16 · Ask Andrew · Buying
Do I need a realtor for new construction?
A straight answer on whether representation is required for new construction, why the timing of your first visit matters, and what to verify before you sign.
The short answer
You are not required to use a realtor to buy new construction, but it is not something to decide by default, because builders' contracts, incentives, and upgrades are negotiable and worth a licensed second reader.
Not required, but not a default decision
Arizona buyers are not required to have representation, and nothing in the builder's process forces one. The real question is whether you want a licensed professional on your side of the transaction, interpreting the builder's contract, incentives, and upgrades for you, and in most cases that is a decision worth making deliberately rather than by default.
Timing matters: register before the first visit
The key timing warning is that most builders require an agent to be registered before your first visit to the community. Builders record who visited, and their registration policies state that representation must be registered before the first visit or initial contact. After the visit it is usually too late and out of anyone's control, so the practical guidance is to have representation in place before you walk in.
Verify incentives in writing
Any savings figure a builder advertises is unverified until it is in writing for your exact transaction. Nothing on this page is a quote, savings figure, or promise. Ask the builder how representation is treated and what the pricing would look like either way, in writing, before you decide.
Next step
Sort out representation before the first visit.
A short call covers registration timing, how the builder you are considering treats representation, and what to ask for in writing, so your first visit starts with facts.
- Phone
- 623-400-5957
- andrew@clearlysold.com