them are kind, hardworking people. But their job is to represent the builder. That's who signs their paycheck.

That means when you ask, "Is this a good price?" they're going to answer as the builder's team. That's not sneaky. It's just their role.

You deserve someone in your corner, too.

What your own Realtor actually does at a new build

Here's what I do for my new-build buyers, and none of it is magic:

• Compare incentives across builders. One builder offers closing cost help, another offers a rate buydown, another throws in upgrades. I line them up side by side so you can see which is actually worth more for you.
• Read the fine print with you. Incentives often come with conditions, like using the builder's preferred lender. I make sure you know the conditions before you fall in love.
• Push for the right lot and the right upgrades. Some upgrades add real value. Some are expensive candles. I'll tell you which is which, in my honest opinion.
• Keep the timeline honest. Builds get delayed. I keep checking in so you're not left wondering.
• Recommend an independent inspection. Yes, even on brand-new homes. New doesn't always mean perfect.

The big rule: bring me on the first visit

This is the part people miss. Many builders have a rule that your agent must be with you, or registered, on your very first visit. If you wander in alone and sign the guest card, you may lose the ability to have your own representation on that home.

So here's the script I want you to memorize. Walk in and say:

"Hi! I'm working with my Realtor, Tina Marie Miller with DeLex Realty. Can you please register her with me before I look around?"

That's it. Then text me. I'll take it from there.

"Does it cost me more to bring an agent?"

In many new-build deals, the builder pays the buyer's agent compensation. But every builder and contract is different, so let's look at the specifics together before you sign anything. I'll always be upfront about how it works on the home you pick.

Watch my quick video on this

I put together a short reel about new build incentives and why you always bring your own Realtor. It's quick and to the point, like me before my second cup of coffee.

Watch on Instagram: New build incentives: always bring your own Realtor

Video not loading? Watch it on Instagram here.

The bottom line

New homes in Pinal County and the East Valley can be a great fit, especially with today's builder incentives. Just don't walk in alone. Enjoy the vanilla candles. Admire the apples. And let someone who works for you handle the paperwork questions.

Easy question for you: if you could pick one upgrade in a brand-new home, what would it be? Mine is a giant kitchen island. For the cookies, obviously.

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Free First-Time Homebuyer Webinar

Thinking about buying your first home in the Phoenix metro or Pinal County? I put together a free, calm, 15-minute webinar that walks you through the whole process in plain English: budgets, pre-approval, builder incentives, offers, inspections and closing. No pressure, no sales pitch.

• Watch the webinar: lovingazhomes.com/first-time-buyers
• Prefer YouTube? Watch it on YouTube
• Grab my free buyer guide: lovingazhomes.com/first-time-buyers

Questions? Call or text me at 480-572-2159.

Tina Marie Miller, REALTOR® | Loving AZ Homes | DeLex Realty. Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.